RUSU, ConstantinConstantin Rusu, 92-years-old, died on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 in Penticton, British Columbia. He valiantly fought against Pneumonia with a strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and was constantly surrounded by the love and prayers of his family and friends. Constantin was born on May 3, 1925 in the small village of Borolea in the Botosani area of Moldovia in the country of Romania. He was the second oldest of five brothers and one sister. He chose to make a daring escape on horseback from his homeland to flee the ravages of Communism, hunger and fear in 1949 and credited God with saving him from harm on each step of the way through the many dangers he encountered before arriving in Canada with an empty suitcase and a heart full of dreams for a new life. He travelled to Ontario from Halifax to labour in the tobacco farms of Ingersoll before making his way to Windsor where he established himself assembling vehicles at the Chrysler Plant on Walker Road for 37 years. His love of dancing led him to a chance encounter with Margaret Rose Vinton who he married and who became the love of his life, mother of his children and constant guide. He felt blessed to inherit her family and took them as his own. Constantin and Margaret Rose were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this past year. Ever proud and connected to his Moldovian cultural heritage and language, he was able to find and be reunited with his family in Romania with the help of his wife. He returned to his homeland with his own family to share the rich beauty and traditions of his ancestral lands and relatives which changed our world views forever. During his retirement in Windsor, Constantin faithfully provided for his family and friends through delicious cooking and the vegetables and fruits and flowers of his gardens. With a real zest for life, he loved to read about world events, attend services at the Descent of the Holy Ghost Romanian Orthodox Church and meetings of the Local 444 Retirees. He was a true lover of nature and God's creatures. At various times in his life he rescued, rehabilitated and adopted dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, doves, pigeons and a lovebird named Joe. After years of retired life, Margaret and Constantin moved to British Columbia. During his last years when he could no longer walk, he reached out to others and lived a full life beside his beloved wife Margaret Rose, his children Christina Lucier and Mary-Jo Rusu, and grandchildren Celine and Joshua Lucier. Christina bravely fulfilled many dream trips with her father and mother to Disneyland, Alaska and Vancouver. He spent countless hours with Margaret Rose holding hands, and enjoying nature television, musical concerts and community events with Christina, his grandchildren, the Lucier family and friends. He offered smiles, laughter, conversation and a sincere interest in the lives of others despite enduring pain with patience at Summerland Seniors Village. He counts many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and God-children in Canada, the United States and Romania. He will be especially missed by his dear brother Costache Mazuru and wife Elena, their children Florentina and Mihai Mazuru and great-nephews Edi (Eduard) Florentin, Radu and Andreii. As well as, his dear cousins Eliae Bernu and Eugenia Braha. And dear Niculuna Breazu, and her daughter Andreea and son Florin. May his memory be eternal! Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2017 at Everden Rust Funeral Services, 1130 Carmi Avenue, Penticton with a rosary led by Father Rex Velmonte at 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will be led by Father Kostadinas Kalstidas on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church in Penticton at 1265 Fairview Road. Condolences may be shared by visiting www.everdenrust.com