Russell Dean Wells

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Russell Dean Wells at the young age of 51.

He leaves to mourn his children, Jaden and Brenden, Jeremy (Camille) and Lisa.  Grandchildren Joni, Joey, Ella, Liam and Devin.   His mother Verna Wells (Richard) and father Daniel Wells.  Brothers Kris Wells (Bianca) and Blair Wells (Holly) and sisters Rachel Wells, Dianna Holigroski, Shelley Rondeau and Shannon Werbiski.

He also leaves to mourn, his nephews Kelly (Ashley), Kyle, Madden, Parker, Nixon, Maverick and Lynden, and his nieces Kayla (Thomas), Teagan, Angel, Faith, Trinity, as well as numerous cousins and great nieces.

Russ was born and raised in Winnipeg, he briefly lived in Osoyoos, BC where he would pick fresh cherries from the trees in his backyard and went on hiking expeditions in the Okanagan mountainside.  His love of nature and exploring would continue in his adult years. He loved fishing, camping and being outdoors. He also enjoyed playing guitar, writing music, singing karaoke, drawing, writing and sketching. Always keeping himself busy.

He attended R.B. Russell High School where he was able to show off his musical talents and always talked about his music teacher Bill Wallace from The Who, he was so proud to share that knowledge with a celebrity. He later went on to Media training at the National Institute of Broadcasting. He then began his career with APTN, travelling to South Dakota, Vancouver, Ottawa etc intrigued by all the action and loving every minute of it. He loved rowing in the yearly dragon boat races with APTN Water Moccasins, and playing baseball for the APTN Rezz Doggz, he made numerous friends that he considered all as his family.

Russ was a kindhearted soul.  He was known as a joker, always finding humor in any situation and making friends instantly.  His personality was larger than life as his presence was always known.

His artistic nature was evident from a young age.  He would bring home notebooks from school with detailed drawings of war/battle scenes when he should have been doing schoolwork.  He was a dreamer and a free spirit.  He picked up his first guitar at 14 and taught himself to play guitar, drums and piano.

Russ was a great cook and loved to host gatherings. He chefed up many dinners and BBQs for his friends and family. 

Russ had found faith later in years, he tried his best to follow the lord and grow his relationship in faith in Jesus Christ.

He had his family by his side in his last moments, including the mothers of his children, Linda Ackegan and Patricia Wakelin.

Wake Service will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, 6pm – 12am.

Final goodbye on Saturday, August 17, 2024, 12pm – 5pm.

Pallbearers are his boys Jaden and Brenden, his brothers Kris and Blair, his nephews Kelly and Kyle and his longtime friends Dewey and Jay.

Cremation will follow.

Thank you to all the firekeepers and donations of wood and food for Russ’s Sacred Fire, the family greatly appreciates all the kindness.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell Dean Wells, please visit our floral store.