Born in Victoria, B.C. on August 31, 1942, Russ passed away surrounded by his loving family at RJH on February 21, 2024. Predeceased by his twin brother Ron, Russ will be greatly missed by his wife of 59 years Susanne; his son Stephen (Cheryl); daughter Theressa (Paul); grandchildren Averi (Bailey), Madisen (Ty), Joshua, and Kyle. He will also be missed by many other relatives and friends. Russ attended Oak Bay High where he met his lifelong sweetheart, Susanne. They married in Victoria on September 12, 1964. As a young man Russ volunteered at the Y and began working for Stockers Moving and Storage, a company he would later own and operate with his business partner Ben.
Although not seeking it as a full-time career Russ had a passion for law enforcement, joining the Civil Defense Force in 1961. One year later he joined the Saanich Police Reserve Program. During his forty plus years of service to the community, Russ contributed significantly to the Reserves and obtained the rank of Reserve Staff Sergeant. Upon his retirement from the Reserve Program on July 31, 2002, Russ was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for his outstanding long term volunteer service and leadership. Upon his retirement from Stockers, Russ joined the Corps of Commissionaires providing security services at Eatons Department Store and Victoria International Airport working to the age of 77.
Russ’s true “happy place” was spending time with his family and extended family camping in Parksville, B.C. Many a summer was spent enjoying Englishmen River, playing cards and games with his grandchildren, and family cookouts.
A heartfelt thank you to all the health care professionals who aided Russ over the last several years. A special thank you to Doctor Dillon and Doctor Hargrove for their dedication to their profession and the comprehensive care they provided Russ.
A private Celebration of Life will be held for Russ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the David Foster Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Mike Chadwick
-
Jim Arnold Steve, Suzanne and families.
So sorry to learn of Russ’s passing. I met Russ in 1968 when I joined the Saanich Police Department. He was one of a kind and truly one of the most genuine people I have met. My life and the department is better for having known him.
May you find some comfort in knowing that many others share your loss.
Sincere condolences.
Jim Arnold
-
Kari Hackett We were so saddened to hear of his passing. Our love and prayers go out to the family and friends.
Big hugs!
Burton and Kari Hackett and Unita Arbea
-
Bill Bryant To Suzanne and family, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. I met Russ 59 years ago when I joined the SPD and considered him a friend on and off the job. A very private man who dedicated many hours to the department and to the many, many Reserve and regular members he councilled and worked with. He helped us all in more ways than we will ever know and seldom said no when asked to help. He was without doubt, the best unpaid training officer the SPD ever had. He quietly shared his knowledge and guidance with younger regualar members as well as reserve members and often led them to avoid embarrasing mistakes as they learned their jobs. He was respected by all who worked with him and his advice was always worth taking as he was sincere in helping others. A great loss to his family, the department and the community. We were lucky to have had him in our lives. Cherish the memories.
-
Al CAMPBELL (OBPD) Having known and worked with Russ back in the ‘good old days’
(moonlighting), he was a great guy and a pleasure to work with, as well as the rest of the MORGAN family at STOCKERS. I maintained the friendship in years following and sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to the familly
Mike Chadwick
Susanne, Steve, Theressa and families
I was so fortunate to work with Russ when I was first hired by SPD in 1975. As a recruit, he was such a great teacher and influence once I had been “turned loose” after training. He taught me the Municipality, knew who all “the players” were and was so dedicated to making sure the community was safe. His legacy is the profoundly positive impact on the hundreds of regular and reserve Saanich police officers he worked with over the 40+ years of loyal service. Sue and I offer our sincere condolences on your loss.