DODD, Russell Francis
September 11, 1945 - February 15, 2016
Russell Dodd of Sexsmith passed away on Monday, February 15, 2016, at the age of 70 years, due to complications of a congenital heart defect (cc-TGA). Russell was born in Drumheller on September 11, 1945. He grew up on the family farm near Delia where he attended the local country school, Majestic School, until Grade 8, then Delia High School until Grade 12. After he finished school, the family moved up north to Mercer Hill area near Clairmont in April of 1964. He purchased a farm near his parent’s farm which he sold in 1975 when he married his wife, Mary. Russell and Mary settled in the town of Sexsmith where they raised their family and resided until their passing. Russell worked for D & B and Early Bird Building Supplies until he started working for the City of Grande Prairie in 1980, where he worked until his retirement. When he was young, he enjoyed being a 4-H Leader and square dancing where he met his wife. He spent his spare time building and fixing anything and everything whether it involved the house, yard or vehicle. Upon retirement, Russell and Mary enjoyed many vacations with friends and family. Russell took every opportunity to stop in and visit friends and family throughout Alberta. After Mary’s passing, Russell enjoyed the company of his daughter Elizabeth and their adventures. Their last big adventure was to Iceland, the Scandinavian countries, and Greenland where “big red” had to save them by breaking a path in the ice jam so the little boat they were stranded on could reach the shore. Russell will be forever cherished by his children: Trevor (Bernadette) of Stony Plain, Mark (Abril) of Calgary, and Elizabeth of Sexsmith; his siblings: Lorraine (Tom) Glendinning, Brian Dodd, and sister in-law Pat Dodd; his late wife’s siblings: Leon (Beth) MacKeage, Carol (Don) Dayton, Sharon Cazon, Robert MacKeage, and Audrey Jackson; her step-siblings Connie (Cliff) Otto and Ed (Sharon) May; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Mary; parents Alvin and Nora Dodd; brother Bernard Dodd; sister in-law Janet Dodd; father in-law and mother in-law Lee and Vera MacKeage; step-mother in-law Dora MacKeage; and sister and brother in-law Marlene and Arland Reil. The family would like to thank Dr. B.K. Norris for all his years caring for Russell, Dr. Dylan Taylor and nurse Pam Heggie of the Northern Alberta Adult Congenital Heart Clinic for their dedication and support over the years, Dr. B. Hudson, Dr. A. Barreth, FCSS Sexsmith Home Support Staff, Homecare Staff, and Points West Hospice Staff for their special care and support. A service to honour Russell’s life was held Saturday, February 20, 2016, at 1 pm, at Clairmont United Church. Interment followed at Emerson Trail Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Grande Prairie Hospice Palliative Care Society (Box 21215, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 6W7). Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com
