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RUSS DENTON Obituary pic

RUSS DENTON

Born: Apr 03, 1941

Date of Passing: Apr 10, 2015

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RUSS DENTON On a sunny afternoon near Lyon, France, Russ Denton set out from the home of his daughter's family, heading downtown to take some new photos for his collection. On the way, he lost his footing on a grassy slope and suffered a tragic fall, succumbing to his injuries two days later on Friday, April 10, 2015, at the age of 74 years. Left to cherish Russ's memory are his beloved wife of 42 years, Tessa; daughter Patricia (Pierre-François) and their children Daphne, Rupert and Medora; brother Neil and his children Michael (Paige), Christie, Karly (Cliff), Craig and their families; sister Susan and her son Ryan; mother-in-law Inger; brother-in-law Ken (Donna) and their family; sister-in-law Anne (Glen) and their family; aunts, an uncle and cousins; extended family in France; and numerous friends, in particular those who have become family over the years: Bob and Eileen Roddy and their sons Paul and Mark and their families; Bob and Ev Wilton and their son Rob; and Ron and Margaret Meush. Russ was predeceased by his parents, Morrie and Fern; an infant brother; his sister-in-law Sharon (wife of Neil) as well as their infant son Scott; and his father-in-law Svend. Born in Winnipeg on April 3, 1941, Russ spent the last few years of the Second World War at R.C.A.F. Station Patricia Bay, BC, where his father was stationed as a navigator, then returned with his parents to Winnipeg, where the family remained. Thanks to their parents' solid work ethic and devotion to family and community, Russ and his siblings benefited from a happy home life and a fine example for adulthood. Following high school graduation, Russ worked with the Manitoba Mines Branch and the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line, while continuing his education at the University of Manitoba. Russ began his teaching career in 1965 as one of the original staff members of Arthur Meighen High School in Portage la Prairie. While acting as President of the local chapter of the Manitoba Teachers' Society in the early 1970s, Russ caught the eye of fellow teacher Tessa Ottosen, who found him "interesting". Russ and Tessa were married on April 19, 1973, and their daughter Patricia was born in 1974. As a history teacher, Russ made annual summer trips to historic sites in western North America in order to create slide presentations for his students, thereby bringing places to those who might never have an opportunity for such travel. Russ retired in 1996, spent the first year of his retirement beating cancer and learning to manage diabetes, and from then on enjoyed an active and healthy retirement with Tessa. Together they made frequent trips to France and Cuba, enjoyed cultural and sporting events, and had good times with their family and friends. Russ was a committed volunteer, spending countless hours working with high school and senior men's hockey teams in Portage la Prairie over a 20-year period. His passion for digital photography enabled him to share his vision of the world with others and was a handy excuse for purchasing more than a few new "toys". Russ will be remembered for his mischievous sense of humour and his loyalty to family and friends. He was in prime health, enthusiastic about plans for the future, and brimming with energy. Perhaps in the next world Russ is once again singing one of his favourite old songs: Happy trails to you, until we meet again Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then... In accordance with Russ's wishes, cremation has taken place. This was followed by a private family scattering of ashes in the garden of remembrance in the Caluire-et-Cuire cemetery near his daughter's home. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Russ Denton Memorial Bursary Fund at the Community Foundation of Portage and District, the Terry Fox Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes Association, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 21, 2015

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • I met Russ at University. We hung out together through our university years and graduated together. He was a great friend with a razor sharp quick wit. Always totally down to earth and never assuming. He was truly a centered person and a great life long friend. I have no doubt that it was Russ who hid my glasses and put cheese on the engine of my car on the day of my wedding. Always looked forward to his and Tessa's visits when they came out to Vancouver Island, our retirement home. We will never forget Russ, his kindly ways, and, above all, his sense of humour. Our deepest sympathy to Tessa and family on his passing. - Posted by: Dennis Konchak (Friend) on: May 13, 2015

  • Cynthia and I send our most sincere condolences to Tess, Pat and family. I was fortunate to have known Russ and worked with him for six years. He was one of the most honest, decent people we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I will never forget his quick wit, which I was often the brunt of, because he was never cruel or unkind in his humour, but always accurate and timely. Cynthia and I will also miss him at Goldeyes ball games. - Posted by: Bob and Cynthia Turner (Fellow teacher at Arthur Meighen High School) on: Apr 30, 2015

  • I was one of the teachers that Russ enlisted for all kinds of shenanigan. However I want to go on record that I wasn't involved with Russ and the principal Virgil Holmes in removing the tires from a fellow teacher's wedding car and those two got caught in the act by no less that Virgil's wife and the bride! To have caught this on video would have been, as they say in the Mastercard ads, Priceless! I'll remember Russ fondly. There was always a bright day when he was around. Roger Bauche, Sunshine Coast, Australia - Posted by: Roger Bauche (Co-teacher 1967-1971) on: Apr 30, 2015

  • Deepest sympathies to Tessa, Patricia and family on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Always remembered Russ's good nature and humor. Made my teaching days at Arthur Meighen memorable. - Posted by: Janice Dryden (Co-worker/friend) on: Apr 23, 2015

  • I was sad to hear of Mr Denton's passing. I remember him as my teacher in high school form 92-95. I often have referenced him to my own kids and others as I moved into adult hood and talked about my school days. The one memory that stands out was how he used to catch certain boys in our class sleeping during his slide shows of pictures and the old chalk board brush came out and needless to say the boys hair was covered in yellow dust. Those were the good old school days. Prayers to the family and wanted to let you know he made an impact on us students. - Posted by: Paula Schultz ( Graham ) (Student) on: Apr 22, 2015

  • We remember Russ for his trips to the gym in our building. He was very diligent and kept to a strict schedule. We will miss seeing him on the elevator. - Posted by: Chris & Bob Milloy (Neighbors at Fred Douglas Place) on: Apr 22, 2015

  • I was sorry to hear of Russ' passing. We grew up together on the same street in St. James and went to high school together, but lost touch as childhood friends often do, even though we were in the same profession. Then a couple of years back I saw him here in Winnipeg and went up and introduced myself and we talked for a brief time. I'm glad that happened. My most sincere condolences to his family. Russ was one of the good ones. - Posted by: Maurice Hogue (Boyhood friend) on: Apr 21, 2015

  • Russ was a wonderful man and great teacher. We have fond memories of him. So sorry to hear about this tragedy. Our deepest sympathies to the family. Sandy and Robert Shindleman - Posted by: Sandy and Robert Shindleman (students) on: Apr 21, 2015

  • In 1965 Mr. Denton was my teacher at Arthur Meighen High School and even for us teenage boys he had a way of making history class interesting . I am so sorry to hear of his accident , yet it is so typical of Russ , doing something exciting on the other side of the world. Great memories of a great guy. Kindest thoughts for all his family. - Posted by: Arnie Madsen (Former Student) on: Apr 21, 2015

  • Deepest sympathy to Tessa, Patricia Francois and family, on your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Mal & Louisa Hughes. - Posted by: Mal,Louisa Hughes and family. (Long time friends) on: Apr 21, 2015

  • Amazing person and tireless volunteer. Happy to have known Russ and proud to have captured a High School hockey championship with him playing a huge part in our teams successes off the ice and on it. Condolences to his family. - Posted by: Andrew Cherkas (Friend) on: Apr 21, 2015

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