Russell Vernon BrowellMarch 19, 1929 ~ February 25, 2015Russ passed away peacefully at Kootenay Lake Hospital on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 after a brief illness.Russ was born and raised in Canyon, BC. He began his career as a heavy equipment operator for the Department of Highways in 1947. He met his wife Barb in Watrous, Saskatchewan in 1955 and after their second meeting in 1956 they snuck away and eloped at the "Hitching Post" in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and embarked on 56 years of a loving marriage. Russ was an avid hunter for many years and was a member of the Creston Revolver Club. Russ and Barb were involved in square dancing for over 25 years in both Creston and Nelson. Camping was also a regular summer activity at both Kootenay Lake and "The Pend d'Oreille" near Sandpoint, Idaho. In 1972, Russ and his family moved to Nelson for him to become a low bed truck driver. After the kids were old enough Barb always enjoyed going with Russ on many trips all around the province and got to be known as Russ's co-pilot. Someone even made a step to help Barb get up into the "Big Rig". He resided here for the remainder of his life.Russ was predeceased by his wife Barbara; father LeRoy; mother Maude; brothers and sisters Helen, June, Budd, Earl, Leona, Guy, twin sister Betty, and niece Lavonne.He leaves behind his sister Sharon Knoll; daughter Lori Bagshaw; grandchildren Kirstie (Jeremy) and Lindsey (Murray) Plante; great-grandchildren Mackenzie and Brady; sons Ross Browell and Ty (Tonia) Browell; grandchildren Cody and Kale; and several nieces and nephews.You could always see Russ at the mall having coffee, laughing with his buddies. He did security for many years for the Nelson Maple Leafs hockey team and was a regular blood donor for almost 40 years.The family would like to thank Dr. Noiles who goes above and beyond, the ambulance and emergency room staff and the many nurses that cared for him.Cremation has taken place and at Russ' request there will be no service. However the family is planning to hold a tea in April to celebrate the lives of both Russ and Barb Browell.Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Service Ltd. Thank you Megan for all your compassion. Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca
