Russell James Christopher of Ponteix, SK formally of Pambrun, SK passed away peacefully at the age of 91, on April 2, 2014. The Memorial Service was held Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 1:00 pm from the Millar College Student Center with Reverend Sharon Ferguson-Hood officiating. The pianist was Colleen Gerbrandt. The life tribute was presented by Russell's son Kevin Christopher. The ushers were Jack Williamson and Bruce Mouland. The urn bearers were Braden Christopher and Dustin Christopher. Honorary Pallbearers were all who shared in Russell's life. The interment service took place at the Pambrun Community Cemetery. Russell was born on January 16, 1923 to Castor and Annie Christopher in Swift Current, SK. He was the fourth of seven sons in the family. He attended Marx School. On October 19, 1945 he married the love of his life Gladys Ellen Webb of Pambrun. Russell worked one winter in a factory in Ontario, returning to work for the RM of Whiska Creek. Russell's true passion was farming so soon took over the Webb family farm. He raised sheep for years before selling them and getting into cattle. He grew cereals and certified grass seed. He played baseball, hockey, curled, bowled, golfed and loved to dance. When he wasn't playing sports,
he was coaching and watching his boys. His love of sports and talents has been passed down to his children and to his grandchildren. Russell played horseshoes as a child and in 1990 he joined the Saskatchewan Horseshoe Association. He used to go and practice horseshoes when he got tired of working which usually was a couple hours a day. He was the Canadian champion 7 years in a row and placed 2nd in the world twice. He holds many records including highest overall average and highest game average. He also threw a perfect game. He was inducted into the Canadian Horseshoe Hall of Fame in 2006. Playing horseshoes gave him the opportunity to travel to Syracuse, New York; Spearfish, South Dakota; Gillette, Wyoming; Perry, Georgia; Kitchener, Ontario; Hamilton, Ontario; Welsley, Ontario; Victoria, British Columbia; Las Vegas, Nevada; St. John, New Brunswick as well as many places in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Russell served on the Vanguard School Board. Russell moved to Swift Current in 2002 and remained there until 2012 when he moved into Bridges Personal Care Home in Ponteix. In June, 2013 he moved into the Foyer St. Joseph Nursing Home until his passing. Russell is survived by his children, Sandra (Bert), Fern (Daryll), Michelle (Ray), Kim (Sheila), and Kevin (Tami); grandchildren, Jean (Darren), Leann (Steve), Chris (Ayako), Ryan (Nattanicha), Caroline, Dean (Shayleen), Todd (Dawn), Candace (Tyler), Taryn (Blaine), Braden, Jessie (Liane), Jennifer (Max), Sheldon (Amanda), Dustin (Crystal), Lindzi, Matthew; 19 great grandchildren; his brothers; Harris, Claire, sisters-in-law; Freda, Dorothy, Wynn, Doreen and as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife Gladys, parents; Annie and Castor; brothers; Stan, Earl, Curtis, Norman; sister-in-laws; Sylvia, Pat, Verna, brothers-in-law; Bill and Jake. Russell will always be remembered for his gentleness, his sense of humour and his love of life. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations may be made to Pambrun Community Hall, Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society. Lemieux Funeral Home in care of arrangements. For further information please call 306-625-3925 or visit our website at www.lemieuxfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family in our book of condolence.