It is with profound sadness to announce the sudden passing of Robert Alexander Russell (Bob), born September 27, 1935. Bob passed away in his home in Balfour, BC on November 26, 2010. He is survived by his son Robert Bradley Russell (Veronica) of Calgary, AB; daughter Jo-Anne Russell Bowman (David) of Mesa, AZ; daughter Laura Louise Widdis (David) of Summerland, BC; grandchildren Aiya and Grayling Bowman, Alexandra and Gordon Widdis; and sister Carol Irene Russell of Burnaby, BC. During Bob’s 35 years of service with BC Parks, he was drawn to the West Kootenay valley in 1974, where his pioneering environmentalist spirit flourished. Upon his retirement in 1990, he was able to turn his passion to building children’s wooden furniture, harvesting his own corn, and then selling these wares in many of the local craft fairs and shops. Bob’s children would like to express their deepest heartfelt thank-you for the many loyal friendships that he had throughout the Kootenay Lake area.
Thompson Funeral Service Ltd, had a private viewing for Bob’s children and he was cremated according to his last wishes. A memorial will be planned for the summer of 2011 (date and time will be announced).