Russel Shane Hiebert
Jan 26, 1980 - March 4, 2023


Russel was a devoted husband and father. The road to marriage and parenthood was long and I think that made each day sweeter even though some days were hard with two high energy, beautiful 7-yearolds. 

Russel was born in Winkler, grew up in Plum Coulee and was always proud of his hard-working and generous Mennonite roots. The first year of Russel’s life was challenged with health issues; he had poor vision and initially, struggled a bit in school. He then realized that his hearing was good and that he could remember everything he heard. Consequently, he became an excellent student. After completing high school, he went to the University of Manitoba, ultimately falling in love with geology. He completed an undergraduate degree, then a graduate degree at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia; he earned his PhD in geology at the University of Manitoba. Russel loved rocks and the study of geology, he was so passionate about teaching and brought that into the way he cared for his girls - all three of us! Each day we would learn some new ‘sciency-thing’ and he instilled in all of us a love for knowledge and continuous learning. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Rebekah, daughters, Lucy and Hope, parents Clarence and Gladys, sister Marcy (Jason), in-laws Grant and Lynda Morrison, sister-in-law Heather (Bryan) and 5 nieces and nephews: Ben, Nathan, Caleb, Clara and Anna. He will also be remembered by very special friends of the family: Anita, Elfriede, Heinz, Ellie, Viveca, Steven, Carter, Jack and Hazel. Russel loved Jesus; he served his church faithfully. Even at times when the road was hard, he strived to 
be a godly husband and father and I know he prayed for us and God granted him so much wisdom with that.

The day Russel died, he woke up, cared for his kids, and put together their first keyboard. They were so excited to begin a new chapter of learning with music. It seems like mere moments after, God took him home. We may never know the reason why, but we celebrate the life he lived to the full, a happy, funny man, who loved people, loved God, loved rocks and loved life. Lucy, Hope and I will remember him every day, and I hope that when we see you next, you’ll talk about him. We’ll cry, for sure, but we’ll remember a life well lived.


Arrangements by Friends Funeral Service, Winnipeg.