Russel Edward Ward

Russel Edward Ward, aged 67 years of Mortlach, SK, passed away Saturday, January 12th, 2013.  Russ was born in Moose Jaw on March 27th, 1945 and attended school in Red School and Mortlach.  Growing up, Russ enjoyed his time in 4-H with both the beef and horse clubs.  After high school, Russ took a motor vehicle mechanical repair course at SIAST in Moose Jaw.  He married Bonnie Doig in 1965 and they resided in Moose Jaw where Russ worked at Firestone.  Russ transferred to Swift Current in 1968 where he worked his way up to Store Manager.  Russ’ passion has always been family and farming.  After farming on a part time basis, Russ and Bonnie purchased the Goettler farm in 1976.  At that time, Russ and his family moved back to Mortlach to farm with his father full time.  Later on, to his pleasure, Rod joined as the fourth generation on the family farm.  The three farmed together until Bob’s passing in 2006.  Russ remained active in farming with Rod until his passing.  Russ loved all sports but especially baseball and curling.  He enjoyed family curling bonspiels in Mortlach with Bonnie, Shelley and Rod.  Russ also loved playing cards with the family and going to bridge tournaments.  Later on, Russ enjoyed spending time with all his grandchildren.  Russ was very active in community affairs – Wheat Pool member, church warden, rink board member and community entertainment member.  He was predeceased by his father, Bob Ward; mother and father-in-law, Daisy and Archie Doig; brother-in-law, David Molde; sister-in-law, Myrna Doig and nephew, Bobby Ward.  Russ is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughter, Shelley (Barry) Willick and son, Rod (Chasta) Ward; grandchildren: Meagan, Kyle, Kennedy, Harper, Briar, Courtney (Clive) and Nathan; mother, Ethel Ward, siblings: Charlie (Betty) Ward, Dennis Ward and Helen Molde; brothers and sisters-in-law: Phyllis (Alvin) Wolf, Dan (Sheryl) Doig, Bev (Eugene) Cossette and Susan (Dale) Newsham; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and relatives.  The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 18th, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Father Dean Pinter will officiate and interment will take place at Mortlach Cemetery.  A Time of Visitation for Family and Friends will be held on Thursday, January 17th, 2013 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Russ’ name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 61B Ross St. W., Moose Jaw, SK S6H 2M2 or to the Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. of Canada (IBM), 200 8944 182 St , Edmonton, AB T5T 2E3.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Jeff Ofstie, Funeral Director. 693-4550.