Obituary of SKERRETT – Russell Cain

September 1, 1927 – April 15, 2011 Russell Skerrett passed away Friday, April 15, 2011 at the age of 83 years, surrounded by his loving family. Russell leaves behind the love of his life, Delores, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage; his son Duane and wife Lori; son Russell; son Robert and wife Myra; daughter Jean, and his grandchildren Carter, Kristi, Kelly and Benjamin, and great granddaughter Madeleine, daughter of Carter and wife Sarena. Russell was born in Chicago, Illinois, son of Evelyn and Russell Skerrett, and had one sister, Jeanne. During high school Russell was actively involved in sports and was a track and field star, setting several school records. At the age of 17 after graduating from high school, Russell enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served for four years before attending Duke University in North Carolina. After graduating with a BA in Geology, Russell started working near Bottineau, North Dakota where he met Delores. After traveling for a number of years with his work, Russell and Delores settled in Calgary where they raised their four children. Russell enjoyed the outdoors and took his family on many camping adventures over the years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as building bird houses. In recent years, Russell and Delores spent much of their time on the family farm in Bottineau. Russell loved the farm and spent long hours restoring the homestead, planting hundreds of trees, building fences, and establishing a well for running water in hopes of one day grazing bison on the land. Russell was very loved by his family and will be deeply missed. Under the wide and starry sky, Dig the grave and let me lie. Glad did I live and gladly die, And I laid me down with a will. This be the verse you grave for me: Here he lies where he longed to be; Home is the sailor, home from sea, And the hunter home from the hill. ~ by Robert Louis Stevenson At Russell’s request, there will be no service. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alberta Conservation Association. In living memory of Russell Skerrett, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200