RUSS ERICKSON, beloved husband of Sharon Erickson, passed away at the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on Monday, October 18, 2010 at the age of 71 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Russ was born at St. Michael’s to Vern and Laura Erickson on February 14, 1939 and spent his childhood in Warner, Alberta. He learned his love of sports early in life and participated in all the school programs, excelling at basketball, baseball and track and field. His favourite was always basketball and he went on after high school playing with men’s teams in Lethbridge, eventually spending time on the Lethbridge Broder team. He also became interested in golf and trap shooting and has trophies from many events he participated in. He was a member of the Henderson Lake Golf Course and Warner BPOE. In 1965 he married his beloved Sharon and their careers and business interests saw them moving from their first home in Milk River to Pincher Creek, Airdrie, Grande Prairie and back to their retirement home in Lethbridge. They spent several years enjoying travelling to the U.S. Russ cherished the wonderful friends they met along their travels, as well as at home. Russ and Sharon were blessed with two wonderful sons; Lonnie (Bev) of Pincher Creek and their children; Mattie, Jake and Leigh, and Kyle (Dana) of Okotoks and their children Jessie and Megan. Russ was also fortunate to have united with his biological son Chuck (Becky) of Phoenix, Arizona and their son Payton. Russ is also survived by his sister Verna (Allan) Purvis of Claresholm, Aunt Jewel McKenzie of Courtenay, BC, in-laws; Ross and (Bunny) Eves of Milk River, Beth and Dale Leffingwell of Lethbridge, Doug and Jolaine Toms of Calgary, Bret and Debra Hierath of Edson, Doug Eves of Onoway and Ron and Lanai Schamber of Lethbridge as well as numerous nieces and nephews including his special god-daughter Melanie Dumont. His many cousins have brought joy and companionship to his life. Russ was predeceased by his mom and dad, sister Nadine and Sharon’s parents Doug and Beulah Eves. A Celebration of Life will be held at COLLEGE DRIVE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 2710 College Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. with Ken Oswald officiating. A private Interment will be held prior to the Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prostate Cancer Canada, 145 Front Street East, Suite 306, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 1E3, to St. Michael’s Foundation, Palliative Care Unit, 1400 - 9th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V5 or to a charity of your choice. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca