My sincere condolences on the loss of Rollie and my apologies for being so late. Our families have been connected through our fathers who worked together many years ago. Rolland was so kind as to stop and visit our father every time he came to the Crowsnest Pass. He would take him up to the mine as he did business and then they would go for dinner and catch up on all his many adventures. I remember losing a watch as a young child and crying away, but Rolland came to town that day and bought me a new one, that was my special memory of him. A kind man – a big loss to all who knew him.

Pat Rypien

My sincere condolences to all of the Russell family on the loss of your father. He was a wonderful man. Over the years we have thought of Rollie Elsie and Charlie often. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and may all your wonderful memories sustain you now and always.

Sincerely Gloria

While searching his web site for equipment, it is with great sadness that we discovered the passing of Roland, it was a very surprising and unexpected find. Roland was very knowledgeable and always willing to provide his knowledge and expertise any time we contacted him, either in purchasing equipment or searching information on equipment. He will surely be missed.

Leonard and Beverley Warfield

Forbes and Nellie Adams

Gerald and Arlene Adams

Dear Carollyne

So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Pat

We will miss seeing Rollie at the Flames games. We always looked over and received a wave and a big smile. We will miss him.

The “Great Man” is a theory that aims to explain history by the impact of “great men”; highly influential individuals who, due to their personal charisma, intelligence and wisdom used power in a way that had a decisive historical impact.

Rolland was such a man. There is no question of Rollie’s impact on our industry but perhaps more importantly was his impact on the people he met, the lives he touched. We are better for having known him. He will be missed.

Brian and Pat Morsky

Gloria Morsky

Morsky Construction Ltd.

Regina, Saskatchewan

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to all the family, friends and employees of Roland Russell.

Whether our relationship changed from his being a competitor, employer or a vendor, Rollie was always a good friend. I met Rollie back in the 80’s, when we were competitors. He once said, “Win some. Lose some. It’s still fun.” Over the years we shared a few drinks, but a lot of good conversations. I never knew when the phone would ring with Rollie on the other end just wanting to catch up on any news. I last saw him in May of this year at an auction in Las Vegas, Nevada. While I was bidding on some conveyors he came up and hugged me. He said, “I hope you sleep well tonight, young man, after stealing this equipment.” What was funny is that I’m almost 64 years old but to Rollie we were always young. It was a great attitude. We will miss this man dearly. Godspeed.

I’m very sad to hear that Roland is not with us anymore. It’s been a pleasure working for him. He will be remembered as a very kind, friendly and genuine man.

He will be missed. My condolences to Roland’s family.

Roland always had such a positive attitude about business & life even when times were tough.

I always enjoyed my dealings with him.

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Roland Russell and all his employees at Elrus Aggregate Systems.

Since the start of Calgary Aggregate Recycling Ltd, we were always told of the good quality, strength and backing Elrus Equipment had. From the time we first met and purchased our jaw, we felt we had a solid start. Rolly treated the largest and smallest companies the same. We found this out one winter when we were working at Edmonton and broke our pitman. We had to bring the jaw and chassey to Elrus and it was 11.30pm. I (Vete) was met by my late father, Doyle and Rolly as well. After discussing what caused it, Rolly’s night foreman told us that he or the day shift would not be able to start repairs for most likely 2 days or a day and a half if lucky. Rolly knew we needed it so badly and hopefully up and running by then. He rubbed his chin and told his foreman to do what it takes to have the jaw fixed and running in two days.

That night, leaving Elrus made a person feel heavy knowing that repairs would cost high but Rolly assured us that the jaw will be up and running in two days. Indeed, two days later we were pulling the finished jaw out. Rolly shook my hand (Vete) and said that the bill wouldn’t be that bad.

Since that time, we have grown and watched Elrus grow too. Rolly would always try, take the time and make sure that your needs are met. He was always proud and believed in his staff and would say, ” Let me take you to who I think you need to talk to.”

I know he will be missed especially by his staff who were trained by him.

Roland is a true innovator in the crushing equipment industry and a true man of integrity.

Everyone here at Calgary Aggregate Recycling, we will miss him greatly.

And to the bereaved family, our prayer is for you to be comforted in this time of mourning.

My condolences to Roland’s Family and the Staff at Elrus. Even though not a direct employee of Elrus, I have been treated that way since the first day I met Roland. His open friendliness, kindness and knowledge has had a great impact on myself and my work. He has definately left behind a very large footprint………

It is a very heavy heart that I express my sincere sadness on the passing of Roland. I will always feel honoured that Roland accepted me into his business life. Roland was a true inspiration and a great role model for many of us. I will always cherish the advice of wisdom sprinkled with his wit and sense of humour. We are all better people to have been lucky enough to have known him

We offer our deepest condolences to all the family & friends of Rolland as well to the staff of Elrus. For nearly 50 years we were blessed to deal with Mr. Russell. God bless.

Herb & Allan Corbett

We are very saddened to hear of your loss and we will miss Rolland’s honesty and his down – to – earth personality. We have dealt with Roland for many many years and truly feel that the world has lost a great man.

Rick Ponomar, Carl Claassen,Paul Ponomar

On behalf of Jim Gilman Excavating, Inc. and staff we greatly appreciated all you have done for us and you are very great to work with. We are going to miss you deeply. Jim & Chloe very much appreciated the hockey game and hospitality you showed us while in Canada.

Our deepest sympathy,

Jim & Chloe Gilman

Butte, MT

Dear Sharlene and Family,

This is a really sad day when I received the bad news from Howard Chan about Roland. I wish to express my sincere condolences to you and your family.

I’ve known Roland during his visits to Singapore sometime 15 years ago. We also met almost every two years each time when I used to visit Calgary. It is a great lose of a good man in our world industries.

I know it is difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, but looking back in memory may help comfort you tomorrow.

May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.

My deepest sympathy,

KL Lim

Swanmet (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Singapore

my deepest condolences to the family &amp ;employees of elruss equipment Rolland to say the least he was a class act he was a friend & a great source of information to all the industry he will be rememberd as a great man Dan Bielaski past manager Custom Concrete Northern

I had the pleasure of being one of Rolands legal advisors for many years. He was a class act all the way. I always enjoyed seeing and talking with Roland.We always got business out of the way and then spent time talking about life, politics and family. He was one of the most genuine and caring people I have ever met. I am saddened by his passing and know what a loss this is to your family. My condolences.

We are very sorry to hear of your loss. At this time, words are not enough to console you in your loss. Rolland was a great man. We are glad that we had the opportunity to know him over the past few years.

Stephen & Julie,

Rick & Brenda

Dear Family and Staff

It was with great sadness and shock when we heard of the passing of Roland.

My wife Marilyn and I have many fond memories of times spent with Roland, at conventions, trade shows, my visits to Calgary or when Roland dropped by when he was in or passing through Saskatoon. Dining, having a drink, picking his brain for all that knowledge he had or just B.S.ing, the memories will last for a long time (Roland & Marilyn have the same birthday)

He can only be described as one of a kind, an Icon to the industry, a gentleman, a listener, confidant, caring, proud of his family, always respectful and respected.

This is a great loss to all those who knew him.

Our prayers and thought are with you.

Malcolm, Marilyn Leggett and Staff at NSC Minerals

It is with great sadness that we heard about the death of Roland. He was an icon, a visionary, and a wonderful person. He will be missed by all he touched.

Brian Appleby, Derek Learning, Allan Irving, Ian Crowe

Aggregate Equipment.

My condolences on the death of Rollie. I wish I had words that could make it easier, the world is a lesser place without Rollie.

Ali Ghabboush

Elrus

Rolly will be missed by all that knew him. I enjoyed visiting with him at the Hockey games, I remember always seeing him there with a smile on his face and enjoying a beer.

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Roland. After dealing with Roland over the last 20 years in this business, he was certainly a gentleman and a pleasure to have known. He will be sadly missed.

With our deepest sympathy,

The staff of ROSTA Inc.

Steve Doodchenko

Managing Director

I will miss Roland (Rolly). I always felt at home at Elrus (ElRuss). It was invigorating to work with him and the staff on the creation of the Max Load Weigh System. Although it had a small customer base, Rolly in true ‘Pit Boss’ fashion, sunk his teeth into the project which we put to work with relatively few hiccups.

May he Rest In Peace and enjoy the company of his fellow gravel men who passed before him.

On behalf of staff, management and their families we would express our sorrow for your loss.

Delta Rock and Sand Ltd.

Westland Concrete

We are very sorry to hear about Roland. We will hold you in our collective prayers. He truly was a vibrant spirit.

What can I say about a GREAT man that has not already been said. He will always be in my memory as a GREAT friend. My condolences to all his family

Roland was a true inspiration. A wonderful man with a sharp mind and a contagious smile. It was an honour to work with him and learn from his positiveness and good humour. He will be missed.

“He kept at true good humor’s mark

The social flow of pleasure’s tide:

He never made a brow look dark,

Nor caused a tear, but when he died.”

Thomas Love Peacock