Obituary of Russell Wilson

Russell Blythe Wilson was born on May 21, 1923 on the farm near Springside, SK. Son of James and Elizabeth (Nee Adamson) Wilson. He was the fourth of five children raised on the Wilson Farm S.E. of Springside. Russell attended the Beaver School until grade 7. He never completed his schooling, instead he helped on the family farm. Growing up Russell enjoyed farming and playing hockey. The neighbors would get together many times to play hockey so they formed a team! They played many hockey games on Wilson Lake. Russell took over the family farm in 1946. In 1949 he met the love of his life, Gwen Merriman, whom he married on October 9, 1950. They worked side by side on the Farm by Wilson Lake. They were later blessed with five daughters, Fay, their first born-lost at birth, then Jocelyn, Valerie, Deborah and Barbara. Russell was a wonderful husband and father. Russell worked hard on the farm, and truly enjoyed the farm life. He raised cattle, milked cows and shipped cream. He also raised pigs, chicken and geese. After working the farm with his son-in-law Evan and Evan's sons for a few years, Russell and Gwen retired from the farm and moved to Yorkton in 1992. His daughter Barb and husband Evan and four sons moved to the homestead and continued to farm the land. Currently Barb and Evan reside on the 105 year old homestead and Deb and Richard and family farm the land. In retirement, Russell loved watching hockey, football and baseball on TV. Eight years ago, when he completely lost his sight, his radio became his comfort and solace. Gwen became a wonderful caregiver to Russell when his vision unfortunately started to fail. His favorite flowers were lilies, and his favorite color was green. Russell enjoyed all food but his favorite dinner was McDonald's Fish burgers and his favorite dessert was rhubarb pie. His most valued gift was his talking watch, which he laughingly called his "girlfriend". Russell cherished his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends and loved having them come for a visit. Russell enjoyed sharing stories and anyone who visited with him was impressed by his incredible memory. Russell and Gwen had a wonderful, happy marriage that lasted for 67 years. Their advice for a long happy marriage was never go to bed mad and every night kiss and say "I love you". Their love for each other was special and was an inspiration to all. Russell, these last years, alongside Gwen faithfully followed the true teachings of Jesus. Russell's faith comforted him when he lost his grandson, Tim Werner, nearly 4 years ago. When Gwen's health started to fail from battling cancer, she couldn't take care of Dad anymore so they moved to the Yorkton Crossing in March of 2017. They made many new friends and were admired by all. Everyone who know them thought they were a very special couple. When Russell lost Gwen in June 2018, he was heartbroken. His days became long and lonely. He tried to be as independent as he could but after multiple visits to the hospital, he became weaker and weaker. Knowing he could not go back to the Crossing after his last hospital stay, in May of 2020 he was moved to the Yorkton Nursing Home. The staff there took good care of him and they admired his calm and friendly demeanor and his keen awareness. He would always be so thankful for their kindness and care. As Russell lost all independence and needed total care, his health started to fail quickly and his quality of life deteriorated. On October 9, 2020, the day of their 70th Wedding Anniversary, at the age of 97 years, Russell was reunited with the love of his life, Gwen. Russell was dearly loved and will be sadly missed. He will forever be remembered by all who knew him. Russell was predeceased by his parents, James and Elizabeth (nee Adamson), daughter Fay in infancy, Sisters Olive & Lorna, Brothers Ronald & Raymond, Brothers-in-law Bill Bailey & Ed Parrott, Sister-in-law Neila Wilson and Grandson Tim Werner. He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters: Jocelyn (Robert) Payne of Theodore and their children Shaun (Carrie) Payne, Kerrie (Arron) Nasby, Lori (Ty) Brekke, Jory (Trish) and Zachary Payne. Val (Gene) Rybka of Armstrong, BC and children Melanie (Shaun) Goodfellow, Korin Steffanson, and step children Danielle Rybka, Jonathan Rybka & Nicole (Taylor) Nickle. Debbie (Richard) Prybylski of Willowbrook and their children Josh (Janelle) Prybylski, Amanda (Brad) Goltz, Sarah (Kevin) Kriger, Vicki (Andy) Duff, Bethany (Tim) Trost, Matt (Christina) Prybylski, Mark (Jessica) Prybylski, Mallory (Michael) Wilk, Luke Prybylski, and Jake (Jen) Prybylski. Barb (Evan) Werner of Springside and children; Daughter-in-law Tracey (+Tim) Werner, Corey (Jeanie) Werner, Clayton (Tracy) Werner, and Tyler (Jodi) Werner, 49 great-grandchildren, Sisters-in-law: Phyllis Paciorka and Beatrice Schick, Brothers-in-law Ronald Merriman & Les (Judy) Merriman and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives, good friends and all who loved him dearly. Russell's family wish to extend a heartfelt Thank You to everyone who sent condolences and to everyone who came to participate in the celebration of Russell's life. The Funeral was held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Jenelle Gregg, Vera Morrow & Mary Roper officiating. Grand-daughter Melanie Goodfellow read the eulogy and daughter Barb Werner shared a tribute. Len Kennedy read Psalm 23. Members of the quartet were Len and Marlene Kennedy, Lynn Higgins and Jenelle Gregg. The pianist was Jan Cobb. The interment took place in the Garden of St. Matthew, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Shaun Payne, Jory Payne, Josh Prybylski, Matt Prybylski, Corey Werner and Clayton Werner serving as casket bearers. Memorial donations may be made to CNIB (2160 Broad Street Regina SK S4P 1Y5) or Palliative Care (41 Betts Avenue, Yorkton, SK S3N 1M1) as gifts of remembrance. Service Details. Visitation When: Friday, October 16th, 2020 4:00pm - 5:00pm Location: Bailey's Funeral Home, Yorkton Address: 45 5th Ave. N. YORKTON, SK S3N 0Y9 Second Visitation When: Friday, October 16th, 2020 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Bailey's Funeral Home, Yorkton Address: 45 5th Ave. N. YORKTON, SK S3N 0Y9 Service When: Saturday, October 17th, 2020 11:00am Location: Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Address: Highway #10 East YORKTON, SK Interment Location: Yorkton Memorial Gardens Address: Highway #10 East YORKTON, SK Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Russell Wilson May 21, 1923 - October 9, 2020 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book