Russel Kolasa

Russel was born at the home of his grandparents John and Julia Saluk in Radway, Alberta, on February 7, 1933. He passed away in the Edson Healthcare Centre in Edson, Alberta, on April 21, 2025, at the age of 92 years.

Russel met and married Lorraine (Grove) on June 14, 1958. They lived in Boyle for a while until they moved to Athabasca. After Lorraine passed away in 2011, he moved to Edson in 2012.

Through his life Russel has been a licensed light duty and heavy-duty mechanic. They have owned numerous businesses including Russel’s Automotive, Radio Shack, R& L Picture Framing, Trophy & Engraving, all in Athabasca. He was also an installer for Northern Cable Vision.

Russel’s hobbies included woodworking, tinkering with model trains, working on vehicles, fishing, camping, watching numerous sports and travelling with Lorraine. Russel and Lorraine were also involved in the Athabasca Snowmobile Association and he coached his kid’s baseball. Russel also was into family genealogy.

He is survived by his son Russel (Susan), grandchildren Russel Jr., Andrew, and Matthew (Gerri), his great grandchildren, Brandon (Caitlin), Madison (Michael), Kennedy (Connor), Jade, Jacob and Jaxson and one great - great grandson Zachary, whom he sadly didn’t have the chance to meet.

Russel is also survived by his brother Mike, in-laws Bill (Rita), Elizabeth, and Maureen, ex brother-in- law Gordon as well as numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Russel is predeceased by his wife Lorraine in 2011, son Darrell in 2023, his parents Andrew and Mary Kolasa, and his brother Ted. 

He was a very special man who was loved by all. He will be sorely missed.

Funeral Services will be held in Athabasca on May 2, 2025, at the Athabasca Community Chapel, at 1:00 p.m.

 Interment to follow at the Athabasca Cemetery.

 Lunch to follow.  

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