We Remember
SIEMENS, Russell
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With deep sadness we announce the passing of Russell George Siemens on October 27, 2014 at the age of 62, after a valiant fight with cancer. Russell will be lovingly missed by his daughters Erin (Chris) Russell of Revelstoke and Carly (Erik) Schultz of Calgary, grandchildren Arwynn, Taylor, James, Nathanael and one soon to be born, his seester Sharon (Jim) Keenan of Maple Ridge and brudder George (Donna) Siemens of Fort McMurray, nieces and nephews, and best friend Eva Wong. After growing up on the coast and then moving to Calgary, Russell’s many adventures included hitchhiking across Canada where he made lifelong friends. For the next 28 years Russell’s home was Vernon, BC. He enjoyed his life as a hard-working mechanic at Nissan, and was a proud father to the family of girls that he raised so well – teaching them by example, to his very last breath, about how to live with kindness, optimism, courage, and gratitude. For the past 11 years he lived his dream lifestyle as the owner of Sky Blue Waters Resort on Shuswap Lake. There will be a public Celebration of Life at Sunnybrae Hall (3595 Sunnybrae Canoe-Point Road, Tappen, BC) on Saturday November 1st from 1:00-3:00pm. If you have any photos or stories to share please bring them for his memorial book. 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
Saturday November 1st from 1:00-3:00pm
Location
Sunnybrae Hall
My sweet Daddy. My hero. My buckaroo. This obituary is not something I ever wanted to have to write, but since we all have to die, better to do so after a life like yours. “I had a fun one,” you said. I am so proud of you. Your bravery leaves me in awe. I hope you know we never left your side. I will choose to smile with you, instead of cry, at every beautiful memory. You gave me so much to miss. I pray you are now in perfect peace, in Heaven with Jesus and your own Dad… knowing fullness of joy. I love you Dad.
Russell – it’s so hard to say good bye to someone so dear, who has been by my side for as long as I can remember! My earliest memories are being told to hold my brothers hand – I held your hand as long as I could – and when I had to let go – you took a piece of my heart with you! Love always from yours ‘favourite seester’ XO
This made me cry… what a gorgeous encapsulation of your life as his big sister ♡
Love you. And he loved you so…
To my friend Russell.. you will always be in my heart and thoughts. Your bare feet all summer long, listening to music, doing yard work and always happy. You always had time to help other people and never asked anything in return. Your girls and their families were special to you and always made you happy. You were a loving and caring person and will be missed by all that knew you. It is now your time to rest in God’s hands and hurt no more. Memories will get us through
love Debbie
Thanks Debbie, for the beautiful words about the man we all love so much.
Erin, Carly and Amy,
We have lived, and loved, our summers at Sky Blue for many years now. Russell was always taking care of us first and never complaining of his own aches and pains. I will always remember coming off the water a couple of years ago when a squall hit and seeing my wife (Diane) hanging off one side of our awning and Russell on the otherside trying to hold it down. Both of them drenched and laughing, a memory I’ll always cherish. He was a great pleasure to deal with, both Diane and I send our thoughts and best wishes. He will be missed…
Thank you Rob for your kind words and for sharing that memory. I got to hear Dad tell that story on a few occasions and he still laughed every time 🙂 It’s wonderful to be reminded of the many full and happy days he enjoyed.
I remember working with Russell and he was always smiling and laughing with a wry sense of humor. RIP.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEkIou3WFnM
Carly I sent you a You Tube video by James Taylor. If you have time please play it for me. Thanks.
I will always remember my cousin, Russ as the kindest most gentle spirited man I’ve ever known. We often had long talks on the phone and we’d catch up on all the news. He always was so positive and so grateful for his daughters, their husbands and all of his grandchildren. His voice would lighten whenever he talked about his family. He was so proud of you.
Russ loved what he was doing everyday and would even find something humorous to say about the not so good days.Russ lived his life with gratitude, love and a sense of humour.
He will be missed by all that knew him.
I am so sorry for your loss.
You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Cherle Siemens Chefero
George and Donna…so very sorry to hear of your brudder’s passing, George, he was still a young man! I know exactly where the Sky Blue Waters Resort is, I’m from just up the road in White Lake from 1952-64 My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Al’s and my sympathy……
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Your Insurance Agent
Happy Trails to one of the Good Guys!
You will be missed. Rest in Peace, Russell.