We Remember
ENSIGN, Russell Hiram
October 9, 1932 — September 30, 2013
Born Oct 9, 1932 in Lethbridge, AB passed away peacefully at sundown September 30 in Kelowna, BC surrounded by family.
Survived by his loving wife Doreen, children Rusty (Kerin), Chris (Sandra), Shauna (Cam Bakala), Cam (Kim), ten grandchildren, sister Betty (Lou Gossen), many cousins, nieces & nephews.
A man of vision, Russ the 12th child of a prairie farmer, moved to Kelowna from Pincher Creek AB in 1948 via the Kettle Valley railroad, determined to make his own way of life. He became a member of the Kelowna Fire Department and joined the Kelowna Rowing Club. He married Doreen in 1957 and together raised a family, working an orchard in Okanagan Centre then moving to Westbank in 1962 and started a cattle ranch, which is still in operation today.
Among his many personal achievements he was an active member of the BC Hereford Association, BC Cattleman Association, Kelowna Racquet Club and Westbank Yacht Club, where he touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
He was blessed to live a very fortunate life. His passion for life in the Okanagan and his ability to express it will be greatly missed by all.
Special thank you to Dr. A Broome, Dr. Ed Welsh, Dr. D Rolf, Dr. R Foster and nursing staff Leslie and Christine.
A celebration of Russ Ensign’s life will be Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kelowna General Hospital ICU unit.
For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences”.
Service
Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 1:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
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n lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kelowna General Hospital ICU unit
Service Information
Service Details
The service for ENSIGN, Russell Hiram is scheduled for Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 1:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Russ always seemed to have a big smile on his face, as if he was up to something, and was very enjoyable to be around. He will be missed. My condolences to the family
My sincerest condolences on the lose of your husband and father. My thoughts and prayers are with you all through this trying time and know that you have alot of love and support around you.
Shauna,so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joe and Lora
To our friend, Rusty, and his family, we send our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Marg. Whitbread
Condolences to the family. Russ always welcomed me to the ranch to ride the horses when I was a child and the fond memories will never be forgotten.My deepest Sympathy for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. His life was blessed with family and good friends, and many happy occasions. My sympathies to you all.
Judy Cass (Global tennis)
Dear Doreen, So sorry to hear of the passing of Russ. I have many great memories of our horseback expeditions, my first friendship with Russ at the Rowing Club in ’48 & our last get together at your home after the KHS 50th class reunion. Our thoughts are with you & your family. Love,Bob&Heather Lennie
Our heartfelt condolences to the whole Ensign family! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
We both have many fond memories of Russ – Gary from working for Russ on the ranch and AJ from his many visits to my office when I worked in Westbank. Our deepest sympathy to all the family in this difficult time.
We’re thinking of you, Doreen, in this difficult time, and sending our sincere sympathy. Frances & Marjorie
So sorry to hear of Russ’ passing. A truly great guy as I enjoyed many of his stories over the years. I miss the days when Russ, Lorne and Ted would stop by the shop on horseback before going out hunting … great memories.
Daryl Utigard
Doreen, Rusty, Chris, Shauna, Cam & kids: Our hearts go out to all of you at the loss of such a wonderful, spirited husband & father. Russ was a bright light in our lives! Big warm hugs from us Stewarts
We are all very sorry for your loss. Russ was a good friend and brought a lot of joy to us all with his jokes. We are thinking of your whole family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Franco, Lauretta, Luigi, and Ersilia Coccaro
Our condolences to all the family.He will missed by all of us,Woody and Doris and family.
Our condolences to Doreen and family on the death of Russ. Kelowna lost a true pioneer who loved the Okanagan and all it has to offer.
Our thoughts are with you.
Wally and Mary Anne
Doreen, Rusty, et al.
We’ve lost a true pioneer,great story teller and fine gentleman. I’ll always remember Russ’s infectious smile and his determination on the racquet ball court whether as a partner or opponent, and oh yes, the odd beer we shared after!
Thinking of you all.
To the Ensign family.
Hold your heads high,be strong for each other. Russ was a great person.Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Paddy Denise Neave
I would like to express my sincere sympathy at this sad and very difficult time. I have such fond memories of Mr. Ensign. My thoughts are with all you.
Sandy York
To Doreen,,Cam, Kim, Shauna & the rest of the Ensign family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your family’s loss. I have such great memories from being at the ranch.
Our deepest sympathy to you, Doreen, and all your family. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Doreen, My thoughts are with you and your familty at this sad time.
Sue Rehill
Dear Doreen and family. We are truly sorry for your loss. Russ was such a great,kind & genuine man. He will be missed. We will not be able to attend the service but our thoughts are with you. Dennis & Kelly, Grant & Marlys, Jim & Carol Hansen.
Doreen & family:
I’m so sorry to hear of Russ’s passing. Although I didn’t know him well, his spirit and laugh were truly memorable as were his stories and antics.
He was a lucky man to have had you for all these years. May you and your children cherish his memories.
Love,
Kimberly Pflieger
P.S. Although I can’t attend the funeral tomorrow, my thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Dear Mrs. Ensign, Rusty, Chris, Shauna, Cam and the whole family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these very difficult times. Mourn his loss and cherish his memories as he will remain forever in your hearts.
With deepest sympathies,
The Zumbo Family
To Doreen and family, deepest sympathy.My thoughts are with you.
Elizabeth Walsh also wishes to send condolences.
Jenny
Mrs Ensign and family, we are sorry to hear of your husband and father passing.His good humour during our years in 4H will always be in our memories. Hold your heads high, Mr Ensign was a husband and father you can all be proud of.
We are very saddened to hear of your loss. May your memories be your comfort.
To the Ensign Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and father. I’m sure he will be missed greatly by all who new him and loved him. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Chris King
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss, our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
To the Ensign boys – We were very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. We hope that the years of memories will sustain you through the path ahead.
Mrs. Ensign & family. I have just received the news that my “favourite cowboy” has passed on. I am sorry that I missed the celebration of the man that was larger than life! He’s now riding a John Deere in the sky!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time.
To the Ensign family. Sorry to hear Russ has passed. I only met him once up on Swite Mtn while he was putting out salt blocks – he was right in his element out there doing what he clearly loved to do. He will certainly be missed.