RUSSELL
Donald William
July 8, 1923 - March 6, 2009
One of the Comox Valley pioneers passed away peacefully, in St. Joseph's General Hospital after a brief battle with cancer. He was very much loved by his family and will never be forgotten. He was a loving, caring husband, father and grandpa. He will be sadly missed by his wife Helen of 58 years: their daughters Coleen and Glenda; grandsons Russell and Colin and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Don was born at St. Joseph's General Hospital, Comox, and lived his entire life in the Valley. He joined the RCAF in 1942 and was discharged in 1946 when the war ended. In 1947 he bought 45 acres of land in the valley between Courtenay and Comox. He raised dairy cows for sixteen years then beef cattle. He was renown for his potatoes winning prizes at the local Fall Fair. He also grew strawberries and corn. In 1965 to 1974 Don worked in the construction engineering section at the Canadian Forces Base in Comox. He spent many years keeping the Glacier View Lodge road cleared, during snowy weather, as well as many neighbourhood driveways.
Don spent his retirement years as director of the Comox District Consumers Co-op. He volunteered at the Beaver Meadows Hatchery helping to feed the fish. He also volunteered for many years by delivering food from the local stores to the Food Bank.
In his more active years he enjoyed curling and in his later years played crib with the Courtenay Elks. Don and Helen loved to travel thus have seen much of the world. He loved his vegetable garden, consequently producing enough food to feed his daughters and neighbours.
He has left many happy memories with all who knew him. He will be truly missed.
Don is predeceased by his brother Norman (Blanche) and half brother David (Christel still living). He is survived by his oldest brother Quentin (Vi) and half sisters Sheila Jasbec (Mel) and Jean McLeod (Larry is deceased).
A heartfelt thanks to Hyacinth and Donna, 3rd floor nurses for their wonderful care and Dr. Darren Biberdorf for all his support.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 21, 2009 at St. George's United Church, 505 - 6th St., Courtenay.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to be made to St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation in support of a palliative care unit, for those who wish to make a donation.