Obituary of Russell Norman Filson

RUSSELL NORMAN FILSON November 18, 1924 April 10, 2012 Russell, late of Regina, SK, was born and raised on the family farm south of Woodrow. Russell was predeceased by his parents, Mabel and Harvey; sisters, Jane, Anna and Mary (in infancy); brother Stuart; son Ross Iver; daughter-in-law Gaylene (Petrovicz); and wife of 60 years, Lylas. He is survived by his brother D. Harry of Saskatoon; sons Geof (Sue Archer) of Calgary, Neil (Zhu Lin) of Gravelbourg, Brett (Francois Lalonde) of Embrun, ON; daughter Andrea (Ray) Stewart of Two Hills, AB; ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He is also survived by his loving friend and constant companion, Dorothy Leibel, who brightened and lengthened his living in the last four plus years. Russell was educated in Woodrow, Moose Jaw and at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, where he acquired his Professional Engineering designation. His university education was interrupted by WWII, when he failed some classes in order to be able to join the Royal Canadian Air Force. Later in life he completed a Certificate of Administration at the University of Regina. In 1946 he married Lylas Margaret Johnson of Melaval, SK. They raised five children. Russell farmed for a number of years before moving to Regina to work for Federated Co-operatives, on to the Government of Saskatchewan, The Agricultural Development Corporation of Saskatchewan (overseas), and 13 years with the Government of Canada as the Director of Architecture and Engineering for Saskatchewan Region, Indian and Northern Affairs. After retirement, he continued to consult with Associated Engineering of Regina. Since moving to Regina in 1957, Russ enjoyed participating in many activities including, golf, curling, harness racing and various volunteer positions. He continued his association with Wesley United Church where he served on the board in various capacities over the years. In his last week of life he curled in his final bonspiel at the Tartan Curling Club. As a family we have now lost the one individual in our lives who always supported without question the choices that we made, who never doubted our ability to succeed and who set a standard of behavior that we admired, attempted to emulate and passed on to our children as a standard that represented the best that they could hope to achieve. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wesley United Church, 3913 Hillsdale Street, Regina, SK, S4S 3Y6 or the Lung Association of Saskatchewan, 1231 8th Street East, Saskatoon, SK, S7H 0S5 or a charity of your choice. Memorial Service will be held at Wesley United Church, 3913 Hillsdale Street on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. with Kim Antosh and Rev. Doug Craig. Private interment at Woodrow Cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com