Gerald Martin Russin

Russin, Gerald Martin 
13 October 1929 – 06 November 2020

Gerry died in his sleep November 6 at the age of 91, after an increasingly difficult struggle with dementia.

Gerry was born in Ethelbert, Manitoba in 1929. His childhood years were spent in that region as his father was a rural school teacher. His family moved to Winnipeg so that he was able to attend University of Manitoba. Gerry spent his career as a geologist in the oil patch until his retirement in Calgary in 1989.  He met his wife Jane poolside at the Shell Oil compound while they were both working in Venezuela. They were married in Jane’s home country of England in 1959 and had their first daughter in Venezuela before returning to Canada. They settled in Calgary where they had 3 more daughters. Upon retirement they moved to White Rock BC to enjoy west coast living. Sadly he lost the love of his life far too early when Jane lost her battle with cancer. Gerry spent his final years in Vancouver and then Gibsons BC.

Gerry was a quiet and kind man who always put family first. He placed high priority on family vacations and day trips. He loved both the mountains and the ocean and enjoyed scenic drives.  He was an avid tennis player much of his life and was always up for a round of ping pong or crokinole with his grandchildren.

Gerry is survived by his 4 daughters and their families: Anna, Peter, Andrew and Jenny Diemer; Hilary and Michael Forge; Helen, John, Marissa and Chase Kittler; and Elizabeth, Adam and Joel Brownrigg.

He is predeceased by his loving wife of 40 years Jane, his first grandson Matthew and his sister Edith, who passed earlier this year.

A special thanks to the staff at Christenson Village in Gibsons, BC for their incredible caring and sensitivity over the last few years. 

Per Gerry’s wishes there will be no formal service and the immediate family will be celebrating his life when able to do so.

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