William RUSSELL

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RUSSELL: With deep sadness, his family announces the passing of William (Bill) Ernest Russell (born September 2, 1928 in Melita, Manitoba). Following a heart attack, he peacefully went to be with the Lord on October 20th, 2011. He leaves to mourn his wife of 52 years, Bev Russell (Snyder); his children: Laurie (Russell) & Darcy Smith of Kelowna, Leslie Russell from Toronto, David and Sandra (Peters) Russell of Peachland, and his grandchildren: Mallory Smith & Jan Kloch, Riley and Taylor Smith all of Kelowna, Jessi and Coral Russell of Peachland; his brother, Jack Russell and Irene Swarck of Winnipeg, Manitoba; brothers-in-law: Cliff Snyder & Wilma Mallo of Melita, Manitoba, Ron & Marie (Nickoriuk) Snyder of Red Deer, Alberta, Clark & Melba (Wood) Snyder of Melita, Manitoba, Pete & Lois (Fournie) Snyder of Acme, Alberta, Frank Snyder & Christine Lea of Oakville, Ontario, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents, Ervin (Pat) and Glory Russell; brother, Gordon; and sisters-in-law, Lois (Reynolds) Snyder and Marie (Innis) Russell. Bill’s first priority was always his family. Bev was his soul mate, his best friend and his biggest supporter. He always attended the school programs, recitals, sports events, etc. of his children and grandchildren. Bill loved to just spend time with family and was so proud of each of their achievements. He was an electrical contractor in business for 43 years in Melita, Manitoba and Southeastern Saskatchewan, until his retirement. Church and community involvement through many organizations kept Bill very busy along with operating the business. When he retired in 1995, Bill and Bev began spending winters in Kelowna and permanently retired to that beautiful city in 2001. He carried on his volunteering at church, in the neighborhood and community. Bill helped to build his son and daughter-in-law’s home in Peachland four years ago. He learned to swim at age 70 and went for a hot-air balloon ride at 80. He never lost his curiosity as to how things worked. Bill always needed to be busy and we are happy he was able to do all the things he loved to do until the end. We loved him and will miss him. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 23rd at 2:00 pm at Trinity Baptist Church, 1905 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. A Service and interment will be held in Melita, Manitoba in the Spring 2012. Time and place to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to: the Melita Personal Care Home, Melita, Manitoba, ROM ILO, the Kelowna Gospel Mission, P.O. Box 22087, Capri P.O., Kelowna, B.C., V1Y 9N9,or a place of your choosing. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com 250-860-7077.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 22, 2011