We Remember

RADI, Michael Russell “Russ”

June 23, 1956 — October 27, 2024

Michael Russell Radi “Russ” went to be with our Lord on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the age of 68, in Kelowna, BC, Canada. He passed away peacefully with his beloved wife, Margaret, by his side.

Born in Oliver, BC on June 23, 1956, Russ lived a life marked by love, faith, and resilience. At the age of 68, he concluded a brave six-year journey against cancer, buoyed by the steadfast love and support of his family, friends, and faith community.

Russ will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Margaret, who stood by him through every chapter of his life; his stepchildren, Blake Guidi (Fame de Castro) and Ashley Garnot (Wade); and grandchildren, Lincoln and Makena, who brought him immense joy. He will also be remembered by his father, Michael Radi, and stepmother, Suzanne Radi; sisters, Karen Versfelt and Rhonda Radi; and stepbrothers, Peter (Kayleigh) Trigwell, Jonathan (Trudy) Trigwell, and Simon (Geraldine) Trigwell. Russ will be missed by his extended family, including sisters-in-law Johanna Brooks, Ingrid (Rick) Harkins, Diana (Kieran) Power, Debbie Hart, Susan (Jeff) Rouse, and his many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Margaret Buckshaw Radi Taylor.

Russ and Margaret celebrated 25 beautiful years of marriage on July 31, 2024, and throughout their years together, they travelled extensively, building a lifetime of memories in places like Italy, Hawaii, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Their families, friends, and their shared Catholic faith, as well as their travels, sustained them, giving them countless cherished moments together.

Russ found great joy in cheering on his grandchildren, Lincoln and Makena, at their sports games and dance recitals.  Family time was precious, often spent on Okanagan Lake, playing board games like Sequence, Scrabble and Pictionary and enjoying brunch at the Eldorado, or traveling to places like Mexico and Whistler.  These moments, filled with love and laughter, became cherished memories that the family will treasure forever.

Russ was blessed with a close circle of friends who provided unwavering companionship throughout his life. He will be dearly missed by his best friend of nearly 60 years, Gary Eisenhut; work colleague who became a great lifelong friend, Dave Findlay; and his coffee buddies (who, together with Russ, called themselves the “5 Amigos”) – Peter Chmiel, Leon Nergaard, Brad Novikoff, and Regan Borisenko.  Russ was grateful for these friends who rallied around him during a difficult six-year cancer journey.  Their camaraderie was a source of joy and comfort, as they shared numerous memories and supported Russ with tasks around his home during the more challenging times of his illness.

Deeply connected to his community, Russ volunteered with the Citizenship and Immigration baseball team in Vancouver, the Kelowna Ski to Sea Club, the Kelowna Apple Triathlon, Rachel’s Vineyard, and the Run for the Cure.

A man of deep faith, Russ was an active member of the St. Charles Garnier Parish and the Knights of Columbus, where he served joyfully in various roles. He was committed to the church community, whether as an usher, a reader, or helping with the Knights of Columbus monthly breakfasts, where he was known for his specialty: eggs Benedict. Russ and Margaret relied heavily on their Catholic faith during his battle with cancer, finding solace in the Sacraments, prayer, and the supportive fellowship of their church. Russ was especially grateful for the guidance and compassion of the parish priests, particularly Fr. Gerald, Fr. Gabriel, Fr. Harry, Fr. Obi and Fr. Ferdinand, whose prayers and visits brought him comfort in his final months.

Russ worked for over three decades with the Canadian Border Services Agency before moving into roles as a bus driver and noon-hour supervisor for the Central Okanagan 23 School District.

Outside of work, he loved golfing, skiing, mountain biking, reading, and watching Jeopardy with Margaret. Even as his health declined, Russ’ positivity never wavered; he continued to embrace life, whether on the golf course with friends and his “OFGL – Old Fogey Golf League” or simply enjoying getting together with family & friends.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Central Okanagan Regional Cancer Centre; the dedicated staff at Central Okanagan Hospice House; and to the many family, friends and prayer warriors, who walked this journey with them.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers may be sent, or a donation in his memory may be made to the Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Centre, Rachel’s Vineyard Kelowna, or JoeAnna’s House – Kelowna General Hospital.

A Prayer Vigil will be held on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024, at 7:00 PM (PST), at St. Charles Garnier Parish (3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Russ on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM (PST), at St. Charles Garnier Parish (3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC) with a reception to follow. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream (see below) at the time of the service, a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

“The grief of our loss may be with us for a very long time, but the joy of our memories will stay forever.”

LIVESTREAM:

Prayer Service
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024, at 7:00 PM (PST)

Service
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM (PST)

Location
ST. CHARLES GARNIER PARISH

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Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Centre, Rachel's Vineyard Kelowna, or JoeAnna's House - Kelowna General Hospital Link: www.ovpcc.com, www.rachelsvineyardkelowna.com, joeannashouse.com

 


Service Information

Service Details

The prayer service for RADI, Michael Russell “Russ” is scheduled for MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024, at 7:00 PM (PST) at located at 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC.


The service for RADI, Michael Russell “Russ” is scheduled for TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM (PST). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

ST. CHARLES GARNIER PARISH

3645 Benvoulin Rd Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Justin Clark says:
    October 31, 2024 at 9:35 am

    As a former colleague of Russ, I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Russ took me under his wing during my early days with Immigration, and was a mentor to me both in life and in work. I have fond memories of the numerous road trips we made together deep into the BC interior, where I discovered time and time again how well respected and regarded Russ was among his peers. RIP Russ

    Reply
  • Olga Sasyniuk & Family says:
    October 31, 2024 at 5:17 pm

    We wish to express our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Russell . Our deepest sympathy to the family.

    Reply

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