Russell Lawrence Woods
June 18th, 2020
Russell passed away at the age of 87, while in palliative care at the Delta Hospital. He bravely battled with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) for close to 20 years, and most recently stage 4 cancer of the colon and liver since late 2019.
Russell was deeply loved by his wife, Marie Elaine, his two children: daughter Shelley, son Rodney (Heidi); and three grandchildren: Calvin, Jessica (Mitch) and Evian.
Russell was one of twelve brothers and sisters and was predeceased by his parents Robert John and Lillian Woods; sisters: Mary, Edna, Evelyn, Alice and brothers: Johnny, Jim, Chuck. He leaves behind his brothers:Harvey (Florence), Lloyd (Elma), Donald (Patsy), and Allan (Ellie); sisters-in-law: Pat Woods and Rose Woods; and brother-in-law: Joe Mauer.
Russell grew up in Pathlow, SK and worked on his parents farm. He had many vocations from wheat farming, building grain elevators, logging and working on oil fields in SK. Russell’s career with CP Rail lasted over 30 years where he worked as a brakeman and then conductor on coal trains and passenger rail. He was transferred to Roberts Bank, BC where he eventually retired at the age of 57.
Russell embraced retirement, by travelling via motor home, playing cards, gardening, woodcarving, going on hikes, and his greatest passion: lawn bowling and working on the greens. Russell was a loving caring family man, with lots of laughs, and many family stories. He was always willing to lend a hand, strike up a conversation, and with his unique perspective, he could look at a problem and come up with ways to solve or fix it.
Russell touched a lot of lives and is cherished by all who knew him.
Celebration of Life
A quiet family-only celebration will be held on
Saturday, 27 June 2020, 1 – 5 pm
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Lung Association.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Morag and I will miss you a lot, we have many happy memories of you at the lawn bowling club. You put many years looking after the green which we appreciated. Our sympathy to Eaine
Dad, you will be forever missed. Your courage, wisdom, guidance and love are what I will always cherish. You taught me that family is everything and that taking care of them is a husband and fathers number one priority. It seemed that there wasn’t anything you couldn’t do, and you never let your health limitations be a barrier to accomplishing your tasks. You proved that a formal education isn’t a benchmark for how smart a person is, as you are clearly the smartest person I know. Common sense and keen powers of observation are your superpowers. Thank you, breath easy now, and enjoy your reunion with your mom, dad, sisters, brothers and friends. I am a better man because of you. Love you dad
Dear Elaine and Family, Thinking of you at this time. Take comfort in happy memories and know that time will ease your sorrow. Sincerely Betty and Ted Smith.