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Russell Harry G. ASHWORTH
November 06, 1940 - July 18, 2024
BORN
November 06, 1940
DIED
July 18, 2024
Russell ASHWORTH Obituary
Married to his loving wife Ellen (Simonsen) for 56 years. He had two daughters Rita Ashworth (Steve), Karen Wade (Gord), and son David Ashworth (Laura). Seven grandchildren, Nate (Kianna), Danielle (Ryan), Rayelle (Will), Abbi, Gracie, Eddie, and Andy. His top priority in life was his wife and family. He was always there for them.
Russ had a very strong work ethic, right to the end. He was proud of his work accomplishments. He along with his partner revived Peppers Grocery into a thriving business. Not ready for retirement, he bought Willow Wind Feed with partner Tom Wilson.
Also on top of his list was spending time with his good friends Earl, Roy, and Bruce. As well as with the many friends he caught up with over coffee. He loved you all dearly.
Sports had been a huge part of his years. He played little league the first year it started 1953, hockey, lacrosse, and slow pitch (Mariners). He spent years trying to master golf with no prevail. He did get a hole-in-one though.
Over the many years Russ and Ellen enjoyed many travels, but was a home body at heart. He loved his grand children's activities. Nate's lacrosse, go Timbermen, Dani's long visits, excited for Ray's recent wedding, Abbi's new job, and Gracie exceeding in school, as well as Eddie and Andy's many visits from Pemberton. They are the biggest Canucks fans because of their Grandpa.
Russ was predeceased by his mother Doris Smith. Sisters Veronica De Rousie, Marlene Richardson (John). Brother Bernard Ashworth (Nancy). In-laws Gerd and Egil Simonsen. He leaves behind his brothers John Ashworth (Frieda) and Alex Smith (Nancy), sisters Yvonne Arthur (Lorne), Aleta Hansen (Greg), Sister in law Anne Kaarvik (Asbjorn) and many nieces and nephews.
Russ will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, dedication, and hard work will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
"Don't be sad that it ended, be glad that it happened"
Celebration of life will be: Thursday August 15th at 1:00 pm. Langford Legion 761 Station Rd Victoria
Memories and Condolences
for Russell ASHWORTH
17 Entries
Jackie Speers
August 12, 2024
To my dear friend Rita and family
With heart felt sympathy
His wings were ready , but your HEARTS were not
Chris Smyth
August 11, 2024
I first met Russ as a young boy after moving from Germany to Colwood in the early 1980s (my father was in the military and was posted to Victoria). We lived on Terrahue just across the street from the Ashworths on Cora Hill. I became friends with his son, David, in part due to living in the neighbourhood, but mostly because of our love for sports, especially road hockey-David went on to become a very accomplished ice hockey goalie. When I was about 14 or 15, I vividly remember Russ coming in to speak to me at Payless Gas where I was working as a cashier. During this conversation he told me he wanted me to come and work for him as soon as I had my driver´s license at the grocery store he owned in Cadboro Bay. He asked me how much I was making working there and I told him $3.65 an hour (I had just received a 15 cent an hour raise). He said he would make it worth the drive across town to Shop Easy and would pay me $6 an hour. To put it in perspective, if I recall correctly, I think my assistant manager at Payless who was working full time was making $4.85 an hour. As soon as I turned 16, I began working for Russ at Shop Easy as a produce attendant making more money per hour as a kid than almost every friend I knew. This was a very early example of Russ´ generosity. I worked at Shop Easy and then Peppers from the ages of 16-24. As another example of Russ´ generosity, my first raise from Russ was $1 per hour as a part-time employee. Russ not only let me work every weekend for him, but he also would hire me to work every holiday. Every summer, he would also let me work full-time as well. Shop Easy was only my second real job (not counting a Pennysaver paper route that I used to do with my older brother when I was 12). At 16, in large part because of being able to work so much for Russ and save so much money, I bought a brand new car for almost 13K-a car I kept for the next 24 years. Russ possessed many skills, qualities and attributes that made him a very successful businessman and person. Something that really stands out to me is how hard he worked (he would often be in the store before me on Saturday and Sunday mornings when my shifts started at 7 or 8 am)-this was after him already having worked Monday to Friday all those weeks, months and years. Russ regularly displayed leadership qualities like kindness, compassion, integrity, perseverance, grit, and took real pride in his work and business. Immediately after starting to work for Russ, he became more than the owner of the store to me-he would quickly become a teacher, guide, mentor and coach. I was only one of numerous employees that Russ had working for him through the years, but he spent countless hours training and teaching me how to become successful in his store at my job. As part of my early training, Russ taught me a memorable lesson related to profit. One morning before the store opened, I was rushing and cutting too much of the ends off of some celery stalks while trimming them to be put on the shelf. He asked me if I could go and get my wallet and give him $5. For me, $5 was a lot back then. Once I did, he took the bill, crumpled it up and threw it in the trim box with all of the other trim/produce pieces I had been cutting off. He explained that a lot of money over time would be thrown away if the vegetables continued to be trimmed in that same, wasteful way. He made me assure him that no matter what, I would not go into the trim box and get my money back (I secretly waited for what seemed like an eternity-probably about an hour or so-and when he went off to do something else in the store, I quickly fumbled through the box of produce scraps and eventually retrieved my money). This lesson, like many others he taught me over time, and similar to the way he always treated me while working for him, was done in a firm, fair, judicial and kind way-similar to the actions of any reasonable and caring parent. I´d like to share some other fond memories I have of Russ to honor his legacy.
1. "Umm...yeah!" Quite frequently and sometimes multiple times in a day, Russ would be pushing a dolly, stocking a shelf or getting ready to start to do something in the store and would randomly say out loud to himself, "Umm". He would then answer himself outloud several seconds later- sometimes after being in a completely different aisle or area of the store from where he had first been with, "yeah". It was like he was thinking of all the things he needed to do and was organizing himself as to which would come first, what he would do next, etc. This became such a characteristic trademark of Russ that other employees began to copy and emulate it. Over time, it grew to such extents that even after Russ sold Shop Easy and it became Peppers, employees who remained working at Peppers continued to randomly and routinely copy and say his expression. Even new employees of Peppers who had never met Russ would sometimes repeat his expression by mirroring other long-standing employees who had previously worked for Russ that would randomly say it. It would eventually become an unspoken tribute and legacy to Russ that continued until the last day I worked at Peppers (and possibly continued after I left).
2. "Cleanliness is Godliness". Russ used to repeat this to me time and time again. A tidy, clean and organized produce department, along with the rest of the store, was fundamental to a successful and prosperous business for him. If something needed cleaning, Russ would remind me of this virtue and then model exactly what needed to be done to make it better. Russ was able to share many other values and virtues of excellence while teaching and mentoring me over the years.
3. My nickname "Chrisy". From the first day of working at Shop Easy, Russ began calling me Chrisy. As a 16 year old boy, being called what sounded like a girl´s name was, especially at first, quite difficult for me to handle. It soon spread through the store and people like Big Al Holmes and Don Way started calling me Chrisy. We had an in-store PA system where cashiers would page other employees by name over the intercom to come to the front of the store and assist customers with packing bags or taking groceries to their car, etc. There were plenty of surprised customers who anticipated someone else coming to the front to help them with their groceries after Chrisy was called over the PA. My nickname was eventually even set with my own family members when Big Al called my house one day and asked for Chrisy. When I got home later that day, my parents were quite perplexed and asked me who Chrisy was? The name soon stuck with them and they have called me that nickname ever since-all because of Russ!
4. "You´re killing me Chrisy...you´re killing me son". This was another endearing comment that Russ would occasionally say to me. Like my nickname, it was never meant to be mean or cruel, but was said by him when something I was doing could be improved. If Russ saw that the produce aisle was dirty or stained, he would get a broom and start sweeping and then fill a bucket with soapy water and start mopping. He would say, "You´re killing me Chrisy", and then actively do whatever needed to be done to make things better. He never said hurtful things or humiliated me as part of teaching me how to do my job. Russ always made me feel respected.
4. Nintendo. In the early 1990s, a Nintendo game system cost around $300. Only one of my closest friends had one, and I used to go to his house after school some days or sleep-over just to be able to play it. When I was 17, one early evening around 5 or 6 pm while I was working, I started to walk down the back stairs to get rid of some garbage. Russ began walking up the stairs. He very casually said he had something for me and passed me a brand new Nintendo system! He said something like, "Ahh, Chrisy, this is for you! Merry Christmas." I still lose my breath and well-up thinking of that moment. I had wanted a Nintendo for years-somehow it was as though he knew. I had never talked about it with him or any other co-worker. I was only a part-time employee (one of numerous working for him at the time-and yet he gave it to me-in such a casual and nonchalant way). I thanked him extensively, but he just kept walking through the back of the store and around the corner. It was yet another example of his generosity and kindness. To this day, I have never received a gift as meaningful, special and generous from any boss-and I´m now 50 years old. What I wish is that I could have only told him as my adult self how much it meant to me then and what it still means to me today.
5. Dr. Ed Beatty: Another lasting memory I have that Russ taught me was the importance of customer service, and to always make customers feel welcomed, valued, supported and respected. Russ taught me that the smallest of gestures would result in customers returning week after week to shop at the store. Dr. Ed Beatty was an Orthodontist who was one of those regular shoppers. He was someone who never asked for anything. Ed had been my orthodontist when I was younger. If I´m not mistaken, on only two occasions over an eight year period of time, Ed had mentioned to me that he had bought a bag of apples and there were a few rotten apples in the bag. Fast forward more than a decade, and as an adult, I returned to see Ed in my mid 30s-some of my teeth had shifted since the old style retainer I had no longer fit properly. Ed immediately suggested that I should get braces once again, and then insisted my daughter should get braces as well. What surprised me was what he said next...Ed shared his recollection of me helping him with a few rotten apples, something I could barely remember. He recalled that after he mentioned this to me that I had gone to the shelf where the most expensive apples in the store were located, hand selected a bag of fresh apples for him, wrote N/C (for no charge) on the bag with a black marker, and then placed it in his cart with his other groceries. He then explained how much this meant to him and how much he valued the respect and customer service he had received from me as a customer at the store. To my absolute amazement, in return for what Russ had always taught me to do, Ed insisted that he would be putting braces on my daughter and on me for no charge (the only reason my wife didn´t also receive braces was that her teeth were very straight already). I share this story as an immense thank you to Russ, because he taught me from a young age the power and importance of building and sustaining relationships with all Shop Easy customers. Ed and I are still friends, and when we get together as we did last month, we always meet in Cadboro Bay.
6. A personal story-I have the had the privilege of educating students in the Sooke School District for many years since leaving Peppers. For more than 25 years, at the start of every school year, I´ve shared with students I teach what happened to me as a 14 year old kid at Payless Gas when Russ came into the station to offer me a job at his grocery store in Cadboro Bay. As part of the class, which focuses on a variety different themes, I offer students a promise-as a way of giving back what was once given to me from Russ. I offer to help any interested student get a job, or help them get a better job if they need someone to act as a reference for them. In my current position, I have been extremely fortunate to even interview former students of mine who have completed teacher training and are trying to be teachers, and I get the privilege of recommending them to the board of education to be hired as teachers in our district. It´s been a private and personal endeavor of mine to honor Russ all of these years. He took a chance on an average kid, who made many mistakes, and changed the course of my life in countless positive ways.
I´d like to offer my deepest condolences to Ellen, Rita, Karen, David, and your families. I truly hope that the loving and wonderful memories you have of your husband/father will provide you with some peace and solace in the days and weeks to come. Those we love are always with us.
With gratitude and respect,
Chris Smyth
Norm Pass
August 10, 2024
Dear Ellen and family. Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of Russ. He will be very well thought of by the many that knew him.
Clive Hall
August 8, 2024
We are saddened to hear Russ passed away. He coached our daughter..sold me chicken scratch and groceries..we always had a laugh.
Such a wonderful man and we will always have great memories.
Pat Bacon
August 8, 2024
Oh Ellen or Boots as Russ would call you, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. What a shock. I always thought he would live forever as he never changed in the whole time I knew him. What great memories. My heart goes out to you and Dave and your girls. I so admired him and the kindness he showed to everyone he knew.
Tom & Sandy James
August 7, 2024
Our thoughts & sincere condolences are with you Ellen & your family at this sad time. Russ was a great guy & we have many fond memories of fun times together at the ball parks, golfing & the Country Rose for drinks & dinner. Tom & Sandy
April Sims
August 6, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Russ. My heart felt condolence´s to you , Ellen and family. I had the pleasure of working with Russ & Tom at Willow Wind as the bookkeeper for a number of years . He was a true gem. I would have random encounters with him after the business sold, always in a grocery store while shopping. He told me how to pick a perfect cantaloupe. We would chat, exchange stories and in his true caring nature he would always ask me if I was happy. I always was. He would say " that´s good, because that´s what matters" . Still rings in my ears. I am also so grateful to have had the pleasure of meeting him and hearing his words of wisdom through the years, although for a very short time, I will miss our random encounters, but I will remember then always. Again so sorry for your loss.
Jackie Parker
August 6, 2024
Ellen & family..So sorry to hear about Russ passing away. It wasn't to long ago I was in the Sstore & I heard "Hey Jack how you doing" I knew it was Russ... My sister Jill (passed away Dec 2010) & Russ her & shared the same bday but Russ was 2 years older..She always called him very early in the morning to sing "Happy Birthday" to him in her very best Marilyn Monroe voice. I'm sure Russ knew it was coming.. He was a very fun guy whether I was talking to him in the grocery store or at the ball park. Love to you all. Jackie
Cheri Butterfield
August 6, 2024
My condolences Ellen and family
Iona´s daughter Cheri
Geoff and Gina Reid
August 5, 2024
We have been friends with Russ and Ellen for 30 years, we have had many great times together.
We loved Russ's sense of humor, Russ was always interested in everyone and was very caring. Russ was a straight shooter who wasn't afraid to speak is mind, just a great guy to spend time with.
He will be sorely missed, there will always be a place in our thoughts for Russ.
Barb DeRousie
August 4, 2024
"Uncle Russ" was the best. Whenever I had the opportunity to see him, I could always count on him to inquire, not just how I was, but really, how I was. Uncle Russ was a great listener. I especially remember the time when he and I were helping to weed and tidy up Aunt Marlene´s garden when she was sick. We had the best conversation about my Mom and how they were growing up. He supported my Mom, Veronica, and gently made suggestions to her to include her in family events. Unfortunately, I didn´t know him or his family as well as I would have liked, but I love Ellen and they were a great team from what I saw. Condolences to dear Ellen, their kids and grand kids. He was an exceptional human being and I´m sad I won´t be able to visit with him again. Also, I want to thank the whole family for making the effort to come to my solo art show in 2021, I was humbled that you all showed up.
Cathy Awalt
August 4, 2024
I´m thinking of all of you at this sad time And so glad that you all have each other for support.So many memories of laughs and fun times. Russ will be well missed.
Sending love from Cathy A.
Earl Davies
August 4, 2024
A better friend I could not have had. I lived next to Russell on Glen Lake for nineteen years and we became the best of friends. Russell was very kind and generous, always helping those in need. He was the best of the best, Rest in peace my friend. I will always be thinking of you!.
Valerie Webb/Billsborough
August 4, 2024
Dear Ellen and Family, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you. I have fond memories of Russell. Hold onto all those memories of Russell. Sincerely,Valerie/Webb Billsborough
Bruce Cowick
August 4, 2024
So sad to hear of Russ' passing...our thoughts are with you all..hugs Bruce and Debbie Cowick
Janice Hepburn
August 3, 2024
So sorry for your loss. He was a kind soul who loved Sitara when you watched her for me. Hugs.
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