October 12, 1959 - August 20, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Special Needs son, Russell. He was born in Castlegar on October 12, 1959. He passed away after a short illness on August 20, 2020 at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital. He is survived by his Mom and Dad, Ellwood and Gerry Grunerud, brothers Calvin (Maryanne) and Barry, and his sister Karen (Bob), as well as by three nephews, two nieces, two great-nephews and one great-niece.
Russell was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of one year. He was unable to walk or talk, but he still had his way of communicating. He resided at home until he was 14, and attended Silver Birch School for several years. He then moved to Tranquille (Kamloops). He also lived at Glendale (Victoria), the Endicott Centre (Creston), and Private Care in Nelson before moving into Kootenay Columbia House in Castlegar in 2005. Russell had a larger-than-life personality with an immense capacity for laughter and love. He always had a big smile and a tremendous sense of humour.
Thank you to the Kootenay Society for Community Living staff, and the staff of Kootenay Columbia House, for the wonderful care that Russell received. Thanks also to Dr. Merritt and Dr. Makwati, and Dr. Edge and the Third Floor nurses at KBRH for their compassionate care.
Cremation has taken place; there will be a private Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Kootenay Society for Community Living would be greatly appreciated.
Castlegar Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.