April 15, 1929 - July 26, 2020
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Russell Ruell Picketts of Rimbey, Alberta. He passed away at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Long Term Care on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at the age of 91 years.
Russell was born in Rimbey on April 15, 1929, where he grew up. Throughout his life he worked harvesting lumber at Harlech Crossing west of Rimbey, as a ranch hand at the Bar-U Historical Site Ranch in Longview, Alberta, and as a long-distance truck driver before meeting his first wife, Ann Yaholnitsky (Wojciechowski). His life with Ann included settling in Red Deer, Prince George, B.C., and Edmonton. Russell later married Alice (MacDonald) in 1974 in Edmonton. After several years they purchased a Red Rooster convenience store in Wetaskiwin, and then spent many happy years working along with her at the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury in Ponoka before moving to Rimbey. It is here that Russell took an active part in the fundraising and designing of the new Seniors Drop-In Centre and residence complex where they lived prior to moving into the Rimbey Lodge. Both Russell and Alice were members of the Alberta 55+ Association, traveling around the province to card tournaments and floor/ice curling bonspiels. Russell loved to golf, but most of all he enjoyed traveling to see their kids and extended families. 'Papa' will be missed by all.
Russell is survived by his children: Annette (Gary) Carmichael, Colleen (Ken) Parker, and Brian (Ann) Picketts. His extended family included: Nick (Charlotte) MacDonald, Jean (Roman) Bachynsky, Rick (Sandy) MacDonald, and John (Cora) MacDonald. Russell was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren; and will also be remembered by his brother, Les (Vi) Picketts; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Sadie Alice Picketts (MacDonald) in 2019; his son, Dwayne Laverne Picketts in 2018; his parents, William and Sarah Picketts (McCrorie); four brothers: Lawrence, William, Frederick, and Robert; and his sisters, Jessie (Wilson) and Bertha (Olson).
Cremation has taken place. Service details to Celebrate Russell's Life will be announced at a later date. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Russell's Memory may be made directly to the Alberta Diabetes Foundation, 1 020 Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Alberta, 8602 - 112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1 (www.albertadiabetesfoundation.com); or to the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury, Box 1000, 46 Street S., Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1R8. Condolence messages may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca
Cremation Arrangements for the Late Russell Ruell Picketts entrusted to the care of Oberhammer Funeral Chapel.