CRYDERMAN, Russell Douglas

March 16, 1984 – October 8, 2020

Loved by his son Mason, parents Anne and Bill, brother Phil, Mason’s mother Ambra, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Russell passed with his family by his side from complications following cardiac arrest. Sincere thanks to the staff at South Health Campus ICU for their excellent care and compassion, especially Sarah, Jacqueline, Anna, Dr. Chip Doig and Dr. Philippe Couillard.  

Russell was a Calgarian, born and raised. He attended Westgate Elementary, Bishop Pinkham Jr High, the National Sport School, and Central Memorial High. Community sports were a huge part of his early life, playing hockey for the Royals and soccer for the Chinooks. 

This past year he was proud to be an essential worker at Safeway. Keen to engage others in conversation, his work provided endless opportunities for interaction. He fondly spoke of the people he met and what he learned from them. And he never asked a single customer, “Do you really need ALL that toilet paper?”

Favourite activities included spending time with Mason, running, weightlifting, tennis, karaoke, family games and discussing current events. He had a magical connection with dogs. He was an avid sportsfan…Flames, Blue Jays, Federer. 

Russell, we will miss your smile, laughter and sense of humour. We love you “warts and all”. We are so proud of your donation of organs; a truly generous offering at a time of thanksgiving.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Russell’s name to the Canadian Mental Health Association would be appreciated. 

Arrangements entrusted to Flo Simpson, Funeral Director

Cochrane Country Funeral Home – Ph: 403-932-1039

Both comments and pings are currently closed.

  1. On 17/10/2020 at 7:04 am Terri Hawkes Said:

    Dearest Anne, Bill, Phil, Mason and Ambra, words seem insufficient to express my deep sorrow around Russell’s passing. Yes – he was well loved, and I was one who loved him. I have also loved his family for many decades now – having befriended both Anne and Bill in our early teens. Anne and Bill were the first of my friends to have kids, and I fell in love with Russell and Phillip the moment I met them. I was fortunate to spend many special family moments with the boys as they grew – reading to them, watching them excel at sports, hiking with them in the mountains, and later – sharing holidays, political campaigning and truly meaningful conversation. I will also always fondly remember Russ and Phil visiting Jeff and me in Toronto (Hockey Hall of Fame a highlight!) and being ring bearers at our wedding. Although I’ve only met Mason and Ambra briefly, I know how deeply Russ loved his boy, and how much Anne and Bill have loved bringing Mason and Ambra into their family. Russ had quite a journey for one so young – and he was lucky to have had such a loving family hike this trail with him, right through to his latest ascent: his generous donation of organs. The Campbell/Cryderman family and their circle of family and friends have shared Russ’s joys and challenges with incredible compassion, dignity, strength, grace and humour, and they have collectively been sterling examples of love, loyalty, and the importance of community in the face of trauma. A family for our times. Russ – I know you loved your family, and in turn – you were loved fully by your parents, brother, son, Ambra, family and friends. Alexa, Jake and I miss you. love, Terri

  2. On 17/10/2020 at 10:56 am Mary Ann Hutchings Said:

    This is a really beautiful tribute for Russ. He was dearly loved – so true – warts and all. His journey through life was surely difficult yet lovingly and courageously supported. And his departure was nothing short of sacred. Bless Russ and bless this beautiful family.

  3. On 17/10/2020 at 11:00 am Douglas and Peggy Kay Said:

    To Bill, Anne and the Cryderman family, we are so sorry for your loss. We are remembering school days long ago when our sons were good friends and got into their fair share of mischief. We were also reminded that Russel was a gifted athlete from a very young age. Please accept our deepest condolences at this very sad time.
    Doug and Peggy Kay

  4. On 17/10/2020 at 11:28 am Laura and David Martin Said:

    Bill and Anne, Russ’s picture on his obituary page showed a smile that is the same beautiful infectious smile of your’s Billy. We didn’t know Russell but can only imagine from that smile that deep down he was a warm and beautiful human being despite his “warts”. We send our love and healing wishes to you, Billy and Anne, and hope that memories of Russ will be a blessing. His generous gift will allow others to live…..
    Love, Laura and David

  5. On 17/10/2020 at 2:04 pm Joni and john thompson Said:

    Dear Bill, Anne and Phil and family
    We were so sad to see Russell’s beautiful picture in the tribute section of the paper today. We are thinking of you and send our very deepest condolences. Lots and lots of love, Joni Hughes and John Thompson

  6. On 17/10/2020 at 3:56 pm Joan Broda Said:

    Dear Anne and Dr. Bill, it is so hard to find the words to describe the sadness that you must be enduring at this time. I do know how hard it is to lose a son and the pain is lessened by the memories of the good times.

  7. On 18/10/2020 at 9:54 am Elenora and Art Deyholos Said:

    Our condolences to the Cryderman family. We didn’t meet Russell very often, but his grandparents often spoke of him with much affection. A very sad loss. Regards, Elenora and Art.

  8. On 18/10/2020 at 2:47 pm Marie Rodriguez Said:

    Dear Bill and Anne, I know you don’t know me but I’m a distant friend of Russells, we met while him being interviewed by Nathan Stolpman on Lift the Veil. We connected in late 2018 and became the best of friends. He was a warm and loving kind soul. He was truly there for me and always knew how to cheer me up with his infectious laugh and beautiful smile. I have a wonderful last memory of him when he called on FaceTime while on his lunch break at Safeway for the last time October 1st. He will always be in our hearts and remembered! My deep condolences to you and your family.

  9. On 18/10/2020 at 4:33 pm Marnie Said:

    Bill, Anne and Family. I send my deepest sincere condolences. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.Russell was a big teddy bear and I’m going to miss him. We had many great times together and I am grateful for our friendship that we had over the past three years.Thinking of you guys during this extremely difficult time. Hugs, Marnie.

  10. On 19/10/2020 at 9:47 am Cameron MacLean Said:

    My Dear Friends: Love is really all there is and you guys have exhibited that with such integrity and feeling for Russel’s whole life. I have witnessed and felt with you so much in 40 years that words are almost not required. Russel was and continues to be in memory, a force of love and joy to us all. Sending you all my love now and always.

  11. On 19/10/2020 at 10:42 am Yvonne Shearman Said:

    Dear Anne and Bill. I only met Russell perhaps once or twice, but I have known you both for such a long time and have seen the concern, understanding and love you have shown for Russell. I am drawn to the words of the song “Vincent” by Don McLean, in particular the beautiful understanding of a soul destined for more than this one life can offer: “this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you”. That’s for Russell.

  12. On 19/10/2020 at 1:12 pm Ken Hughes Said:

    To Anne and Bill and the Cryderman family and friends; Terri Hawkes brought Russell into my life, as we knocked on doors and sought common ground with the citizens of Calgary West. Door-knocking is not for everyone, but Russell enjoyed it and found it a way to engage with many people in a positive and fun way. As always, we had a lot of fun. Denise and I send our love and respect to all of you, and share what can only be your immeasurable loss. Russell was a giving member of our larger community, remembered by those with whom he was a fellow traveller. Ken Hughes

  13. On 19/10/2020 at 7:39 pm Laurie and Andy Weldon Said:

    Dear Anne and Bill: We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your son Russell. Our thoughts and love are with you during this very difficult time. We know you will cherish your many memories. Hugs, Laurie and Andy

  14. On 26/10/2020 at 8:15 am Kristin Finot Said:

    Dear Phil and family, my sincere condolences. Sending all of the love and hugs to provide some comfort in these difficult days.
    “ Those we love don’t go away,
    They walk beside us every day,
    Unseen, unheard, but always near,
    Still loved, still missed and very dear.”
    ~ author unknown

  15. On 30/10/2020 at 4:51 pm Tim Taylor Said:

    Dear Mr. & Mrs Cryderman & Phil,

    We are very sad to hear of Russ’ passing. We had some great times with Russ and your family growing up and playing soccer with Russ.

    We had some good times living together and those special memories are coming back to me as we speak.

    My Brother, Mom & Dad want to pass on their love and support to you during this difficult time.

    Big hug to all of you with love,

    The Taylor Family

    Tim