Russell L. Cornish, 78

Russ was born Nov. 9, 1927, in Demaine, Saskatchewan, to Freeman and Mable (Anderson) Cornish. At the age of 15, when the family moved to British Columbia, Russ fell in love at first sight with the majestic mountains — a love that was to last his whole life.

Upon finishing school at Natal, British Columbia, Russ worked for Crestbrook Forest Industries as a sawyer and later as supervisor until his retirement in December 1988.

Russ married Alice (Dootson) in 1948 and they had four children, Larry, Ron, Randy and Debbie. Alice passed on in 1984, and his marriage to Catherine 'Kit' (Anderson) followed in 1986. Upon her death, a third marriage ended in divorce. In 2001, Russ and Magha (Flores) were married in Eureka.

Russ was a member of the K-40 Club of Fernie of the Association of Kinsmen Clubs, and for many years he was an enthusiastic member of square and round dancing both in Canada and the United States.

His sense of beauty and his craftsmanship were demonstrated on the three beautiful homes he built with his own hands in Sparwood, Fernie and Grasmere, British Columbia. And he was an outstanding gardener.

Russ was recognized as a Provincial Heritage supporter.

Russ is survived by his wife, Magha; by three of his children, Ron, Randy, and Debbie and husband, Richard; by his sister, Reta; by the grandchildren, Russell, Alycia, Michelle and Katelyn; and Kit's grandchildren whom he loved as his own, Kayla, Larissa, Jamie and husband, Francisco, and Shawn; and by several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by wives, Alice and Kit; by son, Larry; by sisters, Jean and husband, Ralph, and Doreen, and by brother, Newman and wife, Marg.

Russ passed on March 26, 2006, at his home in Cranbrook, British Columbia, cared for by his loving wife.

Cremation preceded a private service celebrating his life, attended by relatives and conducted by the pastor of the Lutheran Church of Eureka.

Donations to the SPCA in memory of Russ would be greatly appreciated.