MARY'S GENEALOGY TREASURES
Kenneth " C " Russell was born in Provo, Utah on January 11,
Education was important to him - he worked hard to earn his
He encouraged his children to further their education and was
On one particular occasion a new first grader wouldn't get off
He taught the students that Canadian citizenship was important
Although he lived in Diamond City he shared a deep concern
He was a noted runner in his younger days and was always
In the summer of 1929 he was one of two King Scouts (from
He bought his first farm in 1937 - while farming it he helped with his
He served on community committees as well as serving in his
In 1941 he married and had seven children
1912 to William Frances Russell and Mary Ellen Criddle.
His family moved to Taber then to Barnwell and on to Lethbridge.
He received his schooling in each place graduating from Grade
twelve in Lethbridge. He took his Normal School training in
Calgary in 1930. Upon graduating he taught at New Home
(Manyberries area). In September 1932 at age 20, he became
principal of the Picture Butte School. In 1935 he went to teach at
Tyrrel's Lake School and stayed there for two years. In 1955
he started teaching at Coalhurst High School - a couple of years
later he became principal of the Coalhurst Elementary School.
He remained there until his retirement in 1977.
degree by going to night school and summer school - while
at the same time he had seven children to support, was
farming and teaching full time. This imposed a great hardship
on his family and he decided that his family was more important
than a masters degree and so declined the opportunity to further
his career.
proud of their achievements. His concern for taking full
advantage of educational opportunities extended to others as
well as his own children. One young student was not working
to her full potential. He called her in and talked to her. The girl
realized her abilities and became an honor student. He cared
deeply for all of his students and strived diligently to help them
learn.
the bus. He got on the bus and asked the little girl "Do you
remember me?" the little girl nodded yes. "Then, will you come
with me? he asked. The little girl shook her head no. "Then I
will carry you". He not only carried her into the school - but all
day long as well. School was important but it was also to be
enjoyed. One of his traditions was the "Birthday Spankings"
delivered to "Un-Willing" birthday persons. The usual counting
went something like this: "one - One and a quarter - one and a
half, wait - how old did you say you were? - Oh, 0. K. one - one
and half - two - now you can't be that old - one, two and so the
count went on. It was a real tragedy to miss "Birthday Spankings"
from Mr. Russell.
and that being a member of the community brought the
responsibility of loyalty and service.
for Coalhurst and community and was caught up in their lives.
interested in sports.
Alberta) chosen to go to the first international scout jamboree in
England. His scouting was an intregal part of his life. He received
his Gilwell beads from Melvin J. Ballard. He was also adopted into
an Indian tribe while in Glacier National Parks building trails with
a selected group of scouts (about 1930 or 31). He spent many
years as a scout leader.
father's farm - he later bought it in 1949.
church. Some of the positions he held in the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints were: Bishop, Bishop's counselor,
clerk, and Sunday School teacher.
Return Individual Histories