Russell Arde

In Loving Memory of

Russell

Arde

age 94

Lovingly remembered by his children Elaine, Wayne, Robert, Brenda, Debbie, David & Penny 

as well as their families. 

He was predeceased by his wife Margaret.

Died

July 24, 2023

Boissevain Health Centre

Boissevain, Manitoba

In accordance with the families wishes, 

cremation has taken place and a 

private celebration of life will be held 

at a later date.  

Donations in memory of Russell may be made

 to the Boissevain & Morton Foundation; 

Box 1075, Boissevain MB R0K 0E0.

Edward Russell Walker Arde was born on June 30, 1929 to Clara and Percival Arde in Corning, SK. In July 1934, his family moved from Corning, SK to Minnedosa, MB, and a year later moved to the Mountainside area. Russell attended Mountainside School and was often seen in the company of his older brother, Ben. They were known by all as “the Arde Boys.” The two boys had a passion for tinkering with things and figuring out how they worked. This led to the making of many inventions over the years, with one of them being a snow plane.  Russell also shared a love of music with his younger sister, Ruth James. 
On April 11, 1955, Russell married Margaret Bussman and they began their life together on a farm in the RM District of Winchester. In 1961, they moved onto the farm on Strathallen Road, and there they raised their family of seven children. Life was busy on the mixed grain, cattle, and dairy farm, with a few turkeys and chickens mixed in too.  Russell loved farm life, but also enjoyed woodworking, mechanics, hunting, playing pool, playing music, and playing cards. There were many late-night coffee and card games with neighbours, family, and friends, but he was still up at the crack of dawn to milk cows and get a start on the farm work! With his knack of woodworking, he was able to renovate the farmhouse and build a large shop. Over the years, he spent many nights in his shop building cupboards, desks, and tables, or fixing appliances and machinery. In 1980, Russell and Margaret sold the milk cows and enjoyed a little more freedom to spend with family.  Russell was a man of many talents. You would often hear him playing his accordion in his shop or in the house playing the organ. In 1994, Russell retired from grain farming and rented out the farmland. Retirement suited Russell and Margaret well and they had time to do the things they loved. Russell did more woodworking, and playing accordion. At 70 years old, he decided he should learn to read sheet music instead of playing by ear. He would say, “You’re never too old to learn.” He helped with the gardening, went out hunting and fishing, played many card games and pool games, and (of course) went flying with Ben whenever possible. He also took up a new hobby – golfing. He enjoyed many hours playing on the greens. He still enjoyed going out on the golf course through his 94th year.  In 2020, Russell lost his partner in life, Margaret, and found that adjustment difficult. He still enjoyed his hobbies and activities, but time spent with his family and friends became even more important. He was always sharing stories of his youth, and was still able to surprise us with something new during the tellings of his memories.  On July 24, 2023, at the age of 94, Russell passed away at the Boissevain Hospital with family at his side.  He has left special memories with his seven children, Elaine (Ron) Groening, Wayne Arde, Robert (Sue) Arde, Brenda (Leonard) Wiebe, Debbie (Ron) Wall, David (Mary) Arde, and Penny (Jon) Arde; 25 grandchildren and their respective families; 47 great grandchildren; and many people he considered friends.