Obituary of Brian Marion Bodnaruk

BRIAN MARION BODNARUK June 7, 1945 – April 20, 2020 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Brian Bodnaruk on Monday, April 20, 2020. Brian, beloved husband of Yvette, passed away at Selkirk Hospital at the age of 74 years. Brian was predeceased by parents William and Rose (nee Sherbanowski), brother Donald, and sister-in-law Grace. Along with his wife Yvette of 21 years, he is survived by sons Kody and Dustin (Stephanie), and dear house pets Ying, Yang, and Spencer; siblings Jeanette, Raymond (Ingrid), Elaine Hoogland (John), Larry (Marion), Robert (Audrey), and Glenn (Sandy); in-laws Roland (Wendy), Diane (Lorne), Jeannine (Ron), George (Birgit), Carol (Ron Kahler); and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Brian was born in Selkirk, Manitoba on June 7, 1945, the fourth of eight children in the family. He grew up on a farm in a small rural community called Highland Glen, located near Garson, N.E. of Winnipeg. His first nine years of formal education took place in a local two room school; this was followed by three years in Selkirk’s regional junior and senior high schools. In 1963, he enrolled at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Engineering, graduating with a B.Sc.C.Eng. degree in 1967. Brian began his career as a professional engineer with the Manitoba Water Resources Branch, where he worked for nine years. This was followed by 44 years with engineering consulting firms, of which his last 20 years were with the KGS water resources group in Winnipeg. It was there that he developed his knowledge of hydrology to a very high level. Some of his most important contributions were realized in Manitoba’s flood fighting efforts, the most significant having occurred in conjunction with the Red River’s “Flood of the Century” in 1997. His inputs, via the KGS Group, were “pivotal” during some precarious situations that existed at that time. Brian commuted from home to his city work places for most of his career; he preferred the calmness and the closeness to nature provided by his rural environment. Brian had a strong attachment to his siblings, nieces, and nephews. He is remembered especially for his friendly nature and generosity. The family ski trips to the mountains in his monstrous cars have become fond memories. The last 21 years of Brian’s life were a new and rewarding experience for him…that of being a husband to Yvette and father to Kody and Dustin. “Words could not describe our father’s huge, kind heart. Not only did he open his doors and home to us, he opened his arms and heart…that alone means the world. Brian was a good-natured, loving, caring, and kind-hearted soul. He would always put his family first and go out of his way when help was needed. Brian will live on in our hearts forever. All our love – Yvette, Kody, and Dustin” Due to the present situation with Covid-19, a “Celebration of Life” will take place when conditions permit, likely in the New Year. Condolences may be posted on the Cropo website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.