March 4, 1950 - October 20, 2015
Russ was born in Portsmouth, England to Ron and Moreen Ayers-Berry. He met the love of his life while rehearsing for a play at Louth Amateur Dramatic Society during his time at Manby Airforce Base as an air traffic controller. They were married April 10, 1971 and were posted to various bases in the U.K. until coming to Canada in July, 1975. Tonya was welcomed into the family in September, 1976 in Montreal, QC before heading west for better opportunities. Sasha was born in Calgary in June, 1978 and the family moved to Central Alberta shortly thereafter, where they would spend the next 30 years. The love of the sea drew them to the BC coast and upon retirement they moved there full-time in November, 2008. This allowed Russ to enjoy many exciting sailing trips with friends who became very important to him.
Russ had the entrepreneurial spirit and saw the opportunities the west had to offer and went on to start several businesses - food trucks, pig farms, environmental company and boat rental. Russ built two of the homes they lived in throughout the years - the family home Beaverbend in Alberta and his last home in Gibsons, BC.
Russ was always involved in volunteer groups throughout his life and they meant a great deal to him, some included: Scouts, Kinsmen, Learn to Sail, RCM SAR (volunteer Coast Guard) and was Commodore of Gibsons Yacht Club for two years.
Russ was very proud of his family and their accomplishments, always one to offer suggestions but support whatever choices we made. Grandpa Russ brought out another side of this man, a gentle giant who shared his talents and passions eagerly. During some harder days, chatting to his grandkids cheered him up.
Viv and family would like to thank everyone for their support over the past weeks and months. A private service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of choice. Condolences can be sent to the family at rememberrussayersberry@gmail.com.
"It is not the destination but rather the journey itself that truly matters."