Russell Edward Smith formerly of the Vulcan area passed away October 14, 2008 at Calgary, Alberta at the age of 75 years.
Russell was born January 10, 1933 at Vulcan to Donald and Hazel Smith. He attended Berrywater school for grades 1-2, Red Cross School for grades 3-7, Vulcan School for grades 7-10 and Red Deer Composite High School for Grade 11. Russell latter attended SAIT and took a welding course. From 1958-62 he farmed with the family in the summer and drove semi across Canada and the northern United States in the winter. On March 2, 1963 Russell married Ruth Weatherby at Grand Prairie. They took over the family farm and started their family. Because of ill health Russell and Ruth moved to Calgary five years ago.
Russell was involved with Unifarm, Western Wheat Growers and the District Chamber of Commerce. He grew many different crops on the farm, one of which was Yellow Flax. He was also a County Councillor for a number of years. Russell’s hobbies were farming, organic farm methods and traveling. He was a member of the Western Canadian Flax Growers Association, the Vulcan Church of Christ and was a trustee for 20 years at the Alberta Bible College.
Beloved husband of Ruth and loving father of two daughters Joy (Scott) Zimmerman and Nicol Smith, a son Dwayne (Doreen) Smith, six grandchildren, a brother Douglass (Evelyn) Smith, a sister Betty Wickstrom, eight nieces and nephews.
Russell was predeceased by his parents Donald (Hazel) Smith, a brother Alan (Wilma) Smith, sister-in-law Muriel Smith and brother-in-law Stan Wickstrom.
Funeral service Thursday October 16, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at Vulcan Church of Christ with Pastor Ian Trigg officiating.
Casket bearers Ron Wickstrom, Cheryl Mueller, Karen Casswell, Doug Smith, Byron Smith, Robert Smith, Larry Smith and Patricia Nicholson.
Interment Vulcan Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Russell’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary T2E 2P5 or the Kidney Foundation of Canada 6007-1A Street SW, Calgary T2H 0G5.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.