Russ Walsh

October 23, 1958 - May 29, 2023
In loving memory ~
Just when you think you've got all your ducks in a row life throws you a curveball....and a big one.
We had it all figured out...retirement was just around the corner and we had big plans of lots of travel and time with family.
So it is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Russell Walsh. Russ passed away peacefully at the Cascade Hospice May 29, 2023, at the age of 64 after a 20-month battle with brain cancer...a Glioblastoma Tumor.
Russ was born on October 23, 1958, to the late Carlus and Jackie Walsh in Peterborough, Ontario. He is survived by Cathy, his wife of 42 years, his 2 children Dan and Mary, his 2 grandchildren Enzo and Olivia, his brother Clint, Neil (Jodi) and sister Tammy (Bernie) Beekman, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He grew up on a little farm in Aldergrove and graduated from Aldergrove Secondary in 1976. He played in the high school band and it is the band that kept him in school, although he did like running and basketball. During this time he had dirt bikes and then a little later built off-road dune buggies with a friend.
Cathy & Russ met in Langley in 1979 through a mutual friend and were married in 1981. In January 1988 we adopted 5-year-old Mary and 6-year-old Daniel. Russ fell in love the moment he laid eyes on them and it was so important to him that they experience as much as they could. So we spent years camping, skiing, waterskiing and going to their games of baseball and soccer.
Russ was in the equipment rental business for 50 years. Eze Rent- it was such a big part of our lives it didn't matter where we were or who we were with we talked business. He had the gift of gab so being in rentals afforded him the ability to use that gift. He loved to debate and tell stories and spend time with his customers and you always knew where you stood with him. He was not afraid to give you his opinion.
We had a very full life together and so many adventures from canoeing to scuba diving and everything in between. He was a big force in the Race Kart Track in Chilliwack and spent several years racing all over Western Canada with his daughter Mary. They had so much fun and he loved being able to share that with her.
He loved his Harley(s) and had so many great adventures and memories with friends that it's hard to count. Then there was the snowmobiling and taking the quad in the backcountry and the side-by-side to the Dunes in Oregon. He enjoyed golf so much, and in 2022 he was able to golf 76 times and walked most of those games. It helped him stay healthy and positive while battling his cancer.
He was so positive for so long that he was an inspiration to so many people.
Russ had a big, kind and generous heart and he always said 'You can't outgive God" although he did try. He truly was one of a kind and we will miss him forever.
We are truly thankful for Dr. Roux, Chilliwack Home Care and the nursing staff at Chilliwack Hospice
The Celebration of Life will take place Friday, June 23, 2023, at the Curling Club, 45550 Spadina Ave, Chilliwack. Doors open at 2:00 and the ceremony starts at 2:30
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Russell can be made to BC Cancer Foundation and to the Chilliwack Hospice through Canada Helps.

Additional Photo(s):