Russell Hill

HILL _ Russell Ernest February 2, 1925 - June 8, 2008 Russell Hill, beloved husband of Doreen, passed away at the Foothills Medical Centre on June 8, 2008 at the age of 83 years. Russell was born and raised in Maidstone, Saskatchewan. At age nineteen he joined the Royal Canadian Army and proudly served his country with the Black Watch Regiment in WWII. Following the war he eventually moved to the Cochrane area where he worked as a farm hand. It was here that he met Doreen and in December 1950 they were married. For the next six years Russell and Doreen followed his passion for farming as they worked on farms in Cochrane, Springbank and Irricana where they formed many lifelong friendships. In 1957 they moved to Bowness where they have resided since. Russell epitomized hard work and for most of his working life held two jobs. He worked at the Calgary Stockyards for twenty-five years the majority of which were spent working the night shift. During the summer months he continued to work on various farms in the Calgary area. His second job during the winter was making the outdoor ice at the Bowness Community which many still refer to as the best outdoor ice the city has ever seen. Russell was very proud to be recognized by the community in 1988 when he was presented with a citizenship award. Following his retirement he could often be seen throughout the community on his daily walks - and in his later years on his motorized scooter - where he "unofficially" kept an eye on community bylaw infractions. Russell is lovingly remembered by his wife Doreen; his children Ann (Howard), Pat (Bev), Darlene, Brian (Fern), Barb, Alan (Karen), Lori (Terry) and eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who gave him such tremendous joy through his later years when he courageously battled failing health with a will that was a true testament to his character. He is also survived by two sisters Louise Zornes and Roberta Metheral. Russell was predeceased by his mother and father Margaret and Herbert, sisters Edith and Ethel and brothers Eldon and David. The family expresses its thanks to Dr. Bill Hall and the many other doctors, nurses and hospital staff involved in Russell's care. A Celebration of Russell's Life will be held at CALGARY CREMATORIUM CHAPEL, 3219 - 4 Street N.W. (within the valley of Queen's Park Cemetery), on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Poppy Fund, Bay No. 1, 4539 - 6 Street N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 3Z6 (Telephone 403-265-6304) or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 - 14 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 (Telephone 403-264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca ). To email expressions of sympathy: ccl@hffs.com, subject heading: Russell Hill. HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICES "Calgary Crematorium Chapel" Telephone: 299-0111.