Obituary Overview
Russell Bruce Doern
April 21, 1961 – October 12, 2018
It is with a broken heart and an indescribable sadness, that I, Joanne, Russell’s devoted wife, soulmate, co-pilot and love of his life whom he referred to affectionately as ‘’Daisy” have the painful task of sharing that he took his last heroic breath with his family by his side, in the early morning of Friday, October 12 exactly four weeks after the passing of his father and favourite sidekick Walter. Although he did not wear a cape, our Russell was a superhero in the eyes of so many over the past nine years. He battled his Chronic Myeloid Leukemia with fierce determination under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Seftel who demonstrated an exceptional blend of expertise, judgement, humanity and compassion. Russell endured the chemotherapy, the constant ill-feeling, various procedures, tears, and heartache until he finally went into molecular remission for his leukemia. His bravery was once again put to the test three years ago when he received the unimaginable and grim diagnosis of a second form of cancer, a rare neuroendocrine tumor on his stomach which in turn metastasized relentlessly to his major organs. Being a dedicated and loving family man who loved life and wanted to see his children Daniel and Kiana reach their milestones, Russell displayed an endless amount of courage and strength of character as he faced this new health challenge. He won the admiration and respect of those dear to him as well as his doctors for constantly doing research on his iPad, educating himself on neuroendocrine tumors, seeking treatments all over the world, different medications, homeopathic remedies, natural healers, and ordering medicinal products from different countries. He fought heroically even beating the odds at times and gave us all a few more precious months with him in our lives.
Russell was predeceased by his loving mother Geraldine on June 26th, 2007. He was a very helpful and loving son who was very attentive to his parent’s every need. They were proud of him for his successes, his extraordinary handyman skills, hard work, accomplishments, generosity and thoughtfulness which were all part of Russell’s daily life and made him the true pillar of the Doern family. Seeing Russell take on the role of a dedicated and respectful husband as well as a caring and committed father to Daniel and Kiana brought them a special feeling of pride and happiness. After the passing of his mother, Russell became his dad’s constant companion. They shared similar interests and were known to many of the patrons and staff members at the local Salisbury House and A & W restaurant where they would frequently go for breakfast. Walter and Russell enjoyed their many coffee get-togethers with Garry Bochinski as they discussed politics, religion and current events. Russell was the first to speak out against injustices. He liked to share his opinions but was always open-minded to other’s views.
Eventually, Russell’s own ill health prevented him from taking care of Walter. This was a life changer for his Dad and left a big hole in his heart. With Walter’s passing on September 13th, our family believed that father and son would pass on relatively close to one another. It was like one could not live without the other. Although the end of Russell’s journey has left a huge hole in our hearts and we were able to have a long goodbye, we feel he is finally being rewarded for his selflessness, gentleness, devotion and kind heart in a place of peace, love and joy with his parents.
The focus of Russell’s life was his family, always putting their needs before his own and giving all that he could. He was his children’s biggest cheerleader and number one fan. Russell loved, supported and encouraged Daniel and Kiana with all his heart and soul, relishing their accomplishments and never hesitating to tell them how proud of them he was! He taught them how to love unconditionally and instilled in them the importance of family. Russell always stood at the front door when we left and waved to us or made an “I love you!” sign when we went by in the car or the kids entered the school bus. He was as selfless a person as anyone could be and would drop whatever he was doing to help us out with something. From the moment Daniel was born, he was the treasure of Russell’s heart. Daniel and Russell’s favourite past time was trying to find good deals at garage sales every weekend, attending auctions and going to the various Thrift stores throughout the city. Prior to Russell’s ill health, they dreamed about opening a business together. They also enjoyed watching football on television, collecting vinyl records and listening to music of the 50s, 60s and the 70s. Russell never missed Daniel’s baseball, hockey, football, basketball games or practices even in -30 degrees weather.
Russell and Kiana shared a most special kind of love that only a dad and daughter can share, the kind that lasts forever. Russell had many nicknames for Kiana and called her affectionately Keekus, Abs or Kiki. Every day, Kiana would remind her dad that he was her lighthouse, her anchor and her best friend. Kiana helped me take care of Russell 24/7 the last two weeks of his life. We spent many sleepless nights watching over him, attending to his every need and letting him know how much he was loved. Caring for her dad is an experience forever engraved in her heart. It was a difficult way for her to learn about courage, compassion and resiliency. As his health declined and communication was a challenge for Russell in his final week, he was able to wink and to let her know how proud of her he was for taking such good care of him.
All of Daniel and Kiana’s friends thought that Russell was the coolest and nicest dad. He loved to tease them and showed genuine interest in each of them. Prior to being sick, our athletic and competitive Russell would play street hockey with the kids or throw balls in the nearby park. He had a reputation for being the best French Toast maker when friends were over for breakfast.
Our cherished Russell also leaves to mourn his passing his brother Doug and wife Laurie as well as their two children Jarrod and Melody. Doug often told Russell that he was the best brother he could have asked for and most of all, his special friend. A smile is brought to Doug’s face when he remembers how well Russell would imitate his idol, Elvis Presley. Doug has many fond memories of their various fishing trips over the years. Russell was a skilled card player and they shared many laughs during card games with their cousins in Morris. Doug vividly remembers Russell’s unforgettable performance on New Year’s Eve as he was hypnotized on stage at the Club Regent Casino. Russell’s long and envious eyelashes, beautiful blue eyes and contagious smile will forever be etched in Doug’s mind and heart.
Russell’s nephew Jarrod and niece Melody both regarded him as a second father. They sought his advice on finances, car troubles and social situations. Jarrod and Melody knew that our house was always a safe and welcoming place for them to come to if ever they needed anything at all. Russell shared his kindness, love and wisdom with them. He was the embodiment of fun with his sense of humour, sharp wit and was the life of the party at our family dinners.
Deeply mourning his loss also is his sister Janice and her partner Mel. When her baby brother Russell was born, he was her real live baby doll and she would not let him out of her sight. She took on the role of his guardian and loved to take care of him. Janice remembers walking with Russell on his first day of school and they both cried when she had to leave him there. They shared many good times and many heartaches together. Janice takes great pride in being the one to have introduced Russell to the love of his life, his Daisy! Janice fought Russell’s two cancers with him, researching, praying, hoping and supporting the many claims to a cure. She set up a GoFundMe page for her little brother where people’s love and generosity shone through for Russell. Janice will always have a special place in her heart for her younger brother.
Russell was the youngest of the Doern cousins. He spent many wonderful times in Emerson and cherished his childhood memories with his cousin Wayne Kein who was more like a brother to him. Russell leaves behind numerous relatives and friends who will always remember him for being a charismatic gentleman with an outgoing personality who had a way of making a person feel special. He left an impression on people and you never forgot him once you met him. His compassion for people, animals, nature and his ability to connect to people were one of his greatest gifts.
Upon graduating high school from Kildonan East Collegiate, Russell was employed by Canadian Pacific Railway as their Leading Signal Repairman. He was a perfectionist who had a great work ethic. Russell spoke highly of his three favourite work buddies; Rubin, Dave and Ward with whom he shared many laughs. Sadly, Russell did not get to enjoy the retirement years he so deserved.
Daniel, Kiana and myself would like to thank all those people who have reached out, expressed their love and who have been such a tremendous support system to us over the years with their many gestures of friendship. We are also grateful for Rachelle’s continued love and for the 20 km Challenge for Life Walk she completed in honour of Russell. The Comeault family have provided so much emotional support and unwavering kindness to us during Russell’s journey and have treated Daniel and Kiana as their own. Our wonderful neighbours, Marc and Bernice have exemplified generosity and helpfulness towards our family for the past 13 years. I am so grateful for my Earth Angels, Alice and Charlotte, who have accompanied me on Russell’s journey allowing me to share my tears and the pain in my heart. Your presence in my life, your compassion and your guidance helped me to be as courageous and as strong for my Russell and children as humanely possible. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Fayez Salem who has been in our lives for 25 years. Russell had the utmost respect for you and appreciated the compassion and attentive care you always showed to our family. In our eyes, you have been a true friend rather than a doctor. I would like to acknowledge the wonderful and devoted Palliative Care nurses and doctors from the home care program who were endlessly supportive, helpful, encouraging, caring and affectionate towards Russell and our family. With all of you on our side, Kiana and I found the strength and courage to take care of Russell in the comfort of our own home until he had to be transported to the Riverview Medical Centre in the last two days of his life. In keeping with Russell’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal funeral service will be held. A private and symbolic gathering for the immediate family will take place at the end of the week where both Walter and Russell’s cremated remains will be interred at the same time.
Joanne, Daniel and Kiana would like family and friends to join them in the celebration of Russell’s life, sharing happy memories and love in the spring of 2019. Our Open House will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers or gifts of food, please spend time with the ones you love or extend a random act of kindness in honour of Russell’s memory. You will be deeply missed but your beautiful smile and unconditional love will be etched forever in our memories!
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Russell Bruce Doern 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba