April 19, 1934 – May 6, 2023
at the age of 89 years:
Russell and his wife Darlene have been interned at the Mt. Ida Cemetery in Salmon Arm. Russell is predeceased by his wife Darlene, daughter Cynthia, his brother Don and parents. He is survived by his son Walter Hart, daughter Lyn Winfield (Jerry) seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild and three sisters, Phyllis, Norine and Sandy living in the United States. He passed at the Salmon Arm hospital with family and friends by his side.
Russell was originally from Michigan state. He served in the US Army before answering the call into ministry. He used the GI Bill to attend Northwest Nazarene College (now university) where his roommate introduced him to Darlene while doing summer work in Wyoming. They were married for 49 years and retired in Salmon Arm in 1999 after 38 years in ministry through the Church of Nazarene. They pastored in BC, Yukon, Washington state, Northwest Territories, and Alberta. To make ends meet he became a skilled carpenter and ministered to many through his craft.
We would like to thank his extended church family from Crossroads Free Methodist church who have been his constant support. It has been an honor to share our parents with you over the past 24 years. We would also like to thank his second extended family at Andover Terrace for the impeccable care you provided and the friendships he made while living there. He loved his tablemates, his fellow puzzlers and the many opportunities given to share his faith and love of Jesus with you.
Russell will be greatly missed, and we are comforted in knowing he is no longer in pain and is celebrating eternity with his heavenly father and beloved wife and family. At Russell’s request, there will be no service instead, there will be a private gathering in July.
Deepest heartfelt condolences to all. Russell will be remembered and missed by many. May the many memories you have of him help you get through the loss, of such a wonderful man. We are blessed to have some of his creations in our house, from a hope chest for my daughter, to a blanket he crocheted, which I love!!! He was so kind hearted and thoughtful, and always made us feel like family. Sending hugs and love to you all!
Russell was the Pastor of the Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene when the church was organized in 1963. His creative way of providing a building is explained in a paragraph about him on our church history page. We were blessed to have him come back as our guest during our 50th anniversary celebration in 2013: https://www.whitehorsenazarene.org/history.html
So very sorry for your loss and ours. Russell was a very special man and a great carpenter . He made us a couple of cupboards and they are still in our home very proudly displayed .
We know he had many hardships ,but he never complaned and his trials were many ,but his reward is with him now. Thank God for our time with Russell
He will be greatly missed by our” Church Family “