WOOD, Russell
February 21, 1932 – Lucky Lake, SK
December 4, 2016 – Calgary, AB
Russell passed away unexpectedly, on Sunday, December 4th 2016, just three short weeks after the passing of his loving wife of 64 years, Lorraine Wood.
Russell and Lorraine met in high school in Dawson Creek and remained together for the rest of their lives. They began their married life in High River, AB. In the early years, the family moved around a lot due to Russell’s job as a banker. They lived in High River, Ponoka, Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto and finally back to Calgary. While in Toronto, the bank sent Russell to Harvard Business School for a semester.
In later years, Russ and Lorraine settled in Calgary, where he was active in the business community. Russ and Lorraine had three beautiful children together: Barrie (of Phoenix, Arizona), and Cherie and Darryl, both of Calgary. Russ was a great fisherman, a master gardener (THE most amazing tomatoes!) and loved to play cards.
In his younger years, Russell supplemented his income at the Bank playing pool and arm wrestling – he was quite the shark! After retiring, Russ was able to enjoy time with Lorraine down in Mexico, golfing in Phoenix with his son, Barrie, gardening, fishing, playing cards and enjoying time with family. He was never one to miss the opportunity for a good debate, Russ ensured that family gatherings were lively and entertaining. And he loved playing “Santa” at Christmas with his big box of goodies.
Russ is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Barrie and Lynn Wood and Darryl Wood and Sherri Jackson; his daughter and son-in-law Cherie Wood and Terry Gilbank; and his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Charlotte Wood, of Canoe, BC. Russ is also remembered by his seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who were all very fond of their “Papa”. He will be missed as well, by his many numerous nieces and nephews in Alberta and B.C. He was predeceased by his loving wife Lorraine Wood; his parents Cyrus and Paulina Wood; and eight of his brothers and sisters. Russell will be remembered for his keen intelligence, sense of humour, his kind heart, and his love of family. He was our anchor, and we will miss him very much.
Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Tuesday December 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.comforwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of Russell Wood a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.