Russell Andrew Strutt Obituary

b. May 14, 1947 d. April 11, 2015

Predeceased by his parents Emil and Anna (Susick) Strutt, sister Patricia Saunders (Larry), brothers-in-law Peter Ethier and Gary Bryan, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Russ is survived by his daughter Erin Cherban (Brent) (grandsons Clive and Winston) (Richmond BC) and son Joseph (Joe) Strutt (Toronto, ON); brothers Wally (Heather) (BC), Tony (Swan Lake, MB), and Don (Portage la Prairie, MB (Elaine of Saskatoon, SK)) and sisters Margaret Ethier (Portage la Prairie, MB), Rosemary Kwiatkowski (Tom) (Saanichton, BC), Connie McCorrister-Moravek (Karel) (Winnipeg, MB) and Gloria Bryan (Portage la Prairie, MB) and dear friend, travelling companion, and former partner of 18 years, Alberta Cole (Williamsburg, ON). He is also survived by an 2 aunts, an uncle, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Russ was born and attended school in Portage la Prairie MB. In his younger days, he played hockey, participated in Boy Scouts and Air Cadets. He then took training as a draftsman and went to work for MB Highways in Dauphin MB for a few years. He then moved to Riding Mountain National Park to work for Parks Canada and later in Waskesieu SK. He changed jobs to work for the Department of National Defence in Winnipeg, MB as a Construction Manager. He retired at 50 to pursue his dream of being a ‘snowbird’. Except for the period from July 2014 to April 11, 2015, summers were spent at his MacGregor, MB acreage and winters in Terlingua, Texas.

Russ’s heart gave out on him while staying on Bowen Island, BC, Canada. He was an easygoing man who enjoyed playing with his beloved grandsons, playing and singing his music wherever he went. He loved the outdoors - watching the hummingbirds at their feeder, feeding the squirrels off his deck, hiking in Big Bend National Park in Texas, playing golf and canoeing. Always willing to lend a hand in a myriad of home construction projects, driving family members to appointments, hosting family get-togethers (cooking up the "big-boy" breakfasts), repairing broken fences, managing properties, etc., he enjoyed a good joke and laughed heartily. His sage advice was always sought and heeded.

Cremation has taken place.

Family and friends are invited to offer their condolences, a word or two about ‘Life’ with Russ, wish him a Happy Birthday and enjoy a light lunch at a Celebration of Life/Memorial Service/Birthday Party which will take place on Saturday, May 16th, 2015 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the MacGregor Town & Country Golf Club, 225 Government Rd. N., MacGregor, MB.