Wilfred George Craig Russell (Craig) of Drumheller, Alberta passed away at home with his family at his side on Saturday, May 18th at the age of 73 years.
Craig was born January 26, 1946 in Drumheller, Alberta; the second of three sons, to Norman and Margaret Russell. He was brought home to the family farm, north of Drumheller, where he proceeded to spend the majority of his life. His love for farming and classic cars started as a child: pouring over vehicle and farm machinery brochures. He spent his primary school years in Munson and graduated from Morrin School. From there he went on to Olds College where he received his Agricultural Diploma. Craig was adventurous and never afraid of a challenge; he went on from college to run a garage, manage a ski hill and race stock cars in between farming. During his early 20’s he backpacked for six months across New Zealand, Australia and Fiji.
Upon his return to Canada he met and fell in love with his bride of the next 45 years: Janice Marie Berg. After their marriage on January 26, 1974 they commenced farming North of Drumheller.
Five years later they welcomed their first daughter, Jill; with daughter, Laura and son, Calvin following close behind.
Unstoppable: Craig raised his children, ran a growing farming operation, initiated a hot air balloon company, flew an ultralight plane and learned to sail.
He welcomed with open arms and quickly befriended his children’s spouses: Derek, Larry and Kassandra.
His grandchildren Daniel, Addison, Emilia, Anna, Elyse, Everly and Esmae were the light of his life. He embraced new roles as ‘Papa Pirate’ and enjoyed watching dance recitals. In Manitoba, he was a proud hockey, figure skating and swim team chauffeur and cheerleader.
Welcoming Craig in Heaven are his nephew Christopher Russell, parents Norman and Margaret Russell; in laws Charlie and Mrytle Berg and brother-in-law Ray Berg.
Left to mourn are his wife Janice; children Jill (Derek), Laura (Larry), Calvin (Kassandra), six granddaughters and a grandson. His brothers Arthur (Maureen) and Keith (Roxanne) and numerous nieces and nephews. Neigbours across the country in Drumheller, AB; White Sands (Stettler), AB;Westlock, AB; Radium, BC; and Pilot Mound, MB will miss their visits with Craig.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Badlands Community Facility, 80 Veterans Way, Drumheller, AB at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23rd, 2019.
To celebrate Craig’s love of classic cars the family invites all to bring their antique vehicles to park in the designated parking area by the cenotaph. Craig encouraged his wife’s passion for art and wished that donations in his name be made to the Canadian Badlands Artist Association, Box 836, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0. For Pilot Mound and area residents, donations can be made to the Pilot Mound Millennium Recreation Complex or Pilot Mound Swimming Pool (Municipality of Louise, Box 310, Crystal City, MB R0K 0N0).
Live streaming will be available at https://vimeo.com/event/7707, password Winters2019
Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements.