WILLIAM (BILL) ERNEST RUSSELL

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WILLIAM (BILL) ERNEST RUSSELL Unexpectedly on June 29, 2002 Bill Russell passed away at the Selkirk General Hospital. He will be missed by his family, his most valuable treasure. Best friend and wife Leslie; daughters, Colleen (Trent) Yochim, Kelly (Maurizio) Vadacchino, Karen (Jon) Russell/Batchelor; grandchildren, Afton, Nicola, Nigel, and the late Isabella; sisters, Audrey (Bob) Wasnic, Linda (Dale) McMillan; and many nieces, nephews and good friends. Bill was born in Regina, and during his short 63 years lived from the east to the west coast. He moved as his many sales positions demanded, from cookies to cigarettes, to hospital supplies, to prosthetics, and for the past ten years as a partner of McMillan Insurance Brokers, Selkirk. Bill had moved to Selkirk with his parents in 1956 and returned to his roots in 1993. He spent his summers at home in Lockport and the cold winters in Palm Springs immersed in his passion - golf. Over the years Bill was a member of many clubs. The one that he was currently most proud of was his membership in the exclusive Hole-in-One Club achieved at Vancouver Golf Club, Larters, and the Desert Princess. Bill was a true believer in the saying "Whoever has the most toys when he dies...wins!" From boats, to cars, to golf clubs, to electronic toys (instructor included please!), Bills collection of toys was always evolving. Cruising had a whole new meaning when it was on his John Deere in his back 40. He happily helped his grandchildren on their fledging toy collections. Bill was a man of his word. He met any challenges in his life full steam ahead and with great courage. He was a strong businessman who only knew how to work to his greatest potential and always expected others to do the same. A big man, a big heart, and an even greater loss... He touched our lives and we are all the better for it. We Miss You! We Love You! Over the past six years, Bill and his associates were exceptionally proud of the fundraising that was accomplished by the Larters ProAm in support of Palliative Care at Selkirk General Hospital. Memorial donations may be made to Selkirk General Hospital Palliative Care Program, Box 500, 100 Easton Dr., Selkirk, MB R1A 2M2. Private family service at a later date. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 03, 2002