Brett Newell Russell

Brett was born in Empress Alberta, the second of six sons to Newell and Sheila. His family moved to Kelowna when he was a teenager and he spent the majority of his life here.

Left to mourn his passing and remember him with love and gratitude are the loves of his life, his wife of 47 years, Valerie, and their children Christa (Jason), Stewart (Jill) and Michael (Jaime) along with 7 adored grandchildren Courtney, Abigail, Gavin, Mason, Grace, Andrew, Ian and 1 step grandchild, Jaden. He leaves his brothers Don, Bruce, Darryl, Darcy and Blaine as well as Valerie’s Mom Annette, and siblings Roger, Dan and Colleen along with their families. Husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle; Brett was above all a proud family man.

Despite a diagnosis of incurable multiple myeloma and a prognosis of 5 to 7 years, Brett lived for 14 ½ years; and boy did he live! His head game was strong. He was determined to keep his beloved Valerie company and to watch his grandchildren grow. He loved his job as a journeyman welder and continued working for as long as he could. He was a talented and respected artist working with metal. His skills and work ethic were legendary. He could pretty much build or repair anything. When preparing to travel to Bali, he took up scuba diving which then became a passion. He enjoyed many trips to Mexico and many Caribbean islands, where he basked in the warmth of the sun and the waves of the ocean.

He was a welcoming and generous host – sharing his coveted scotch collection, and his culinary talents - barbequing and baking. There really wasn’t much Brett couldn’t do masterfully, except perhaps dancing (due to knee surgery). He liked to drive fast, with the top down. He was a reader, a thinker and an engaged conversationalist. He had a lovely sense of humour. His opinion was sought after for his kindness and his wisdom. To know him was to respect and to love him. To say he will be missed is an understatement.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Rodney Joshua for his compassionate care and support over the years of Brett’s journey. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Ali and Nurse Anita for their kind and gentle care as Brett neared his time to say goodbye to go and join his parents and father-in-law.

Private family internment. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Brett’s life at 1:30 pm on Monday July 24, 2023 at the Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna BC.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299