We Remember

RUZESKY, Napoleon “Nap”

January 9, 1932 — February 8, 2026

Napoleon “Nap” Ruzesky, known affectionately as “Fafa” to his grandchildren, passed away February 8, 2026, a month after his 94th birthday. He was the son of Dmytro Ruzesky (1889–1972) and Pearl Ruzesky (née Lazorko) (1906–1992).

Nap had a very strong will and a clear sense of how things ought to be done. He was brought up on the family farm northeast of the small town of Borden, Saskatchewan and attended the one-room schoolhouse in the community. He worked during the harvest and had to catch up on his homework once the wheat was in.

In 1957, Nap married Shirley Mae Ruzesky (née Amundsen) (1930–2013) who was his guiding light. They raised three children: Sherrie (Gord Lewis), Jay (Tricia Blair), and Scott. He was a proud grandfather to Ryan, Hana, Brittany, Hann, and Natalie, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Nap was destined for a life in business and wanted to make something of himself. He was proud of graduating from the University of Alberta with his BComm degree in 1965. His biggest success was the lighting franchise he opened in Calgary in 1974, but he also worked for W.C. Wells Construction and for Eaton’s and advanced steadily through the ranks in those companies. He started at the Royal Bank in 1989 and retired in 2000, after which he and Shirley enjoyed going on cruises and spending winter months in Arizona.

Even as he struggled in his last two years after a series of strokes and a steady decline, his favourite response to greetings was: “I’m excellent and improving.”

Nap’s ashes will be interred at the Amundsen family plot in the Claresholm Cemetery.

A Memorial Service is planned for SATURDAY, May 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM, located at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation and the BC Cancer Foundation.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Service
SATURDAY, May 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM

Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

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Service Information

Service Details


The service for RUZESKY, Napoleon “Nap” is scheduled for SATURDAY, May 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


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Condolences

  • Wayne Ringland says:

    To all of the “Nappy” guys and gals. Always a very gentle man and so easy to be around. We all loved Napper.

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