Obituary of Russell Stringer
Russell William Stringer was born in Lloydminster Hospital on July 8, 1947 to William and Dora Marion Stringer of Greenstreet District and was baptized in St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Albion.
Russell was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Marion Stringer; his paternal grandparents, Henry and Emily Stringer; his maternal grandparents, David and Maude Oliver; numerous aunts and uncles; and cousins, Ron Oliver, Harold Horton and Norma Sherman.
He is survived by his: brother, Dave (Gaylene) Stringer; sisters, Gwen (Jack) Stringer-Klassen of Shell Lake, SK and Elaine (Steve) Newman of Hillmond, SK; and twelve nieces and nephews: Aaron (Jen) Marlatt of Spruce Grove, AB; Brendan Marlatt of Edmonton, AB; Melody Marlatt (TJ) of Edmonton, AB; Michelle Marlatt (Jason) of Courtney, BC; Jason Newman (Nic) of Hillmond, SK; Jackie (Brent) Harray of Viking, AB; Dustin (Dr. Becky) Newman of Kitscoty, AB; Harley (Stephanie) Newman of Hillmond, SK; Shaun (Melissa) Newman of Lloydminster, AB; Nathan (Tiffany) Stringer of Hillmond, SK; Merrilee Stringer of Edmonton, AB; Cynthia (Steven) Westergaard of Islay, AB; along with their families.
Russell was the eldest of four, and grew up farming and ranching with his Dad, brother Dave, and Grandad Henry Stringer on Henry Gray’s original homestead . He attended school at Albion travelling in his younger years with second cousin Vernon Priest, and later with siblings Dave, and Gwen on horseback. When the one room schoolhouse closed, Russell came to Hillmond Central School via the schoolbus, being picked up on future Hwy. 3, a 1/2 mile jaunt in fall, winter and spring, and at times grabbing his youngest sister’s hand so she could keep up, and get to the bus on time!
Russell’s love of horses and cattle were a mainstay during his life. He could often be found hitching the team to the hayrack or wagon, grooming the horses, riding to check cows, breaking a two year old colt, or practicing roping. In the 1970’s, Bill, Russell and Dave rented pasture around Peck and Bronson Lakes, with Jim Priest, George and Allan Furman, and Clint Moylan; and trekked close to 1000 head of cattle to pasture on horseback, a three day journey in spring and fall. Russell was always a trusted hand on the cattle drive. Later, in the 1980’s he joined the Deer Creek Roping Association , and enjoyed team roping.
Russell’s hobbies in his younger years were playing hockey and ball, going to the Lea Park Rodeo, and watching the Maple Leafs. Later, he followed the Oilers and the Senators, Blue Jays Baseball and kept track of his nephews’ hockey and ball, with the Spurs, the Midwest Redwings, Sask First, and numerous other teams, and his niece’s figure skating. Russell toured much of western Canada, and in 1979 got his passport, and travelled to Hawaii, and Australia. He enjoyed ancestry, country music, checkers, cards, reading Zane Grey novels, watching old western movies, and cattle sales.
In 2006, Russell suffered an almost fatal vehicle accident on Hwy. 3. After being airlifted to Saskatoon University Hospital, and a lengthy stay, he returned home to enjoy the ranch. This slowed him down, and gave his nephew Nathan opportunity to get more involved in the farm operation.
In 2021, Russell having been plagued in recent years with diabetes, ended up during Covid in St. Paul’s Hospital , Saskatoon; and after another lengthy stay came home to rehab, and resume ranch life.
Early in the morning October 23, 2024, Russell drove to the pasture where Dave and Gaylene, Nathan, Tiffany, and Austin were moving heifers that day, and managed to get stuck. He walked a mile towards home; but God had other plans, and in the middle of a pasture, God called him to his eternal home to be with Jesus his Saviour, in his 77th year , under a beautiful blue sky and white clouds.
“ For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” Psalm 50:10
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Cor. 15:52
Thank-you to Dr. Spangenberg, the Maidstone RCMP, Norm Namur, Don Whiting; and Glen McCaw and McCaw’s Funeral Service.
