Gordon James Russett *updated service information

James Gordon Russett, Oct 19, 1929 to July 1, 2022, died peacefully at the home of his daughter and son in law, Gaye and Don Lenderbeck.

He will be greatly missed by his children: Carol O’Connor (Nanaimo B.C.), Gaye (Don) Lenderbeck (San Clara, MB), Jim (Sharon) Russett (Brandon, MB) Rob (Kathy) Russett (Roblin, MB) Ede Russett (Ladysmith B.C.) and Rich (Vera) Russett (Boggy Creek MB); by 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren; sister Ruth Teasdale, (Miniota, MB), sister-in-law Helen Wells (Carberry, MB), brother-in-law Donald Wardell of Qualicum Beach B.C.

Gordon’s wife, Edna, predeceased him on May 24, 2022.  They would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on July 9,2022. He was also pre-deceased by great grandson Rowan Alexander, son- in- law John O’Connor, brother Donald Russett and sister Jean Russett.

Gordy started his working life early when he left school to join thrashing teams and then went on to work in the north as a diamond driller with his best friend Jimmy Farquhar.

Formerly from Birtle, Manitoba, Dad met the love of his life on a blind date at a dance in Birtle.  Edna was teaching in Birtle at the time and Gordon was a partner with Bill Snow and later Don Durle in a machine shop. A few years later he started working with heavy equipment, an Allis Chalmers cat, and took a job cutting pulp permits at Childs Lake, and hauling logs for Billy Kozak to a mill at Childs Lake.

This led them to a move that lasted their lifetimes. They moved to Boggy Creek area in 1957 where he worked in the bush, on the roads and cleared brush for many area farmers. He had a hand in building many of the roads around the Duck Mountain area, including the road to Childs Lake.

 Dad could fix anything and usually did his own repair work. His reputation for excellent workmanship got around and was always busy helping others. On the farm in Boggy Creek, neighbors would bring items from near and far for him to fix.

Dad was very well read and had many interests. He was a respected business man, he was a school trustee for six years, he and Mom bought land and became farmers. He loved history and the geography of Manitoba, especially the areas that he worked building roads in the north. In recent years he mapped out many of the peaks and valleys of Lake Agassiz that he explored on multiple day excursions.

In his retirement years he always had a project on the go. He taught himself fine carpentry skills and he and Mom made many wooden tables, boxes and toys for grandchildren and great grandchildren that are highly cherished. He was very committed to family and remarked to Mom once when he was at a family gathering “ look what we started”. He was very proud of the accomplishments of everyone in the family.

He approached life and people around him with honesty, kindness, integrity and genuine interest and respect. He possessed a strong sense of compassion, fairness and common sense.  These qualities and his sense of humour will always be a part of his legacy.  The family thank everyone for their expressions of condolence.

A funeral service was held at Knox United Church in Roblin, on Saturday, October 8 at 1:00 pm.  Interment followed at the Roblin District Cemetery and a lunch at the Knox United Church.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  The service will be available for online viewing at www.sneathstrilchuk.com for those who are unable to attend.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in memory of Gordon Russett to the Frank Skinner Arboretum Box 1221 Roblin, MB  R0L 1P0.