It is with
great sadness and regret to announce the passing of our beloved, Robert Russell,
on Monday, January 18, 2021, at the age of 79.
Robert is
lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Vivian, his daughter Bonnie
Drysdale and husband Rob, his daughter Roberta, his brother Gordon and his
special friend Lillie. Also left to
cherish his memory are cousin and best friend, John Bowman and wife Rhonda,
dear friend and neighbour Betty Heron, sister-in-law’s Donna, Catherine and
Mary Smith, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and long-time friends. Robert is predeceased by his parents, Charles
(Bob) and Albina (Pat) Russell and his siblings David, Edward and Viola.
Born
January 10, 1942 in Mission, BC, Robert moved to Kamloops as a child and made
Kamloops his home, making many friends along the way. He worked for 10 years
with Van Kam Freightways and received a 25 year Service Award working for BC
Corrections; the majority of that time spent outside as a Gang Officer and
later a Transport Officer.
Whatever
Robert chose to apply himself to, he mastered. He was a talented artist, a
fabulous dancer, and loved to sing, even throwing in the occasional yodel for
fun. He was a spirited and competitive
individual, with a witty sense of humour who reveled in teasing and playing
games. A long-time member of the Kamloops
Dart League, Robert was the man to beat at the dart board or on the pool table. Since there wasn’t a secret fishing hole or a
hot hunting spot he didn’t know about, Robert thoroughly enjoyed to outfish and
outhunt his friends with a trusty Labrador by his side.
Always
providing for the table, he took great pride in his robust vegetable garden,
his fruit trees and his coveted smoked fish recipe. Whatever the season, he loved to be in the
bush with his family and life-long friends, including many years sledding with
the Kamloops Snowmobile Club. Robert
lived life to the fullest, even traveling to England, Scotland and Mexico. Anyone lucky enough to have met Robert would
certainly remember him and his cheeky smile.
He will be dearly missed, never forgotten and forever
in our hearts.
Many
heartfelt thank yous to all of Robert’s care givers over the last years and
much gratitude and special thanks to the Reverend Ray Parker, Dr. Chip Bantock
and Carrie Smeaton.
A
celebration to honour Robert’s life will be held once we all can gather again
and embrace, hopefully this fall. Should friends desire, a donation in his
memory can be made to the Kamloops Wildlife Park.
Condolences may be
sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com