Mr. Russell Bischop passed away February 10, 2016, at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home. Russell was born on November 28, 1920, at Dunleath, SK, to Gustaf and Mary (David) Bisschop. Russell attended Victoria, Simpson and St. Joseph's schools in Yorkton. Work was hard to find in the 1930's, so he went to work for Thomas Bartlett in the Anemone district, a few miles east of Yorkton. He caught the eye of one of the Bartlett daughters, and married Sylvia on May 15, 1943. He joined the RCAF in 1940 as an aero-engine mechanic, re-mustering as a pilot in 1942. Russell was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion General Alexander Ross Branch #77 for 70 years. Russell & Sylvia raised 4 sons in the house that Russell and his father built on their farm east of Yorkton. Farming for Russell and Sylvia included grain, cattle and other livestock, even honey bees. Russell continued to farm until recently, loving to be on the land. He also worked for Matheson Brothers Construction for 13 years, the last four years as their contract manager. Some of the projects he was involved in included the Yorkton Regional High School, the Psychiatric Unit at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, and other out-of-town projects Snaring River, Churchill and Dauphin. Good Spirit Lake appealed to Russell and his busy boys, so he, along with friends and family, built a modest cabin there. The cabin is still enjoyed by the extended family. In his later years, he rebuilt a number of airplanes. He was especially proud of the PT26 Cornell that started out as "piles of junk." It was certified airworthy when he was done his rebuild, and he flew it to the Moose Jaw Air Show. He flew the planes he rebuilt, only crashing one "slightly." He walked away from the crash, so it had to be considered a "good" landing. Fly on! Russell is lovingly remembered by his wife of 72 years, Sylvia, sons Stanley (Susan Anderson), Bruce (Gail), Clarence (Patricia), and Donald (Lorie), grandchildren: Trevor (Catherine), Heather (Nakeet), Janis (Rick), Steven, Karen (Damyon), and Ginette and great-grandchildren Tyler, Jordyn, Dhillan, Ava, and Nyla, sisters Phyllis Herman and Doreen Teron and many other family and friends. A service to celebrate Russell's life will be held at a later date. If friends desire, donations may be made in memory of Russell to The Royal Canadian Legion Branch Poppy Fund or to a charity of their choice. Condolences may be left at baileysfuneralhome.com.
