RUSSEL GORDON JOHNSON LOVEJOY

LOVEJOY, RUSSEL GORDON JOHNSON was born in Winnipeg on March 16, 1927 and passed away in Medicine Hat Alberta on the 27th day of December, 2024, at the age of 97. Russ spelled his name with two “L’s” despite his birth certificate showing only one.
Russ was predeceased by second wife, Nancy (Washer/Smith) in March, 2023 and his first wife, Glenna Ruth (Sargent) in October, 2001.
Predeceased by his parents Cyril Leslie (1966) and Doris (nee Johnson) Lovejoy in 1970, his brother Doug (Betty) and sisters Doris Hadley (Ernie), Bernice Darragh (Lloyd), Thelma Byron (Buzz), Leslie Fraser (Lloyd) and Joan Spencer. Russell is survived by one sister, Sheila (Joe) Klish of Winnipeg.
Russ worked many jobs within the CN/CP telecommunications company traveling throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon and BC, and had many stories about his route along the Alaska Highway. In the 40+ years he worked for CNCP, starting as an errand boy, he moved through the ranks to be operations manager prior to retirement in 1985. Russ married Glenna Ruth Sargent on October 4, 1952 and they raised one son, Stephen.
Russ enjoyed traveling for work, but wound up back in Winnipeg as Glenna preferred that. A huge Winnipeg Jets fan, avid fisherman, golfer, and walker who loved to garden and cook, he enjoyed his daily happy hour of Grant’s Blended Scotch Whiskey. Russ loved a good game of Scrabble, and rarely lost. He retired in 1985 while living on an acreage near Beausejour, Manitoba; moving from there to Morden, Manitoba where they lived for six years. Russ was active in St Thomas Anglican Church. From there Russell and Glenna moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta in the early 1990’s.
After Glenna’s passing, Russ met Nancy in June, 2002 and they married in May, 2003. They shared a love of dancing, golf and travel having taken three cruises, and several trips across Europe plus several visits to Cuba. They were very active members of the Hillcrest Church in Medicine Hat. He and Nancy spent much time out of doors walking the many trails around Medicine Hat, especially the coulees.
He leaves to cherish his memory one son; Stephen (Ruth). Russ will be deeply missed by his sister Sheila (Joe) Klish of Winnipeg as well as many friends and extended family members including Joyce and Gerry Purdy of Winnipeg and Richard and Norma Frost of Calgary, Alberta.
As requested, cremation has taken place. Interment will take place at Prairie View Cemetery, 5160 Gershaw Dr SW in Medicine Hat in the spring of 2025.
In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Medicine Hat SPCA.

PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2