Russell’s family sadly announce his passing on Saturday, August 22 at Ayre Manor in Sooke, of complications related to Parkinson’s disease. Russ was born in 1921 at Peace River Alberta. He was the last of his generation’s family and was predeceased by wife Marjorie, the love of his life, and by daughter Wanda. He leaves behind Gladys Engebretson of Sooke, Richard Heathman of Prince George and seven grand children and 12 great grandchildren. Russ spent his childhood on farms in the Peace River area and at 12 during the height of the depression was sent to live with his grandmother in Ontario. He was out working on his own at 13, and at 17 he hopped freight trains to come home when the war broke out. He joined the Canadian Navy in 1941 and served until 1948 on several ships including the Matane, the Haida and the Ontario. He was part of the battle of the Atlantic and participated in the Murmansk convoy run to northern Russia. After leaving the Navy the family moved to Sooke where he worked as a logger for 32 years. He worked at Elder’s Logging Company, Butler Bros., Munn’s Lumber and others. He was a founding member of the Kemp Lake Water Works, served as a Sooke School Board Trustee and served as an Advisory Board member on the Capital Regional District. He was a bundle of energy in his earlier years and liked to fish, hunt and play pool.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Ayre Manor for the excellent care Russ received over the last year and one half.
To celebrate Russ’ life an open house for his family and friends will be held Saturday August 28 at the upstairs of the Sooke Legion between 1:00 and 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice.