Russell Filson Passes

The Saskatchewan Standardbred Horsemen’s Association has announced that one of its former directors, Russell Filson of Regina, passed away April 10 at the age of 87

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Filson was born and raised on the family farm south of Woodrow. He was predeceased by his parents, Mabel and Harvey; sisters, Jane, Anna and Mary (in infancy); brother Stuart; son Ross Iver; and wife of 60 years, Lylas. He is survived by his brother D. Harry of Saskatoon; sons Geof (Sue Archer) of Calgary, Neil (Zhu Lin) of Gravelbourg, Brett (Francois Lalonde) of Embrun, Ont.; daughter Andrea (Ray) Stewart of Two Hills, Alta.; 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He is also survived by his loving friend and constant companion, Dorothy Leibel, who brightened and lengthened his living in the last four plus years.

In 1946, Russell married Lylas Margaret Johnson of Melaval, Sask. They raised five children. Russell farmed for a number of years before moving to Regina to work for Federated Co-operatives. After retirement, he continued to consult with Associated Engineering of Regina. Since moving to Regina in 1957, Russ enjoyed participating in many activities including golf, curling, and various volunteer positions.

Russell was an avid harness racing fan, owning standardbreds, and for many years, served as a director with the Saskatchewan Standardbred Horsemen’s Association. He continued his association with Wesley United Church where he served on the board in various capacities over the years. In his last week of life he curled in his final bonspiel at the Tartan Curling Club. As a family we have now lost the one individual in our lives who always supported without question the choices that we made, who never doubted our ability to succeed and who set a standard of behavior that we admired, attempted to emulate and passed on to our children as a standard that represented the best that they could hope to achieve.

Please join the Saskatchewan Standardbred Horsemen’s Association along with Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the friends and family of Russell Filson.