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William (Bill Russell

June 7, 2014

William (Bill) Russell

February 5, 1924 ~ June 7, 2014


William (Bill) Russell passed away, after a lengthy illness, on June 7, 2014 at the age of 90 years.


Bill was born to parents Jessie and Thomas Russell on February 5, 1924 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He received his education at the University of Edinburgh.

Bill met and married Frances Mary (Molly) Bentley after only six months of courting; they were married on St. Patrick’s Day, a Scotsman marrying an English woman in St. Melons Church, Wales. U.K. Represented.


Bill served in the British Army from 1943-1947 in Europe. After this, he became a colliery manager and was sent to India from 1951 – 1955. When he returned to Scotland, he continued as a colliery manager for three different mines. In November 1965, he emigrated to Canada and accepted a position with Cominco in Kimberley, BC – Sullivan Mine. He achieved high acclaim for his development with explosives, making them safer to work with. In 1985, Bill retired and they moved to Kaslo briefly and then settled in Creston, BC – the one place he could call home.


Bill was a good golfer - he wished he’d taken the sport up earlier! He was also an excellent bridge player and really enjoyed fishing on St. Mary’s River.

Bill had a soft spot for animals and always had pets around. He really loved his cat and dog and contributed to BCSPCA his whole time in Canada.


Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife of seventy years, Molly; three daughters, Patricia Audet of Winfield, BC, Carole Cleverly of Cranbrook, BC, and Linda Russell of Nelson, BC; grandson David Sprecker of Kelowna, BC and great-granddaughter Breanna of Kelowna, BC.

Any friends wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to BC SPCA - 1245 East 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5T 1R1.