FAIRHURST, William “Russ”

FAIRHURST WILLIAM “RUSS” RUSSELL FAIRHURST, of Coaldale, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the age of 94 years.
He is lovingly remembered by his brother, Douglas Fairhurst; his nieces Barb (Ken (d.)) Herfst, Faye (Don (d.)) Hamilton; nephews David Elliott, Craig Fairhurst, Kevin (Linda) Fairhurst, Wayne (Gayle) Foxall, Don (Cindy) Foxall, Doug(d.) Judy Foxall, and their families.
He will be deeply missed by his close friend and caregiver, Eietsu Chiba, who made strawberry milkshakes daily and homemade juice from his garden tomatoes especially for Russ.
He is predeceased by his parents, Lyle and Flora Fairhurst; brother Lyle (Grace) Fairhurst; sisters Thelma (Jack) Elliott, Faye Oshiro (Earl Foxall, after his passing, Dr. Jim Oshiro).
He was proud to be part of the Coaldale community, having grown up in the Coaldale Hotel, which was a central hub for the activities in Coaldale. He received the Town of Coaldale Appreciation Award from 1979 – 1981.
Russ worked at the Canada Trust Company in Lethbridge and retired at the age of 45 years, after spending 20 years in estate and trust administration.
He was a founding member of the Coaldale Little Theatre, performing from 1953-1975 and winning many awards. He volunteered at the Lethbridge Handicapped Riding Association and received the Volunteer of the Year award in 1986.
Russ loved to compete no matter what the game and participated in active sports and board games. His favourite teams were the Toronto Blue Jays and the Montreal Canadians. He was passionate about music and theatre, playing the piano, painting from memory, playing crib and travel. He loved to go on cruises and travel with his family and friends to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska. Flying to see his brother Doug in West Vancouver was his favourite holiday and Doug visiting in return.
His simple retirement pleasure was taking a drive to Henderson Lake, having a box lunch or ice cream, and spending this precious time with his mom, sister and friend Chiba.
Russ was a kind-hearted loving man who liked a little humorous mischief. His memory was sharp and his knowledge was extensive. He was genuinely interested in the wellbeing of others and was a natural caregiver himself. He loved a good visit and was blessed with lifelong friendships and acquaintances from different areas of his life who he treasured. Russ will be missed by all who knew him.
At Russell’s request, there will not be a funeral. Cremation has been entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com