RUSSELL
Mr. Leo Russell
June 07, 1947 – June 18, 2017
At the age of 70 years old
Born to Mr. & Mrs. Paul and Annette Russel at the Blood Indian Hospital – Passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Palliative Care in Lethbridge AB. surrounded by his Loving wife and children. It is with great sadness we have lost my Husband, Our Daddy, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Papa, and Cousin. Leo Russell (Akaisskonakatak). Leo loved his teenage sweetheart Stella and were married in Gods eyes for 50+ years. Together they had 6 children; Leon (Pearl), Floyd, adopted daughter Mary-Jo (Adrian), Leah (Brian), Sam(Tracy), Kerri (Adrian), 14 grandchildren, Shelby (whom they raised), Pre-deceased grandson Cobin (Tarasina), Naomi (Avery), Sasha, Earl, Shelby (Trey), Colten, Raven, Rogan, Jaimee, Leon Jr., Lexus, Baby Leo, and Kerzlyn, 5 great grandchildren; Bently, Sierra, Cobin Jr, Kateri (Iinaka) and Taezyn.
Leo was raised on the Blood Reserve; Standoff, Moses Lake, and Moccassin Flats. He attended St. Mary’s Indian Residential School and later transferred to St. Mary’s School in Calgary, AB. Leo instilled his hard working ethics at a very young age and passed it on to his children by leading through example, inspiration and encouragement. He worked in Yakima Washington, PFRA, Crestbrook Plywood Factory, Kainai Industries, he also worked for many farmers and ranchers. His love for sports and athletics included playing basketball for the St. Mary’s Warriors, Fastball for the Moses Lake Golden Hawks and he also took part as a short distance runner. In his later life he attended the Nechi Research and Health Promotions Institute in Edmonton, AB. where he gained his Addictions Counsellor Certification and began his employment with St. Paul’s Treatment Centre for 20+ years from 1985 to 2005 where he later retired to spend time with his beautiful family whom he was very devoted to.
Leo’s spiritual journey started out as being baptized as a Catholic, he then entered into the Horn Society with his spiritual partner Leo Day Chief and due to a previous illness in his later years he opened his heart to Jesus through Deliverance. He had a daily devotion to his Bible readings, prayer and rejoicing & praising with hymns. He also shared his faith and trust in The Lord with all he came in contact with and leading through example.
Leo was kind hearted, loving, humble, generous, and always had a place in his heart for all those who entered his home. Leo had a heart of gold, and loved unconditionally. He was a father figure to all those he took under his wing and offered his support where ever it was needed, always ensuring the safety and well being of others. He always took part in honouring and celebrating his loved one’s accomplishments, milestones, and special events. He also had a sense of humour; always teasing, laughing, joking and had a nickname for all his grandchildren, adopted children and special buddies. Throughout his marriage to Stella he always loved to go for long drives to Waterton, The States, Pincher Creek and Fort Macleod.
He is also survived by his siblings; Frances (Clara) Russell and Camille (Lucy) Russell, Josie Russell and Charlie Madl, Adeline Young Pine, Justin Young Pine, Genevieve Solway, Homer Young Pine, Adolph (Monica) Young Pine, Randy (Lucy) Young Pine and numereous nieces, nephews and relatives. Pre-deceased by; His grandson Cobin Young Pine, Parents Paul & Annette Russell, Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Good Rider, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Russell, Siblings; Willie, Mary, Guy, Sam & Laura, Nephew; Curtis and Great nephew; Kaisley. In-laws; Mr. & Mrs. Jim and Margaret Young Pine, Virginia, Mr.&Mrs. Max and Annabelle Big Throat, Mrs. Noella Young Pine, Brian Solway, Elroy Young Pine and Kelly Young Pine. Leo’s extended family include; Brewers, Mills, Good Riders, Spear Chiefs, Day Chiefs, Weasel Fats, Brown-Chief Calf, Red Crows, Bull Shoe’s, Vielle’s, Red Fox and Conolly.
The Family would also like to thank the staff at Lethbridge Regional Hospital and St. Michaels Palliative Care Staff for taking such good care of Leo. We, as the family, would like to apologize for any names missed or mentioned.
The Family Service will be at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Sunday, June 25th at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Wake Service at the Moses Lake Gym, Blood Reserve from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be at the Moses Lake Gym on Monday, June 26th at 1:00 p.m.
Interment in Blood Band Cemetery.
LEGACY FUNERAL HOMES LTD., CARDSTON Assisting the Family. Phone 403-653-3222.