January 9, 1949 - September 13, 2018
It is with great sadness the family of Russell Holtby announces his passing.
He will be mourned and lovingly remembered by his wife, Vivian and children, Kandyce (Shannon) Stephan, Shandyn (Richard) Turgeon, Kristien (Colleen) Holtby, Justin Kobeluck (Shaina Simand), Ashlee (Mac) Geddes, Vincent Monaghan, Greg Foureyes (Meagan Miller), Justin Roan and Michelle Pary.
'Papa' will be so missed by his grandchildren, Joshua and great-grandson, William, Myles, Rachel, Olivia, Isabel, Paige, Brandt, Treyson, Jayden, Jackson, Owen, Emmett, Aiden, Emma, Kadence, Rylee, Hailey, Tristan and Kristen. He is predeceased by his beloved son, Theo Foureyes.
Russell was born in Vancouver and came to Alberta in 1963. He and Vivian married in 1970 and after brief times in Whitehorse YK and Leduc, they settled west of Millet. He worked for 25 years as an Air Traffic Controller, mainly at the Edmonton International Airport.
When he retired he had the opportunity to retrain and studied woodworking at NAIT. He truly enjoyed creating and could always be counted on to tackle projects for family or lend a hand or tool to anyone who asked.
Russell had a passion for the outdoors, he loved fishing, camping trips, quadding, and enjoyed the many hours spent riding his Grasshopper lawnmower.
He also had a keen interest in classic cars and enjoyed attending car auctions and shows (even bought a few!) In recent years he spent some time enjoying his cigars and keeping updated on all the news he liked to watch.
Russell and Vivian travelled extensively across Canada and visited 46 of the United States by car and on their trike motorcycle. They often travelled with other fellow trike enthusiasts. They had many adventures, detours and culinary experiences by just "Seeing where the road would take them."
Russell will be remembered most for his selfless dedication to his family. He could always be counted on for giving advice and guidance or telling you to 'smarten up' if that's what you needed to hear. He had a quiet unassuming way of giving whatever was needed, a few, a ride, listening, babysitting, picking up grandkids, reading a storybook, giving a cuddle or cooking up an awesome omelette if you stopped by in the morning.
His favourite times were spent with his grandchildren, being silly, teasing and staying connected as they grew. In addition to the love he gave to his own children and grandchildren he touched the lives of the many foster children he and Vivian welcomed into their home during their 25 years as foster parents.
We were not ready to say goodbye but are comforted by knowing you are at peace and watching over all of us. We hold you in our hearts.
A Memorial Service with family was held on September 20, 2018 at Serenity Funeral Home in Wetaskiwin.
SERENITY FUNERAL SERVICE