Through a book of short stories and a brief history Russell Worobetz of Preeceville has begun fulfilling a dream of preserving his legacy for his family.
The book, Grandpa, Gweedo, Tell me Bout The Good Ole Days was published in late July.
"The idea to put pen to paper to record and preserve my memories of past and present came to me last winter," said Worobetz. "When I first started, I wanted to ensure that my granddaughter, Paige Hansen, remembered me and everything I believed in. As the memories kept flooding back, the stories flowed easily."
The book is an easy read that many will relate to whether they are closely related to Worobetz or just an acquaintance. The thoughts and opinions featured in the book are focused on Worobetz's beliefs and experiences as he grew up in the 40s and 50s era.
Worobetz’ daughters were a huge support and helped push him to create a book filled with his memories. The stories feature his family in all aspects including meeting his wife Sonia and the birth of their two daughters, Alisa and Michelle and granddaughter Paige Hanson.
Russell Worobetz was born on May 12, 1948 at the Preeceville Union Hospital to Mike and Mary Worobetz. He attended Orange Vale School for five years before he moved to Shaftesburg School in Hazel Dell. For his high school education, he attended Sturgis Composite High School. Through the book, he re-tells stories of growing up and his antics attending school.
After completion of his education, Worobetz worked in Wynyard for Pool Construction for a short period of time. He worked for the Department of Highways for two years in Porcupine Plains, at the Twilight Drive-In service station near Canora, and at the Gulf Service Centre in Canora. Worobetz started up his own on-farm service business for a short time. He was employed at the Hazel Dell Garage and Bulk fuel station and at the Hazel Dell Community Pasture. He was also employed at the R.M. of Orkney as a maintenance person.
Worobetz and his wife Sonia owned and operated the Hazel Dell Square grocery store for four years.
Worobetz concluded his long list of work experiences with being employed by the Preeceville Funeral Home where he still helps out on occasional in his retirement.
If anyone is interested in purchasing his book they can find Russell taking university classes at the coffee shop every morning.
"The book represents my past 70 years," he stated. “I am looking forward to the challenges the future has to bring. My life has not been easy but it has been interesting. Until my circle of life is completed and the good Lord needs me, I'll be here. But if I have to, I'm ready to go. My motto I like to live by is ‘the mud will wash off but the memories will last forever,’”.
