Obituary of Russell Lawrence Brownridge

BROWNRIDGE - On Thursday, November 3, 2005 The Honorable Mr. Justice Russell Lawrence Brownridge passed away at the Pasqua Hospital at the age of 90. Predeceased by his parents, Alvin and Ethel Bates; five brothers, Ron, Cliff, Colin, Obrey and Harold; and wife Mary Esther. Russell is survived by sons, Bob of Regina, Jim (Shirley) of Waterdown, Ontario and their children Kerrie and Kristen. Besides his brothers families, he is survived by relatives on his wifes side, including his wifes sister Edith Lawson; nieces, Carol (Fred) Caswell of Regina, Marion Gracey of Vancouver; nephew Robert Roycroft; as well as several Newman, Brownridge cousins in Regina, Moose Jaw, Shaunavon, Arcola, Toronto and Ottawa. Russell was born in Saskatoon in 1914, son of a CPR man, his family eventually relocated to Moose Jaw in 1919. There he attended King George Public School, Central Collegiate and took commercial training at Peacock Technical School. He continued to work in this city as a stenographer and bookkeeper with the Y.M.C.A. to finance university. Russell entered the University of Saskatchewan in 1935 graduating in 1937 with a B.A. degree (distinction). In 1939 he completed his degree in law. The next year he articled with John Diefenbaker in Prince Albert. He returned to Moose Jaw in 1940, was admitted to the bar and entered the law firm of Ross, Gilmour. Married to Mary Esther Roycroft in 1942, lawyer Brownridge further became active in community activities in Moose Jaw for the next 19 years. The successor firm Gilmour Brownridge continued 1943-47. He practiced alone from 1947 to 1958, joining the organ firm of Brownridge Schollie 1958 - 1959. His life changed dramatically on June 3rd, 1959 when he was appointed Justice of Queens Bench in Regina, serving two years. In 1961, he was elevated to the higher appeal court. After 27 years as a Court of Appeal Judge, 74 year old Russell Brownridge retired. He served for five years as an alderman for the City of Moose Jaw, Past President of the Canadian Club, Family Services Association, Past Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis Club and many other civic organizations; National President of the Canadian Red Cross Society; Chairman of the Regina Chapter of Christians and Jews; member of the Board of Governors Regina Orchestral Society; Chairman Saskatchewan Electoral Boundaries Commission; member of the Canadian Bar Association. He received a number of awards including a commemorative medal, 125th anniversary of Canada for community service. A Freemason, he also served as an elder of St. Andrews United Church, Moose Jaw and Lakeview United Church, Regina. His retirement recreations included reading, swimming and golf. Sincere thanks go to both Pasqua and Regina General Hospitals and Parkside Extendicare for Russells special care. Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. in Lakeview United Church, 3200 McCallum Avenue with Rev. Everett Hollis officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to the Lakeview United Church Memorial Fund. An on-line book of condolence may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com