Obituary of David Clifford "Cliff" Russell

RUSSELL: David Clifford Russell passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2011 at Dinsdale Personal Care Home in Brandon, where he had been a resident since May,2011. Cliff had been on oxygen for over three years and his lung disease got progressively worse. David Clifford Russell, born February 22, 1921 in Broderick, Saskatchewan to the Rev. John Russell and Edna Russell (Threadkill). Later he moved to Oxbow, Saskatchewan, Dugald, Sperling, Helston and Griswold in Manitoba. Cliff joined the R.C.A.F. in Brandon in 1941 and served until 1945 as an aero engine mechanic, obtaining the rank of corporal. On July 11, 1945 he married Betty (Alfreda Beryl) Young at her farm home at Griswold, with his father officiating. After receiving his discharge he trained as a mechanic in Winnipeg. He and Betty then moved to Portage La Prairie, Virden and in 1947 to Elkhorn, which became home for the next 42 years. In 1989 he and Betty moved to Brandon. The highlight of his life was when his daughter, Patricia Elaine was born on October 30, 1946. Of course, the birth of his two grandsons Mark and Chris Newman, brought more joy to his life. Added to that were four great granddaughters.While in Elkhorn Cliff was in partnership with Frazer McLeod in the garage business, and later he and Delmar Nylin ran "Russell and Nylin" garage and sold International Harvester Machinery. Cliff drove a school bus for twenty four years for Ft. La Bosse. Cliff was active in the community in groups that included the Masons, B.P.D Elks School Board, Independent Order of Foresters and the Canadian Legion. Cliff was the last survivor of a family of twelve. Predeceased were Jean (Charles Fordyce), Lorraine, Muriel (Arthur Fitz Simon), Bertha, Ruby (James Ralston), Jack (Gladys), Arthur (Olive), Ralph (Sigrun), Marjorie (John McLennon), Audrey (Harold Stephens) and Clark. Cliff is survived by his wife Betty of 66 years, his daughter Patricia Elaine, son - in - law Ernest Shtokalko, grandsons Mark (Terry) and Chris (Adrienne) Newman and four great granddaughters; Vanessa, Darian, Carly and Kierra. Funeral service for Cliff will be held at Trinity United Church, 1515- 6th Street, on Friday, September 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Wayne Sanderson officiating. Burial will take place at the Griswold Cemetery prior to the service at 12:00 p.m. Donations in memory of Cliff may be made to Trinity United Church, 1515 – 6th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6B3, Griswold United Church, Griswold, MB, R0M 0S0, Elkhorn United Church, Elkhorn, MB, R0M 0N0 or to a charity of one's choice.