Timothy Ansley Russill

Tim passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 quietly at the Regina Pasqua Hospital with his family at his side, at the age of 62 years. Tim was predeceased by his parents Jack and Eileen Russill. He is survived by his wife Shelley of 32 years; his 4 children and 8 grandkids Stacey (Shayne, Koen, Avah) Hansvall-Felske, Chelsey (Eddie) Brown, Taylor (Nat, Payton, Leah, Elora, Dom) Russill, Candice (Cody, Cooper, Callie) Hoffman; his sisters Elaine (Ken) Stakiw, Joan (Bruce) Barlow, Pat (Ken) Weisgerber, and Connie (Barry) Freed; and his brother David Russill. He will be hugely missed by his grandkids and many nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends.

Tim was born in Calgary, AB on September 16, 1957. At an early age the family planted roots in Swift Current, SK where he attended elementary and high school. He went on to begin a career with TD Bank taking him to Stenan, SK. He later returned to Swift Current to work alongside his Mom and Dad at their family owned Real Estate Company Swift Agencies, where he worked hard to obtain his Commercial Residential Certified Appraiser Certification. Tim enjoyed many years working in this industry. He made many good friends along the way and often at times was able to have his “assistants” (his 4 children) help him; whether it be in the office, operating that special measuring tape, the retro polaroid or the cool updated digital camera. We will never forget how happy he was when he finally got a cell phone.

Tim became a member of the Swift Current Kinsmen Club. He was dedicated to the business side of the monthly meetings, conventions and conferences, yet loved all the fun that came along with the work.  After many dedicated years of service, the Club recognized Tim “Bones” as many knew him with the Life Membership Award.

Tim met Shelley (Piechotta) in 1985 and they married on his 30th birthday, September 16, 1987. They celebrated this special day together for 32 beautiful years! Tim’s love was his 4 kids and 8 grandkids. In the early years when the kids were young, he spent countless hours at the kitchen table explaining math, the solar system and school projects; not to mention all the recitals and band concerts, as well as watching many sports and activities - he was their biggest fan. Tim was always interested to hear what was going on in their lives and was there to give guidance whenever needed and always encouraged them to do their best. In 2008, Tim was blessed with first two granddaughters, Avah Ray and his “birthday-twin”, Payton Anne. He was so excited to become a grandpa and Payton has always thought it was cool to share the same birthday with him. As more grandkids arrived, these special traits of his carried on; whether it be teaching the young ones about “chip breaks” or spelling words. He was always cheering them on and attended many activities that his grandkids were involved in.   

With Tim being retired, he and Shelley relocated to Regina, SK in 2012. Shelley joined Tim in retirement in 2016. Tim loved the outdoors. He was a true Montreal Canadiens fan (all around sports fan), but above all he loved being with his family and friends.

Tim was an avid camper. He always looked forward to the Kinsmen camp-out and the many Russill family camping trips each summer. As a family they often travelled to Besant for weekend camping and spent many Russill family reunions and holidays at Blackstrap. If you know Tim, then you knew when the family leaves to camp, most times the rain clouds weren’t far behind. Rain or shine…or snow, Tim made the most out of every camping trip (even the weather couldn’t defeat him). His love for camping has been carried on in his children. Tim also had a passion for history and to travel; he was able to travel with Shelley numerous times to the UK to visit their daughter Chelsey (Eddie). He appreciated the history and the old architecture of the many buildings and castles that they saw on their journeys. He loved the excitement of planning the trips and he enjoyed the scenic train and bus rides. He even mastered the “tube” (underground subway).  He would always ask Chelsey ahead of time if she had informed the Queen that he was coming for tea. This past August, Tim and Shelley travelled to the UK and were accompanied by their granddaughter, Avah Ray. Tim was fortunate to have shared this special trip with his granddaughter as he enjoyed sharing the history and adventure with her by his side. There are many pictures for her to cherish of her time with G’pa and the many funny crazy jokes that they shared.

Tim became unwell in February and was admitted to the Regina Pasqua Hospital on June 30, 2020 where many dedicated doctors and nurses worked with him to find a treatment for an undiagnosed neuromuscular disorder. Tim was determined to rise above this and truly fought hard. The struggle was just too great for this strong man and it is with heavy hearts that we had to see him go, but we find strength as a family in knowing that it was on his terms.

On July 29, 2020 we said “so-long” to a great husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, grandpa and friend.