Reverend Douglas Haig Russell went to heaven on February 11, 2004 at the age of 85. He was born near Haynes, AB on March 29, 1918.

He preached his first sermon at the age of 17 and dedicated the rest of his life to serving his Lord as pastor of Free Methodist Churches in Edmonton, Lacombe and Red Deer, AB, and later as president of the Alberta Drug & Alcohol Education Association. He spent four years in youth work, ten years as Superintendent of the Alberta Conference and built new churches in Edmonton and Red Deer.

He was married to his wife Ruth of 55 years (died 2013); five sons: Charles (Linda) of Calgary, Dale (Magella) of Red Deer, Harvey (Laurie) of Calgary, Richard (Shirley) of Calgary, Kerry (Carol) of Edmonton; 2 granddaughters and 10 grandsons; his sister Grace Stone of Red Deer and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service was held at West Park Church of the Nazarene, Red Deer, AB on February 16th, 2004, with Rev. David Panton and Rev. Jeff Baker officiating. Interment at Stone Fairview Cemetery, Alix, AB.