The Central Okanagan Foundation says good-bye to a friend
Ron Russell October 12, 1946 – January 27, 2010

Ron Russell, a former director and champion of the Central Okanagan Foundation, passed away on January 27th, 2010. A highly respected and successful businessman, Ron lived his life to its fullest. Born October 2, 1946 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Ron enjoyed a thirty-nine year career in the insurance and financial services industry wherein he personified the “whole man concept” balancing family, career, and exceptional service to his community.

Ron was an ardent supporter of the Central Okanagan Foundation, joining its board of directors in 1994, serving as Chair in 1997-98, and serving on the Investment Committee until 2009. In 2003 he wrote these words to the Board of Directors of the Foundation:
 “I would like to thank the Founders and the current Board for creating and maintaining such a wonderful organization. Nine years ago, my choice to join the COF Board was because I wanted to belong to an organization which had a broad community reach.  At the time I did not realize what a great fit it would be for me. My career had been focused on making situations better than I found them, one family or one business at a time. Working with an organization whose objective is to leave our community better than we found it was a perfect personal and philosophical fit”.  
Ron Russell’s legacy to the Central Okanagan Foundation shall live on forever in the Russell Family Funds which support the Foundation’s operational excellence along with Girl Guides, School District #23’s band program and the Asthma Care Centre at Kelowna General Hospital. We will never forget his commitment, his time, his words of wisdom, all of which helped drive the Foundation to the place it is today – stronger than he found it 16 years ago.
Ron Russell is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Priscilla, and their children and grand children. To them we extend our heartfelt condolences.
To make a donation in honour of Ron click on Canadahelps.org and choose the Ron Russell family fund option or call us at 250.861.6160