Obituary of Russell Archibald Coutts

1921 - 2010

Russell Archibald Coutts passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2010 at the age of 89 in the Invermere and District Hospital.

Russell was born in Marengo, Saskatchewan on July 27, 1921. He was a World War II veteran and received many medals for his service. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 in Cranbrook, British Columbia for 27 years.

For the last 41 years, Russell resided in Canal Flats with his wife Jean who predeceased him in 2008. He worked for Crestbrook Sawmill as a millwright. He was known as the town's fix it man and while you were having your lawn mower fixed he would regale you with stories of his past. He was also known as the candy man. When you visited his home he had a what was called a people feeder and it was full of candy.

Russell was a member of the Town Municipal Works for years and a member of the Lions Club for many more. He enjoyed being Santa for many years for the annual Christmas party put on by the Lions Club. The Christmas party gave him a chance to grow his beard and enjoy the children of the community.

Russell will be lovingly remembered by his brother Harry of Cranbrook, British Columbia; his brother Norman of Milk River, Alberta and his sister Margaret of Calgary, Alberta; sons Gordon (Mynra) of Calgary, Alberta, Chuck (Mona) of Strathmore, Alberta, his grandchildren Tonya Marie Coutts, Charles Russell Coutts, Denise Marie Coutts, and Steven Russell Coutts, as well as his nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Benjamin and Susan Coutts, his brother Gordon and one son Michael.

A funeral service for Russell will take place on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Canal Flats Community Centre. His Interment will be in Canal Flats Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com