RUSSELL BALDWIN

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RUSSELL BALDWIN January 6, 1928 - May 8, 2012 Russell Baldwin passed away on May 8, 2012 with his daughter Leanne at his side. He was predeceased by his beloved son Mitchell (1971), father Eli (1992), and mother Pearl (2003). Russell is survived by his wife Lea, and four children Leanne, Blair (Donna), Craig, Gayne, and their partners, as well as ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, sister Adele (Paul Coughlin), brother Norman (Barbara) and their families. Russell was born in Starbuck, Manitoba on January 6, 1928, and grew up on the banks of the La Salle River. As a teenager he worked at his Uncle Ernie's (S.E. Baldwin) fox and mink farm. There he learned the basics of fur farming from Tom Boyd, an employee. At age 16 he bought his first mink and in 1949, started to clear land to start up Basswood Fur Farm . He later got involved in other farming ventures, eventually only in cattle. Russ loved the great outdoors, and loved his work. His days off were spent at cattle auctions, farm auctions, machinery dealers, and truck dealerships. He enjoyed buying and selling land, machinery, and cattle. He was always optimistic, regardless of circumstances. Tomorrow the weather would improve and the markets would be up. Russ was quiet and unassuming, never prejudged his fellow man. He never took a sick day off, had no need for a holiday. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, trapping, and curling. Later in life, he was concerned about the environment, the clearing of marginal land. He laid down his gun and was content to watch the deer, waterfowl, and wild turkeys roam his land. He always kept a few horses just for watching. He sold his farm in 2010, later moved into the city, but left his heart at the farm. He very much missed his young cattle men friends who often stopped by. Russell will be buried at the Starbuck Cemetery on Saturday, May 12, 2012. There will be a private graveside service for the immediate family. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS IN CARE OF WHEELER FUNERAL HOME, CEMETERY CREMATORIUM 1800 DAY ST. 224-1525

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 12, 2012