Obituary of Ralph John Russell

October 2, 1934 - Alix, Alberta

November 3, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Ralph, beloved husband of Sharron Lynn Russell (nee Roach), passed away peacefully in the Brentwood Care Center in Calgary, AB, on November 3, 2023, at the age of 89 years.

Ralph was born on the farm near Alix, AB, on October 2, 1934, where he spent the first few years of his life. The family moved to Lacombe, AB, and then Olds, AB, where Ralph completed his Junior and Senior High School. He went on to the University of Alberta to graduate with a Degree in Petroleum Engineering. After working for a time with Socony Mobil he started consulting in the oil business with Helton Engineering in Calgary, AB, and later had his own consulting firm, Mega Engineering.

Ralph was a lifelong member of APEGGA, now APEGA, and was very proud of his work as an engineer in the oil industry.

Ralph married the love of his life, Sharron, in 1974. They spent many years in Calgary, AB, and travelled to countries such as Turkey, Israel, China, Russia, Australia, and Bangladesh for both work and pleasure. They enjoyed their cabin on Shuswap Lake, BC, and the great times there with friends. Ralph was a member of the Calgary Ski Club and enjoyed trips to various western Canada ski resorts. He also enjoyed flying his own private aircraft and SCUBA diving.

Ralph is survived by two brothers, Albert (Beverly) of Mesa, AZ, USA, and James of Sydney, BC; sister Mary Schaap (Henry) of Calgary, AB, and stepsister Bertha Johnson of Red Deer, AB; brother-in-law Dale Crowther of Red Deer, AB, and half-brothers, Gary (Terry) of Didsbury, AB, and Gordon (Kathy) of Wheeling, IL, USA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Sharron in 2020, stepbrother Wilson Halbert, stepsisters Roberta Crowther, and Florence Layden, sister-in-law, Alice (James); brothers-in-law Douglas Layden, and John Johnson.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ralph’s family at www.MHFH.com.

In living memory of Ralph 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.