Obituary of RUSSELL – Roland James

June 23, 1935 – June 17, 2010 “I’m the fastest, he said, when I’m the one that gets to say go.” Husband, father, grandfather, brother, and hero left us Thursday June 17th, 2010 for the ultimate road trip. Roland James Russell was born June 23, 1935 on the family homestead near Ridgedale, SK, and made his mark on this world early. A self starter, an industry leader, a role model in every sense of the word, and a consummate entrepreneur. Rollie was a clear example of walking the walk. Roland made his presence felt early in life at the age of twenty seven, becoming General Manager of Pioneer Machinery, then western Canada’s largest equipment dealership. Seeing a need in the marketplace, in 1975 he founded his third and last company, ELRUS Aggregate Systems, specializing in the design and manufacturing of portable aggregate processing equipment. Many of his ideas were unique to the industry, and are standard to this day. Growing the company through good times and bad, always on the move, he built the company to where it is today, with over 150 employees, branches in four provinces, and production facilities in two. Roland was never down or low on energy. His willingness to take time out of his crazy busy schedule to spend quality time with his grandchildren will hold all four of them in good stead. He always said it was time well spent. Roland always had time to share a glass of good scotch, tip a glass of wine, or just visit and BS with his many long-standing friends, his loyal staff, customers, and suppliers. Rollie always made time for fun! His boundless energy finally ran out when his lungs and heart simply said enough. Roland left us with his feet running and it was full throttle ahead to his next adventure. His was a life lived fully and with gusto. A provider to many, an inspiration to all, our soft place to land, a kind word for everyone, Roland embodied acceptance and unconditional love. Those of us blessed to be part his plan are not only better people, but are inspired and motivated to emulate. He set the bar high, made his own rules, never compromising anyone or anything. A brave pioneer and visionary, he was one whose legacy will continue to provide inspiration to the many lives he has touched. Roland Russell is survived by his loving wife Sharlene; two beloved daughters, Carollyne Coulson (Lewkas) and Corae Russell (Scott); cherished grandchildren Micaela and Spencer Russell, Connors and Seann Coulson; first wife Corill; sister Rae Joseph; nephew Randie Joseph, and niece Dahrlyne Knaus. He will be deeply and forever missed by us all. “LET THE PIPES PLAY ON” Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Roland was a builder and not much of a flowers guy, so in lieu of this, his wish is that a donation be made in his name to Rosthern Junior College, in celebration of his grandson’s graduation this month. Please forward to: Box 5020, 410 6th Avenue, Rosthern, SK, S0K 3R0. Contact Ms. Gail Schellenburg at 306-232-4222 or www.rjc.ca n/profit #107915977. In living memory of Roland Russell, a tree will be planted at Big Hills Spring Provincial Park, Cochrane, AB by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.