June 19, 2021
Captain Russell George Leslie Morefield, 86, of Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, passed away on June 19th after a brief illness.
Russ was born in Winnipeg and grew up on Vancouver Island. In 1954 he was accepted into the Royal Canadian Air Force where he flew the Lancaster. In 1965 Russ joined Air Canada where he flew for almost 30 years, a career he truly loved. Most of his good friends over the years were former Air Force or Air Canada pilots.
Russ is survived by his wife Gerry, his 3 children David (Daphne), Jeff, and Kelly (Gary), Gerry's children Laurie, Nici, Dan and their families, his sister, his 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, and his dog Sugar.
Russ loved to travel and whisk his kids off to last minute layovers with a ride in the jump seat. In later years he particularly loved London at Christmas time where he would buy an annual Harrods bear for the grandkids.
The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Russ in the last few years. He loved his beautiful home and wonderful neighbourhood. He loved reading spy novels, following the stock market and the weather from around the world, and a good hockey game.
He told a great story and loved a good vulgar joke, had a booming deep laugh, and loved a great meal of seafood pasta with a cold rum in hand.
No service will be held as per Russ's wishes; in lieu of flowers any donations could be made in Russ's honour to a charity of choice.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Wilson and the staff at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
Fly high, Papa Russ, Per ardua ad astra.