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Russil Alden

November 12th, 1957 - November 16th, 2021
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ALDEN, RUSSIL (née Stephen Yorke Parker) passed into the arms of God on Tuesday, November 16th, 2021 at the age of 64. Born on October 12th, 1957 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, Russil is pre-deceased by his mother Christine and Step-father Elio. Russil is survived by his Wife Laura, Father Gerald, Brothers Nick and Daniel (Amy), Sisters Jackie (Stewart) and Maria (Steve) and many nieces and nephews. 

Russil emigrated with his parents from England to Canada in 1966. Russil’s life was a colourful one of adventure, living in many places such as England, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Jamaica. He had a passion for music and was an exceptionally gifted musician. It was a central part of his life, as he played, performed, taught, and composed music. One of the highlights of Russil’s life was travelling with the Stella Maris Choir and singing with them at The Vatican in 2017.

Learning was also a passion for Russil. He was what his mother called, an ‘eternal student’. He held a BA in History and Linguistics (UBC), a Teaching post-graduate with a focus in Spanish and ESL (UBC), a master’s in History with a major in Religion and Empire (SHU) and was in the process of completing a Music Diploma from Doulas College. Learning brought Russil both stress and joy, as those who knew him can attest! Russil had many interests and hobbies, almost too many to count!

Russil and Laura were married for 28 years and travelled to many countries throughout the last decade. Travel carried them through Scotland, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Cuba and Belize. Notably, they travelled to Britain in 2019 with brother Nick to explore the countryside and spend time with family. 

Russil will be profoundly missed by all. He was a devoted son, always the first to step up and help when needed. He spent many years teaching at Archbishop Carney and caring for the residents at Whitecliff Retirement, offering friendship and conversation along the way. He was a kind-hearted, loyal friend, uncle, brother, and husband. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to www.chalice.ca. View Tribute Book.

Obituario de Russil Alden

ALDEN, RUSSIL (bautizado como Stephen Yorke Parker) pasó a los brazos de Dios el martes 16 de noviembre de 2021 a la edad de 64 años. Nacido el 12 de octubre de 1957 en Leeds, Yorkshire, Inglaterra, Russil fue precedido por su madre Christine y su padrastro Elio. A Russil le sobreviven su esposa Laura, su padre Gerald, sus hermanos Nick y Daniel (Amy), sus hermanas Jackie (Stewart), Maria (Steve), Natalia y Romana, muchos sobrinos y sobrinas.

Russil emigró con sus padres de Inglaterra a Canadá en 1966. Su vida estuvo matizada de aventuras, viviendo en muchos lugares como Inglaterra, Canadá, México, Puerto Rico y Jamaica. Tenía pasión por la música y era un músico excepcionalmente dotado. Esta fue una parte central en su vida, ya que tocó, actuó, enseñó y compuso música. Uno de los aspectos más destacados de la vida de Russil fue viajar con el Coro Stella Maris y cantar con ellos en el Vaticano en 2017.

El aprendizaje también fue una pasión para Russil. Era lo que llamaba su madre, un "estudiante eterno". Obtuvo una licenciatura en Historia y Lingüística (UBC), un posgrado en Docencia con enfoque en español e ESL (UBC), una maestría en Historia con especialización en Religión e Imperio (SHU) y estaba en proceso de completar un Diploma en Música de Douglas College. ¡El aprendizaje le trajo estrés y alegría a Russil, como pueden atestiguar quienes lo conocieron! Russil tenía muchos intereses y pasatiempos, ¡casi demasiados para contarlos!

Russil y Laura estuvieron casados durante 28 años y viajaron a muchos países durante la última década. Los viajes los llevaron a visitar Escocia, Francia, Grecia, Italia, Polonia, República Checa, Eslovaquia, Austria, Bélgica, Holanda, Cuba y Belice. En particular, viajaron a Gran Bretaña en 2019 con su hermano Nick para explorar sus bosques y campos y pasar tiempo con la familia.

Russil será profundamente extrañado por todos. Era un hijo devoto, siempre el primero en dar un paso al frente y ayudar cuando era necesario. Pasó muchos años enseñando en Archbishop Carney y cuidando a los residentes de Whitecliff Retirement, ofreciendo amistad y conversación en el camino. Era un amigo, tío, hermano y esposo de buen corazón y leal. En lugar de flores, se le pide que haga donaciones en su nombre a www.chalice.ca. View Tribute Book.


Tributes

Chris Shilladay
December 2nd, 2022

Chris Shilladay (cousin).

Stephen had a prodigious musical talent and because he was so well read casual conversations could turn into tutorials. We had many lively discussions, often unresolved, but always fun.

On his great grandfather’s head stone there is a quotation from Shakespeare’s Cymbeline:

‘Fear no more the heat o' the sun,
Nor the furious winter's rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages;
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.’

Rest in peace Stephen, you’ll be missed.

Julie VanSpall
December 2nd, 2022

Dear Laura,
We were so sad to hear of Russil's passing. I have great memories from sitting in front of him in the choir, and of travelling with him through Europe. Stephen and I both fondly remember the dinner we shared with the two of you in Rotterdam.

I am so grateful to have done "The Search" program with both you and Russil, last spring. Those discussions and memories will always be treasured.

Sending prayers for you during this difficult time.

God bless,
Julie VanSpall

Salvador Vazquez
December 2nd, 2022

Russil una gran persona, tantos y tan gratos recuerdos... tu gusto x la musica... el tarareo con tus dedos llevando el ritmo... tus comentarios siempre inteligentes...los pulques en peña de bernal... la nieve en san miguel de allende....tu original disfraz del acertijo archienemigo de batman...la navaja 1000 usos de cartera que me regalaste...las ganas que te ponias a tu trabajo...tus conversaciones interminables...cuando disparaste una pistola al aire..tu amabilidad y espiritu de servicio a toda prueba...tus aventuras con jose...las platicas con la abuela...
Jesu...Dios te guie, acompañe y conforte en estos momentos tan amargos...

Stella Maris Choir
December 2nd, 2022

Condolences to Laura and the rest of Russil's family. He was a great man whose presence will be missed. May his soul be guided to his rightful place in the hereafter.
Raynard von Hahn
Member of Stella Maris Choir

Margarita
December 2nd, 2022

Laura (jesucita) siento mucho tu perdida, te abrazo con el corazón y espero pronto tengas consuelo, el té acompaña desde dónde está. No es más que un hasta luego, no es más que un breve adiós. Margarita Vizcaya (Marita)

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