David and I were cousins and enjoyed a very close friendship. I almost always knew where to find him and, if he didn't answer his phone, I knew how to track him down, sometimes searching hospitals when something went wrong, which happened a few times. He always referred to me as "the brat" when we were kids and he still called me that just a few weeks ago. It was a name I didn't like very much when we were kids but I cherished it as an older adult. My husband, Gary, and I were Dave's guests at the Stampede several years ago and it's a week we will never forget. Just recently, we were reminiscing over our childhood and we both agreed his Mom made the best cinnamon rolls and roast beef dinners. Dave and my sister, Vivian, were the same age and I am six years younger, so they were always trying to find ways to get rid of me so they could go hiking or whatever - we all got in a lot of trouble from our parents from the shenanigans they played. Dave was usually the instigator! Dave always said he had a wonderful life and that is certainly true. I loved him dearly and will miss him more than I can say. He was the best cousin ever! Evelyn McKinley in Florida. .

Dave did indeed have a wicked sense of humor, and a generous spirit. He was part of our family my entire life, having become fast friends with my father in architecture school. Never a dull moment when he was around! He teased my mom constantly and she reciprocated by ribbing him about his golf...which never ever improved, no matter how many golf vacations they went on. So sad not to see that mischievous smile of his anymore, but I'm glad he's now having Happy Hour somewhere with my folks... xoxo

Doreen Barrie

I met Dave when he spent a year at the University of Calgary. I was teaching Provincial Politics and invited him to share his experiences with my students. He did so providing them with an insider’s perspective on politics. He was one of the most genuine and unpretentious politicians I have met. I valued his endorsement on the cover of my book on Alberta and his friendship over the years. A painting he did in Arizona graced the cover of the Program of an academic conference in Phoenix, I helped organize.

Dave had a wicked sense of humour and enjoyed winding me up! I will miss it, and him.

Mr. R

I had the pleasure of working for My Friend, Mr R, for 13 wonderful years. I always have and will say that he was the best boss that anyone could ever have. He was a true gentleman, honest and a man of integrity. He called us the Fab 4 but he was the Fab 1. I will miss your sense of humor and our talks on our birthdays. You will be missed by your many friends but you will stay in my memory forever.

Rest in peace, Mr. R.

Lorna Hallam

My friendship with Dave began in a trigonometry class at Crescent Heights High School; a friendship that has endured to this day. In my last conversation with Dave he said, "They are weeding our row Jacquie. We are the last of the old turnips."

This 'old turnip' feels it was a privilege to have have had the Honorable David Russell as friend who could make me laugh no matter what the circumstances. Dave should be praised and honored for all he accomplished in his lifetime, but he should also be remembered as a remarkable human being, a real friend.

In recent years, Dave Russell was the next door neighbour of my mother-in-law at Amica Britannia. He was always cheerful and invariably well-informed on the news, especially about politics and public affairs everywhere.

He was always keen for a conversation, and especially for a visitor interested in public policy or art.

Our paths had crossed in earlier years, including when he was a neighbour of my parents in the 1960’s; but it was only in the last few years that I came to see what a decent and solid person Dave was and what he had contributed to our province.

Michael J. Tims

I had the honour of calling the Hon David Russell a dear friend and mentor for over 40 years. I met our MLA David through my husband and became a board member of Calgary Elbow PC Association. I had the privilege of getting to know him well as a friend , being his Campaign Manager for his last two election campaigns and terms as an MLA . He always held a significant portfolio as well as being Deputy Premier in his last term.

In his retirement we had great times visiting him in the winter in Fountain Hills, Arizona and admiring his artistic endeavours.

Deputy Dave as we all fondly called him was a true gentleman, a man of integrity and conviction and one who dedicated his life to his beloved Alberta and its citizens.

A truly remarkable man who made his mark and left a legacy in his service to Alberta.

He will be missed by his many friends. RIP.

I met David in the summer of 1967, when I went to work as Research Assistant for Peter Lougheed and the P.C. caucus, the newly elected Official Opposition. From 1971 - 1986 David and I were colleagues in caucus and then in Cabinet. I learned from David, I valued our friendship, and the people of Alberta were well and truly served by him. He was intelligent, thoughtful, conscientious, and of good humour.(occasionally self-deprecating humour and occasionally ego-piercing). Most important, David was a person of integrity, and he was committer to public service and the improvement of the common wealth. Many Albertans won't recognize his name so many years after his notable public service, but a lot of what is good in the province is the fruit of his work.

I had the privilege and honor to serve with Hon, Dave Russell from 1982 to 1986 as the MLA for Red Deer under Premier Lougheed. During my time, Dave Russell was Minister of Health and served our Province with wisdom, integrity, and thoughtfulness. He helped this Rookie MLA in countless ways, and I will never forget the inestimable Honourable Dave Russell.

Dave Russell was in my mind the most significant MLA under Lougheed and Getty. I met him as a Lougheed staffer in 1973 and a caucus and cabinet colleague under Don Getty. He was always given the most sensitive portfolios. His wisdom, humour and mentorship was legendary. He was a true Alberta conservative.