GERALD MCLAREN RUSSELL

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GERALD MCLAREN RUSSELL Peacefully, on Thursday, October 26, 2006, Gerald McLaren Russell, beloved husband of Mildred, passed away at home with his wife and daughters at his side. Born in Winnipeg on March 6, 1924 to James and Jessie Russell, Gerald was predeceased by his parents; his sister Irene; and his brothers, John, James (lost at sea in 1942) and Cy (Sill). He will be lovingly remembered by Mildred, his beloved wife of 57 years; daughters, Catherine and Debbie (Terry); sons, Douglas (Lori) and Wilf (Yvonne); grandchildren, Jessie, Laura, Chris and Chad; as well as nieces and a nephew. Gerald was first employed by the Winnipeg Paint and Glass Company. He joined the RCAF in 1942 and went overseas in 1944. Posted to the 88th Squadron 2nd TAF, he completed a tour of fifty trips and was posted home in 1945. In 1949, he became a manufacturer's agent, representing many companies in the contract hardware field. Gerald was proud to represent the Schlage Lock Company and Modernfold Doors for 45 years until he retired in 1994. Upon retirement, Gerald found a new interest in gardening at the family cottage. His enjoyment of flowers and especially lilies was well known and extensively documented in family scrapbooks. He loved to see passerbyers stop to admire his lily garden. However nothing pleased him more than a weekend at the cottage with his family and grandchildren. Proud of his Scottish heritage, Gerald enjoyed the squeal of the bagpipes and music of all styles; he and Mildred attended theatre and opera for many years. He also was an avid stamp collector - an interest he shared with his sister Irene. In his role as a volunteer, he mastered the use of a computer and communicated with his sons and friends via email on a frequent basis. A great believer in tradition, family and family events were very important to Gerald. Holiday get-togethers and birthday celebrations were eagerly anticipated and enjoyed by all. Always a gracious and generous host, he enjoyed being the provider of the feast. Gerald was active in the Greater Winnipeg Region of the Boy Scouts of Canada and was awarded their Medal of Merit and the Silver Acorn Medal for distinguished services to scouting. Also, he was a member and past president of the Wartime Pilots and Observers Association; a life member of the Western Canadian Air Museum; a founding member of the CATP Museum in Brandon; a distinguished member of the Architectural Hardware Consultants of the Door and Hardware Industry; a member of St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg; a life member of Scouts on Stamps Society International; a member of the 88th Squadron Association; a member of the Medium Bomber Association (Canadian Wing) and an active member of St. James United Church. We, the family wish to thank the staff of both CancerCare Manitoba - St. Boniface Unit, and WRHA Palliative Care Program. A private family interment ceremony will be held at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens on Tuesday morning, October 31, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at St. James United Church (Parkview Street) with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or to St. James United Church Memorial Fund, 234 Parkview St., Winnipeg, MB R3J 1S3. CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 28, 2006