On Sunday, August 21, 2016 after a four-year courageous battle with cancer Russ passed away at Stonewall Hospital with family at his side. He is survived by his wife, Myrna, of 54 years, his son, Wayne (Bonny), and daughter, Cheryl (Ron), grandchildren, Brandi (Tyler), Sara (Ethan), Alysha, Melissa (Matt), Makayla and Avery, great grandchildren, Brynlee, Zachary, Natalie, Bentley and Taylah, his brother, Ernie (Clare), sister Deidre Smith, sister-in-law Luella Farmer, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Hazel Oliver, his brother-in-law’s Angus Smith and Mervin Farmer, and his in-laws Ernest and Ada Farmer.
Russ was born and raised in the Poplar Heights district where he attended school and worked on the family farm. After school he worked in Winnipeg before marrying the love of his life Myrna on August 26th, 1961 and purchasing their own farm. In the early 1960’s Russ played fastball and hockey on the local Meadow Lea teams, and loved umping in the local fastball tournaments. He loved the outdoor life and could always be found fishing or hunting with many great tales to share with family and friends.
Russ was an active member of his community in his younger years where he sat on the Meadow Lea Hall Board, and was also president of the Marquette Curling Club. He spent many hours hauling water from the Assiniboine River to flood the ice before installing artificial ice in the curling club. Russ loved to curl alongside his family where he taught Wayne and Cheryl the sport. He was actively involved in creating the kids curling program which is currently running today.
His son Wayne farmed alongside him for years until his declining health kept him from being in the field. Russ was a great sports enthusiast, you could always find him watching sports on TV with the volume cranked, supporting the local sports teams, and cheering on his grandchildren in curling, ringette, hockey or softball.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kotb and the nurses at Cancer Care. Dr. Pannu and the nurses at the Stonewall Hospital for their passionate care. All of the Palliative and Home Care workers over the four years, and to MacKenzie Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be held at Meadow Lea Community Centre, junction 227 and 248 on August 26, 2016 at 1:30 pm with Rev. Patricia Baker officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at Cancer Care (675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9), or Meadow Lea United Church c/o Tammy Mathew (Box 52, Marquette, MB R0H 0V0).