Obituary of Hon. Dave Russell

July 29, 1931 - Calgary, Alberta

August 17, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Hon. David Russell, B. Arch, M. Arch, FRAIC, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

Dave was the son and only child of Mary and David Russell. He was born in Calgary, had his early education here and attended Crescent Heights High School. He attended the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he achieved a master’s degree in architecture. In his own words, in his 92 years, “I’ve had a wonderful life”. 

Following two terms as a Calgary Alderman he was elected as an MLA in 1967, joining Peter Lougheed in a band of six, which formed the Official Opposition. By 1971, the group had expanded to ten and in that year’s election they formed Government. Dave was the last of that group of ten.

He served until 1989, holding various cabinet positions with distinction, exhibiting his usual capability and competence. In his last term he was the Deputy Premier. 

Modest to a fault, he did whatever he did with quiet dignity, competence, and determination to do what was right. As an Alderman, he voted against the relocation of the CPR tracks to the bank of the Bow River to the West end of Downtown, which cost him his job with the Architectural firm which employed him. Think of him when you enjoy the East Village and the South Bank of the Bow.

In his retirement he developed his talent as an artist, travelled extensively, spent winters in Arizona and California, and enjoyed the company of close friends of whom there were many. 

Thanks are given to Amica Britannia for the care he received in his years of residing there.

At Dave's request, there will be no funeral. A gathering of friends will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Dave’s family here.

In living memory of Dave Russell, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.