Obituary of Garry Brian Russell

It’s with great sadness that the family of Garry Brian Russell announces his sudden passing on

October 6, 2023, at the age of 75.

Garry is survived by his wife of 49 years, Darlene; daughters, Cynthia and Tanis; grandchildren, Brandon, Jackson, Taylor, Ewan and Morgan; mother-in-law, Helen Klapprat; siblings, Audrey, Lawrence, Larry, Ernie (Paula), John (Marion), Frank (Donna), Greg (Sylvia); Brother-in-laws, Raymond (Swana) Klapprat, Marvin (Lisa) Klapprat; sister-in-law Marilyn (Mike) Sveistrup and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Elsie Russell; father-in-law, Bill Klapprat; brother, Ken Russell; son-in-law, Cory McKillop; sisters-in-law, Dianne Russell and Marjorie Russell.  

Garry was born in Ashern on November 7, 1947, the 8^th child in a family of 9.  He grew up on a farm with lots of love and his mom’s great cooking.  He attended Marne School in his early years and Ashern Central for High School.  In the early 70’s he started a career with Manitoba Hydro working up North.  In 1973, he met the love of his life, Darlene and had a whirlwind romance. They wrote many love letters back and forth while he worked up North and 11 months later on September 7, 1974, they married.  After marriage he changed career paths and decided to join the Department of Manitoba Highways and Transportation which lasted as a 30-year career.

Garry was very proud of his daughters. Growing up they spent lots of time fishing, camping, gardening, and watching cartoons together Saturday mornings hoping the TV antenna would hold the picture.  Garry was so proud of his 5 grandchildren (8 if you count the dogs and cat) and was referred to as “Papa, Grampy and Grandpa”.  He had something in common with each one and nurtured it every time they spent quality time together, whether it was through music, sports, history, cars, or hunting to name a few.

Garry was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He so enjoyed Autumn, all the harvesting and beautiful colors.   It was his favorite time of year, and he always looked forward to planning his fall hunting trips with his friends starting in July and August.  Taking his grandchildren on fishing trips was such a fun time for him. He always had a story to tell or great words of wisdom. He had such a great sense of humor, and no one could tell a story like Garry. 

He encompassed many friendships. Whether it was his immediate family, church family, Network 21 family or childhood friendships that lasted throughout his life, he cherished them all.  

He had very strong faith and always knew the Lord would look after him and take him to see his loved ones that went before him when God called him home.  He would always share his faith story when he had the opportunity.  He will truly be missed by all and never forgotten.

Thank you to the first responders for their quick response and the staff at St. Boniface hospital for their kindness and compassion during this difficult time.

Garry’s celebration of life will be held on October 18, 2023, at 1:30 pm at Grant Memorial Baptist Church - 877 Wilkes Ave, Winnipeg, MB.  Refreshments to be served. Interment to follow at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers the family would welcome donations to go to the ministry of Grant Memorial Church in honor of Garry or you may give in his honor through the Heart and Stroke foundation.