Obituary of Russel Holth

Russel Eugene Holth

September 3, 1934 - October 14, 2025

 

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. " ~ Winnie the Pooh

 

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Russel Holth announce his passing at Samaritan Place in Saskatoon on October 14, 2025.

 

Russel was born to Reidar and Nellie Holth in Archerwill, Sask. on September 3, 1934. He was the oldest of three children.

 

After a short stint building roads in northern Saskatchewan, he began his career in the dairy industry as a milkman at Co-op Creamery, working his way up to branch manager and eventually fleet and purchasing manager of Dairy Producers Saskatchewan. His career took him to Saskatoon twice, Yorkton, Regina twice and North Battleford.

 

In February of 1956 he married the love of his life, Jeanette MacDonald. Together they raised two daughters, Carey and Raelene. Russel and Jeanette moved from Regina to Yorkton after his retirement in 1998. 

Sadly, Jeanette passed away a few months after their move and life took on a new face and challenge for Russel. 

 

Russel loved his family, lake life, camping , hunting ,fishing and friends. His grandchildren were the biggest part of his life after retirement, taking in their school events, extra curricular activities and special events. Russel also drove school bus and charter buses, driving many of the local hockey teams to away games where he made many new friends. 

 

Russel was predeceased by his wife Jeanette in 1998, his mom and dad, Jeanette’s parents Whelan and Florence, his sisters Rayma Friesen and Norma McKenney, brothers-in-law Jim MacDonald and Bill Friesen, as well as extended family Evelyn Kolosky, Darla and Peter Giannoulis and their son Elias.

 

He leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life: Carey, Cara (Sean), Jacey (Airik, Grayson and Bennett), Bretten (Emma); Raelene, (Girard) and Bryn; brother-in-law Wayne McKenney; sister-in-law Delores MacDonald; nieces Cheryl, Kathy, Kim, Dee, Michelle, Marilyn, Melanie and Marilee; as well as extended family Alex and Zack Giannoulis. 

 

We would like to thank the amazing care team at Emma Cottage in Samaritan Place for the love and care shown to our dad/papa for the past four years and for making him their papa too.

 

A private family celebration will be held at a later date.

 

Donations in Russel’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or Telemiracle.

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Park Funeral Home, Saskatoon.