Dean Calvin Rushka
May 22, 1971 – June 2, 2021
It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to Dean Rushka, who passed away unexpectedly on June 2, 2021 at the age of 50.
While we lost Dean far too early, his was a life well-lived. Family meant everything to Dean. He was a proud father to Rylan and Reid and loving husband to Lisa; a dedicated son to Greg and Marg Rushka, brother to Sandra Wolff, son-in-law to AJ and Maria Volk, brother-in-law to Tanya (Rob) Anand, uncle to Zacharie Wolff and Olivia Anand, beloved nephew to the Rushka brothers (Ken, Cal and Jerry), the Kading sisters (Donna, Lynn and Grace), and their significant others.
In addition to being a central figure in his extended family, Dean was an entrepreneur, a volunteer hockey and football coach, and a friend. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his wry sense of humour and his dedication to those he loved.
Dean was always a hard worker with unstoppable ambition and a drive to win – whether at home, at school, in sports or in the community. He started his own odd jobs business in Saltcoats, SK at age 12, which ignited his passion for business, and led to him establish Turn Key Computer Solutions in 1995. He created a business where he put the clients’ business interests first, serving as not just an IT partner, but a business partner.
It’s likely his competitive spirit that made Dean such an avid Saskatchewan Roughriders fan. He would often say he “bled green,” and anyone who knew him knows it’s true. His wardrobe reflected his adoration for the team, and kept the Rider organization in business! Summer vacations, and even his wedding, were planned around the Riders’ schedule.
He met his wife Lisa (Volk) at the University of Saskatchewan, where they both studied Commerce. Six years later, they were married, and would have celebrated their 22nd anniversary just days after his death. Together, Dean and Lisa raised two bright, caring and happy boys, Rylan (16) and Reid (12). Dean took great pride in coaching both boys in soccer, hockey and flag football over the years; he mentored the boys and their teammates, not just in sport, but in life. His impact will be long-lasting.
Dean had a close circle of friends with whom he loved to golf, play poker and attend hockey and football games. He shared many good times and lots of laughs with his closest friends, Darren Guenther, Bill Eckhart and Brent Snider.
Through BNI, Dean found a connection with a group of like-minded business owners who quickly became more like family. Their support and kindness throughout this difficult time has been invaluable to Lisa, Rylan and Reid.
A casual celebration of Dean’s life will be held Thursday, July 1. Guests are asked to register here in order to manage capacity. Guests are encouraged to wear their greens, whites or green & whites in honour of the Riders. In light of COVID, and Dean's desire to keep his family safe at all costs, we ask that guests wear masks throughout the celebration.
In lieu of flowers or charitable donations, an Education Trust has been set up for his sons at https://gofund.me/a84904eb.