RUSSELL – Duke Russell passed away peacefully on July 24th, 2017 in Brooks, Alberta. He was predeceased by his father Ivan. He is survived by his mother Mary, his son Derrick (Janna), daughters Brandy (Daniel) and Amber (Colin), brothers Vern (Diane), Darryl (Marilyn), Lorry and Greg, sister Karen (David) and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Duke was born in Brooks, Alberta on March 11th, 1949. Like a true Albertan Duke joined the oil patch in his late teens. While living in Grande Prairie he built and sold Best Way Pipe Handlers and Only Way Tong Services and bred Thoroughbreds. In Duke’s younger years he spent many a day on the track, at the rodeo or in the back barns helping with the chucks. Duke was known for his compassion for animals and those who were in need (often taking in both stray dogs and people). Nobody could tell a story like Duke or get others to laugh quite that hard. Life could be many things with Duke around but boring was not one of them. You lived life big Dad, now maybe you can slow down a bit and find that peace you were searching for. You will forever be in our hearts and we will hold onto the happy times.
A private family celebration of life will take place on August 2nd at 3:00. In true Duke fashion, please raise a glass to Duke one last time in his memory.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Association for Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (ARBI).
