December 30, 1932 - November 23, 2012
With sadness we announce the passing of Russ on November 23, 2012 at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer.
Russ was born in Manigotagan, Manitoba. As a young man he travelled to many destinations working at different trades but spent 12 years as a miner, in various different mines. He moved to the Sunshine Coast in 1966, where he thought was a perfect place to raise a family and work as a driller, blaster and CAT operator building logging roads, which he did until he retired at age 64. He was hard working and proud man.
Russ had a love for hockey and music. Standing on stage entertaining friends with his guitar, along with his band, "The Sunshine Ramblers" was where he was most comfortable. He sang for many at different venues on the Coast for the past 40 years. Russ coached hockey and played actively until the age of 74.
A beloved husband to Olga for 53 years; a father to Brenda, Rod, Cindy, Lori (Gary); and a grandfather to Brittany (Mark), Jordan, Bryson, Riley, Morgan-Jane, Amberleigh, Brody, Shay, Carlyn and a great-grandfather to Natalie.
He is also survived by his daughters Donna (David) and Debbie (Bobby) and their children, as well as his brother Elgin (Florence); brother-in-law Arnold (Wilma) and sisters-in-law Mildred and Nancy. He is predeceased by his mother Gertie, father Eddie and brothers Elmer and Alfred.
Russ enjoyed spending time with his family, watching his grandchildren grow up and chatting and visiting with friends over a morning coffee. Russ’ music, bright personality and smile will be missed by many.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 2, 2012 at The Royal Canadian Legion, 747 Gibsons Way, Gibsons, BC from 1 to 5pm.
A public viewing will be held at Devlin Funeral Home, 579 Seaview Road, Gibsons, BC from 10am to noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the
Canadian Cancer Society, in Russ’ name.