Hugh John Russell passed away peacefully at Masterpiece Southland Meadows in Medicine Hat, the morning of December 13, 2025.  His friendly easygoing nature and sense of humour will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  John was born on the family farm in Leross, Saskatchewan, February 8, 1928.  He was one of seven children; they remained closely connected due in part to the infamous chain letter circulated throughout the family for over 50 years.  In 1948, John joined the RCMP and enjoyed a 20-year career in the Force.  He spoke often about his time at Depot, The Musical Ride, and his years of service throughout small town Alberta.  It was during his posting in Brooks, Alberta in the 1950's that he met and married Cyndie Nelson.  They enjoyed a 40-year marriage while navigating the remaining years with the RCMP and the many moves and challenges that were common in those years.  During that time, they welcomed and raised two daughters: Lanie in 1957 and Lee-Anne in 1960.  After retirement, John and Cyndie realised their dream of cattle ranching, culminating with the ownership of their farm in Rosemary, Alberta.  After Cyndie passed away in 1996, John eventually sold the cattle and farm and began his retirement in earnest in High River, Alberta.  When the flood of 2013 displaced him, he returned to Brooks and took up residence at the Newbrook Lodge in Brooks, for the next ten years.  It was a natural fit for his outgoing nature, and he made many friends there, most notably Annie Wester and Jake Eckert.  Many thanks to the staff and residents at the Lodge for making dad's life so pleasant and happy.  He moved to Masterpiece in May of 2025 and where he was treated with great care and dignity.  John is survived by his daughter Lee-Anne (Randy) of Okotoks; son-in-law Jamie Nesbitt of Brooks; he was an active and involved Grandad to five wonderful grandchildren: Chris (Tosca) Nesbitt of Calgary, Chelsea (Cam) Bernhard of Brooks, Kate (Chase) Moore of Calgary, Jared (Moira) Rousson of Okotoks and Sean Nesbitt of Brooks.  He also leaves behind nine precious great grandchildren: Zoe, Adelyn, Holden, Esme, Cade, Luke, Robin, Alita, and Maeve; his sister Janet Gibson of Victoria, BC and many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Edith Russell; his in-laws Bev and Lucille Nelson; his wife Cyndie; his daughter Lanie and his 5 brothers, Earl, Lloyd, Alex, Calvin and Ralph.  John was very blessed to live a long and happy life and leaves a lasting memory for all who knew him.  A Family Service will be held.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at

Smith Funeral Home Ltd., Brooks