Obituary of DERTELL – Russell E.

March 3, 1921 – September 24, 2009 It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the very sudden passing of Russ on September 24, 2009, at the Foothills Hospital ICU, surrounded by his family. Russ is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ida-Mae; daughters Michelle and Debbie (Garry Townsend); three beloved grandchildren Whitney (Steve Colborne), Tyler, Ashley (David Nuell) and his great grandson Anderson Pierce Nuell. He is also survived by his brother Allen Dertell of Qualicum Beach, BC. Russ was born in 1921 in Elstow, SK and raised in Star City, Saskatchewan. He was a Flying Officer for the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943-45. He was an All Star Professional hockey player, playing first for the Air Force team and eventually the Calgary Stampeders Hockey Club. Russ was goalie for the 1946 Allan Cup winning Calgary Stampeders team and was the last surviving member of that team. He spent many years in the Oil Business in Calgary, and was well respected in the business community, retiring as President of General American Oils / Phillips Petroleum in 1985. Russ was a kind caring person, a role model and hero to his family and friends, considered by many to be one of the most honest people on earth….he was a first class guy….a real gentleman! He was a special and much loved husband, father and grandfather and his family was one of the joys of his life. He and Ida-Mae enjoyed many winters in Palm Springs, California and enjoyed their group of friends there as well as their association with Cathedral Canyon Country Club. He was also a member of The Glencoe Club, The Earl Grey Golf Course and the Calgary Golf & Country Club and was still very active and passionate about his golf. Still playing three rounds a week he enjoyed a wonderful association with his group of playing partners at both clubs – playing his last round at the Earl Grey just last week. At 88 years of age he was still a regular at the Glencoe Fitness Centre and up until his passing was working out faithfully three times a week. A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the incredible and compassionate staff at the Rockyview Emergency and the Foothills Hospital ICU. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Russell Dertell, 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.