RUSSELL (RUSS) ALLEN FOGG

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RUSSELL (RUSS) ALLEN FOGG Peacefully, on November 1, 2009, in his 85th year, Russ Fogg our much-loved father, grandpa, poppa and friend passed away at his residence. Dad is survived by son Jim (Carol), daughter Debbie, son-in-law Ian (Carol) Brand and the apples of his eye, granddaughters Erin (Patrick Malabre) Brand, Megan (Darreld) Budzan, Allison Joyce Fogg and great-granddaughters Hailey Jane and Emily Lynne Budzan. Dad will be greatly missed by his sisters Shirley (Ralph) Hardy, Margaret (Norm) Johnson, Jacklyn, Mavis (Bill) Cavell, brother Ron (Florence) Fogg, brother-in-law Jim Robinson, and sister-in-law Doreen Fogg. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Dad was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Agnes Fogg, wife Marion, daughter Roberta (Bobbie) Brand, brother Gordon Fogg, sister Marlyne Robinson, brother-in-law Ken Kincaid, brother and sister-in-law Bob and Jo Elliott, nephew Gordon Fogg Jr., niece Sheila Elliott Hoye, his dogs Sam and Jewel and many dear friends and extended family. Born on October 2, 1925 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Dad was one of eight children to Frederick and Agnes Fogg. He was raised in St. James and Fort Rouge and attended Linwood and Earl Grey Schools. In 1942, at the age of 16, Dad lied about his age and joined the army. After he went through basic training, he was assigned to Kingston, Ontario where his older brother Gordon was already serving. A sharp-eyed clerk noticed that by their birth certificates there was only five months difference in their ages and thus ended Dad's military career. Undeterred, Dad joined the Merchant Navy and began what he described as the greatest adventure of his life, with ports of call in England, Wales, Cuba, Peru, Chile, France and more than one trip through the Panama Canal. He was part of the D-Day convoy, and at 18, was elected Union Delegate. Immensely proud of his merchant Navy service, Dad was gratified to see the Government of Canada's long overdue acknowledgement of their contribution. Dad was a sheet metal worker by trade, working for Claude Neon and for Quest Sheet metal as a draftsman until his retirement in 1990. Dad married the love of his life on September 18, 1948 and with the exception of one year in Windsor, Ontario, he was a life-long resident of St. James. At 223 Roseberry Street, Dad and Mom raised their family, hosted many parties and Sunday dinners. Dad loved his house, especially the family room addition where you could always find him enjoying a fire - even in July with the air conditioning roaring at the same time. Most recently, Dad lived at the Courts of St. James where he enjoyed swimming in the pool, strolling through the shops and reminiscing with other long time St. James friends who had relocated there as well. Dad was a fixture in St. James and was often seen riding his bike, walking his dogs, and most recently enjoying new found freedom cruising the neighbourhood on his electric wheel chair. Even though Dad suffered some hard knocks over the years, particularly the losses of the love of his life, Mom, whom he missed desperately, his first-born Roberta, his niece Sheila and several dear friends all far too young, he still preferred the sunny side of the street. Even when faced with his own health problems, Dad always lived a life of good humour and fun. He was an eternal optimist and he always made sure his times with Erin, Megan and Allison were filled with fun adventures and zaniness. The look on his face and the twinkle in his blue eyes when Hailey and Emily came through his door was a sight to behold. Dad enjoyed a terrific summer of good health and was able to attend his great-granddaughter's birthday parties and recent Fogg family function. Our family would like to thank Dad's home care team: Berni, Shirley, Cathy, Debbie, Katia, Abby, Marlene, Rebecca, Barb and Anita, whose assistance enabled him to stay in his home comfortably. He appreciated your efforts and kindness more than words can say. And thanks also to Christine and Karen of Brathwaite's Pharmacy for their diligence and terrific customer service. We also would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Wayne Poon, whose effort, enthusiasm, tenacity and skill helped Dad enjoy his extra innings immensely. In accordance with Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal funeral service. Instead there will be gathering to celebrate a life well lived: Saturday, November 21, 2009 at the St. James Legion, 1755 Portage Avenue from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friends and family are all invited to come and share a few laughs, remember our favourite stories, shed a few tears and raise our glasses in honour of Dad. Since Dad was the biggest kid of all, children are more than welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of choice.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 07, 2009