Mr. Dean Russell of the Rokeby district, beloved husband of Betty Russell, passed away October 16, 2016. He was 70 years of age. Dean Cameron Russell was born February 3, 1946 in Yorkton to Claude and Christine (Mackenzie) Russell. Dean was raised on the farm that his grandfather John Russell had homesteaded early in the century. This homestead became the focal point of Dean's adult life as well. In October of 1969, Dean married the love of his life Betty McDougall. Dean and Betty raised three sons -- Brian, Blair and Stuart who also helped on the farm as they grew up. Dean and Betty worked together as farming partners - grain farming and raising livestock for nearly five decades. Dean also worked at various off-farm jobs as well. He worked first as a postman on a rural route delivering mail, at the Yorkton Stockyards and prior to retirement at Grain Millers. Dean enjoyed all sports and will be remembered for organizing and coaching the Rokeby Flyers Hockey team. He avidly followed his sons' many sporting activities as a very proud father. Dean was a dedicated family man, a neighbour that was counted on, as well as an enthusiastic community organizer. His presence in the community will be missed. Dean was predeceased by his parents Claude and Christine Russell and an older brother, Grant Russell. As well as his in-laws James and Ina McDougall and nephew Brent McDougall. Dean is survived by his loving wife and partner Betty, his sons, Brian (Heidi) of Yorkton, Blair (Adynea) of Regina and Stuart (Dora) of Sherwood Park and Dean's twelve much-loved grandchildren. Dean is also survived by his brother Gary (Elaine) of Ontario and his sister Lalah (Wayne) Anton of California and his brothers-in-law Jim (Barbie) McDougall and Bert (Mary) McDougall of Yorkton. Dean had a host of nieces and nephews to whom he was a popular Uncle. Dean's memory will be cherished by his loving family and good friends and neighbours. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey, Certified Celebrant officiating. The organist, Amanda Buhler accompanied vocalist, Tabitha Buhler in singing the hymns, "Amazing Grace" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand". A taped selection, "Humble and Kind" was the recessional. The honourary bearers were Dean's grandchildren, Crystal, Tanner, Brandon, Hayden, Grace, Alynah, Austin, Elizabeth, Dimitra, Eleni, Dean and John. The interment followed in the Garden of Memories at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Tanner and Hayden Russell serving as the urn bearers. Memorials in memory of Dean may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.
