Duke Russell

1930 - 2025

With all of the feels we said goodbye to our father, "Super Duke" on Friday, May 9, 2025 at the age of 95 years.

Duncan Aaron Russell was born on February 11, 1930 in Elma, Manitoba to Jack and Evelyn Russell. Duke grew up in Flin Flon, Manitoba where he met and married the love of his life Phyllis Ann Simpson. They were blessed with four children, two sons David and Douglas, and two daughters Andrea and Jennifer. Duke, with his family in tow, travelled across Canada managing several Woolworth stores. In 1975 Duke decided to be his own boss, purchasing the Stedmans franchise in Taber. Duke's retail philosophy was, "You can't sell it if you don't have it!" so Stedmans sold absolutely everything! Duke was an incredibly hard working man and when his store closed, he did not retire but went on to be employed by the Taber Sugar Factory. In times of leisure, you could find him outside enjoying nature and life's simple pleasures like feeding the birds, admiring the sunrise, sunset or a good storm roll in. Duke was passionate about fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, and enjoying the outdoors with his family and many close friends including Barry and Rob. Some of his favourite locations were the family cabin in Flin Flon, the CWR Boat Club, Chin Lake and his own backyard. His quick pace, walking his fluffy dog Taylor, his active lifestyle and his knee replacement at ninety kept him happy and healthy. Viral encephalitis changed Duke's independence but not his zest for life. He liked caramel sundaes, watching the river, listening to birds and spotting deer at the Taber Provincial Park. Duke loved drives around the community while reminiscing.

Linden View became Duke's home where he enjoyed sunshine on the patio deck, strolling the halls, walking the loop of the surrounding park, bingo, armchair travels, get fit, crafts, monthly birthday parties, door decorating contests and listening to piano music. Duke always prided himself in being well dressed, clean shaven and smelling great, but the best thing that Duke ever wore was his brilliant smile. That ear to ear grin, along with his warm, gentle spirit is sure to be missed. The welcoming staff and other residents that quickly became his friends, filled his last year with wonderful memories, only enhancing a life well lived.

Duke is survived by his children Dave (Charlyne) Russell of Lethbridge, Doug (Ethel) Russell of Lethbridge, Andrea Hertz (Alex Thomson) of Coaldale and Jennifer (Rick) Latham of Lethbridge; grandchildren Chanell (Tanner), David (Melissa), Michael, Mandy (Matt), Karly (Wyat), Ryan (Kayla), Kenzie (Jesse), Raegan and Kinley and many great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife Phyllis, grandson Darrell, great grandson Aiden, brother Dave and sister Betty Ann.

In respecting our father's final wishes, we will be taking Dad's ashes to Flin Flon, where he will be buried on the island right alongside our Mother's.

Our family is immensely thankful to the Linden View staff, as well as the doctors and nurses at the Taber Hospital.