It is with great sadness and love that the family of Leonard “Len” Rusnak announces his passing at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on October 26, 2025 after a lengthy illness at the age of 84 years. Born on April 9th, 1941, to Sophie and Nicholas Rusnak in Glen Park, Alberta, Len grew up on the family farm surrounded by the warmth and support of his loving family and friends, and the natural world around him. His love of nature fuelled his passion for gardening, outdoor adventures, and science.

Known for his ability to research and inspire others, Len pursued his education at the University of Alberta where he completed a Bachelor of Education and a PhD in Chemistry. Having relocated to Red Deer, Alberta in 1971, he worked as a chemistry professor at Red Deer Polytechnic, formerly Red Deer College, for over 35 years. Len is loved and cherished by many people who survived him including daughters, Tanya and Adrea; son, Gerett; daughter-in-law, Pamela; granddaughter, Nadia; brother, Cornel; sister-in-law, Deanna, and by numerous cousins; nieces; nephews and friend.

Len’s beloved wife of 57 years, Lorette, sadly passed away in December 2025, just over one month after his death. Len was predeceased by his parents, sisters, Elizabeth (Jackson) and Sandra (Oslund), brothers, William Rusnak and David Rusnak, sister-in-law, Mary Rusnak, brothers-in-law, William Jackson and Roy Oslund, his nephews, David Rusnak and David Oslund, and by his niece Charmaine Jackson.

Throughout his life, including during his later years, Len held fond memories of life on the family farm and of many camping and hiking trips with his family in the outdoors of western Canada. His passion for gardening, science and nature was enduring as he conducted experiments season after season to better understand plant life cycles and the unique beauty of flowering plants and trees. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the caregivers at the Villa-Marie care facility, who showed our dad and our family the utmost in respect, care, and compassion in his final months. As Len preferred a quiet farewell, the family wishes to hold a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leonard Rusnak’s memory can be made to Diabetes Canada.

Condolences to Len’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net . Please indicate  “Len Rusnak”  in the subject line.

 Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944

• Date : 2025-12-15
• Location : Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer AB "Locally Owned"