Obituary of Russell Procychyn

July 31, 1926 - Ethelbert, Manitoba

October 2, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Russell Procychyn announce his passing on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the age of 98 years young. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He passed away peacefully in the South Health Campus Hospital in Calgary, AB.

Russ was born in Ethelbert, MB, but moved to Porcupine Plain, SK, when he was young.

He attended school until grade nine and began farming with his father afterward. Russ also worked odd jobs for Mr. Harry Wong and regaled many stories about his time with Harry. Several years later after his father had passed, Russ decided to try pipelining.

Having met and married Gerry already in 1957, they travelled across Canada with Russ' work. In 1960 Raven was born, followed by her brother Drew in 1962. The family finally settled in Leduc, AB, and built their family home. Russ was away often because of work while Gerry looked after the kids and their home. He loved to watch his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play ringette and hockey.

Russ and Gerry loved to play cards and enjoyed entertaining their friends at parties. In 1985, they joined the Happy Homesteaders Square Dancing Club and danced for many years after. Every year Russ took pride in growing a big, beautiful garden in the backyard of their home in Leduc.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gerry, his daughter Raven Anaka (Mark Fairley) and son Drew (Terry) Procychyn, grandchildren, Candice (Chris) Speager, Jayden Procychyn, Michelle Bachand, and Danielle Procychyn; and great-grandchildren, Dayton McGrath, Jeremy Speager, Ruslan Speager, and RaeAnna Bachand.

He is also survived by his sister Dorothy Curtis and brother Steve Procychyn.

Russ was predeceased by his parents, Steve and Telka Procychyn, and his brothers, Walter and Robert.

There will be a Celebration of Russ’ Life held in Calgary at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the S.T.A.R.S. Air Ambulance (1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, AB, T2E 8M7), www.stars.ca/get-involved/ways-to-donate/, or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Russ’ family here.

In living memory of Russell Procychyn, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.