Russ is survived by 4 daughters: Carol Johnston of Elkford, BC, Val (Jake) Coyle of Sicamous, BC, Marj Shenton of Pincher Creek, AB, and Cheryl ((Cory) Diederich of Elkford, BC, and 8 grandchildren: Jared and Jaimee Sawatsky, Amy and Stewart Coyle, Rylan and Kayla Shenton, and Jenna and Josie Diederich. He was predeceased by his parents Leslie and Isobel Johnston, stepmother Clara Johnston, his wife Iona Johnston, and his granddaughter Carly.

Russ was born in Cadomin, AB and grew up on the family farm in Berrymore, AB. In his teens he drove delivery truck for a Cadomin store. His mining career started in Cadomin with the coal branch at a strip mine driving truck. Russ met the love of his life, Iona, in Edmonton and they married in 1958. They moved to Pine Point, NWT in 1964 where he started a long career with Cominco. He transferred to Elkford, BC in 1971 to Fording River Mine where he worked as a Foreman on the shovel crew and then with the planning department until his retirement.

Russ enjoyed camping with his family and friends, fishing, hunting and snowmobiling in the Elk Valley. After the death of his beloved Iona in 1998 he focused his time on his grandchildren, started quading, and took great pride in his yard and flowers.

Russ was a popular, friendly face in Elkford and had a special smile and charm for the ladies. He will be missed by all who knew him.

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