Russell, Robert (Bob) Alexander
Robert (Bob) Alexander Russell, age 75, passed away in his home in Balfour, BC on November 26, 2010. He was born on September 27, 1935, in Lytton, BC, from Alexander King Russell and Irene Mary Russell.
Even though he lived his early youth in the Vancouver/Burnaby area, he was quickly drawn by the beauty of British Columbia’s interior by his early twenties. Bob worked for BC Parks for 35 years and enjoyed working in the development of many provincial parks.
He loved and honoured the high-country and shared this love not only with his co-workers but also with his children and extended family. Bob was a pioneer environmentalist and lived his life in alignment with nature.
After his official retirement as a “parkie” from the province in 1990, he pursued his love of wood working, a trait that he inherited from his father and grandfather. He created fine crafts which were enjoyed by his children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends, and also by countless customers from around the area.
He was an ingenious and focused woodworker and also cherrished the loyal friendships with fellow artists throughout the Kootenay valley. He was considered by many as the consummate environmentalist and cared for his surroundings by harvesting old and dying trees to cut for his woodstove.
He lived off the land, planting corn, plums and other soft fruits. He enjoyed hiking in the mountains not only for the excercise and peace of mind, but also to harvest huckleberries to make delicious jams and jellies. He passed his love and reverence for nature to those who would like to listen and experience it with him.
Nature was the temple where Bob worshiped and the temple in which he breathed his last breath. He knew Mother Nature intimately and spiritually and he responded by being a good steward of the resources given to him during his light-footed path on this earth.
He is survived by his eldest son Robert Bradley Russell (Veronica) of Calgary, AB; daughter Jo-Anne Russell Bowman (David) of Mesa, AZ; daughter Laura Louise Widdis (David) of Summerland, BC, and his grandchildren Aiya and Grayling Bowman, Alexandra and Gordon Widdis (by age); and sister Carol Irene Russell of Burnaby, BC. T
he family would like to extend their deepest heartfelt thank you to Dad’s neighbours and friends, the Nelson R.C.M.P. detatchment, the West Kootenay Coroners Service, and Thompson Funeral Services.
Thompson Funeral Services had a private viewing for Bob’s children and he has been cremated according to his last wishes. Any condolences will be warmly recieved at bradandveronica@gmail.com.
A memorial will be planned for the summer of 2011 (date and time to be announced).
“Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour.” Auguries of Innocence – William Blake
