Russell George Gillespie

Russ was born on March 24, 1957 to Bernard and Phyllis Gillespie in Whitehorse, YT. As the son of an RCMP officer, Russ grew up living in various cities across the country with his two brothers (Neil, David) and one sister (Anna). He was baptized at St. Jude's Catholic Mission in Carmacks, YT, and raised in a strong Christian family.

Russ' family settled in Victoria, BC, where he found his love of scuba diving while attending school.

Russ joined the RCMP in 1977 when he was 20 years old. His 35 year career consisted of postings around the province. He was first posted in Thorsby, AB, but after a short stay moved to Lethbridge where he met the love of his life Shelly Underschultz. When she was 21 years old they married in Edmonton, AB. In Russ' words "I scooped her up before she had time to shop around," and he soon after moved her up to a small town, Faust, AB, where they welcomed their first born, a son Justin.

Russ held his promise of moving close to a city and accepted a transfer to Leduc two years later. There Russ & Shelly welcomed two daughters, Amanda and Andrea. After seven yers in Leduc, Russ took postings in Peace River and Swan Hills.

During these years, Russ enjoyed all things in life, and taught his children that fun could be found everywhere; even in ten feet of snow. Russ grew his power tool collection, and found joy in taking on small household renovations, including building swingsets in every home the Gillespie's lived in. Russ & Shelly moved to St. Albert in 1995, where they put down roots.

It was important to Russ that his children were able to settle and create strong friendships that they could hold onto into their adulthood. Russ helped his children paint and renovate their first homes, as they moved out of the family home, did countless oil changes and was always there to help neighbours and friends however he could. He kept the greenest lawn on the block, and was always willing to shovel past his property line, sometimes all the way down the street.

He spent 35 of his 55 years with the RCMP, most proud of his time spent with the STO team. He retired on July 15, 2012.

Russ instilled strong ethical values in his children and many times reminded them that doing things right was more important than doing them quickly. His favorite times were spent around the dinner table on Sunday evenings, eating a homemade dinner by Shelly with all his children, their spouses and his cherished grandchildren present.

He also loved vacationing for weeks on end with his family. His memory will be deeply cherished by all those who know and loved him.