Russell Clifford Sanders

Russell Clifford Sanders, age 87, of Ruthilda, late of Biggar, passed away on April 25, 2026 at the Biggar Health Centre.

Dad was born on March 25, 1939, the youngest child of Art and Dorothy Sanders in Dodsland hospital. To get there, Grandma had to be taken to Ruthilda to board a train to Dodsland.

Dad spent most of his life on the family farm just a few short miles northwest of Ruthilda. In his younger years he did venture out to work for a time at the Palo mine, and at the Federal and Pool elevators in Ruthilda. He purchased the farm from his dad and began operating a cattle and grain operation.

While Grandpa Art was a great horseman, Dad had no love of horses after getting kicked when he was eight and needed to have an ear sewn back on and spending weeks in the hospital. Dad also custom-hauled grain and livestock into his later years. For many years, Dad had a special co-pilot Sam, his faithful Collie companion. He also served as a counselor for the R.M. of Grandview for several terms, work that he loved doing.

Dad attended Ruthilda School and made many lifelong friends. He loved fast cars in his teen years and there are many epic stories of the adventures he and his friends had on the roads around Ruthilda, and even the railroad tracks near Kelfield. He was a GM truck guy but liked Ford cars-including a beloved Ford Galaxy 500.

In November 1962, Dad met Mom in Cando, Saskatchewan. They married just months later, on March 31, 1963 and dad would joke he married her quick before she could change her mind. Dad and Mom went on to have the three of us-Dale, in 1964, Karen in 1968, and Leanne in 1971.

Dad loved the farm and his community. He and mom joined the Elks and Royal Purple and many lifelong friendships were built through their involvement with those organizations. They enjoyed being part of preparing for and hosting the various dances and events in Ruthilda and there were very few times they would miss something. Sports days were a huge part of their summers.

Dad and mom also enjoyed square dancing and travelled all over as part of the Ruthilda group. Dad was an avid curler and earned the nickname “Four-foot Russ.” He was also the ice maker for the curling rink and skating rink for years.

Twin Towers Ski Hill held a special place in Dad’s heart. He worked there for 15 years and made many lasting friendships and memories. We could see the ski hill to the south from our farm, and he would look out the kitchen window many times wishing it was still operating.

In their later years, Dad and mom travelled to watch their grandkids’ sports and concerts. They were fixtures at the Dodsland rink and other venues where Kassidy’s hockey teams played. Again, Dad treasured the many friendships he made while cheering in the stands.

Dad was a fearsome pool and crib player and was always ready for a game with anyone young or old.

Dad’s greatest legacy will be his legendary hospitality and caring for his family and community. He could simply be counted on to help in any way he could. Dad was a very humble person, and he always had a smile and kind words for everyone he met. His steady and reassuring presence will be missed. Rest easy, Dad.

Dad is lovingly remembered by his children: Dale (Joyce) and their children Andrew (Liz) and Paige (Cougar), Karen and her children Levi (Lissa) and Kassidy (Kaycee) and Leanne (Tim) and her children Shea and Austin (Hannah) and great grandchildren Quinn and Grayson, Owen and Olivia. He is also remembered by special brother in-law/best friend Larry Brown and our aunt Beatrice Brown. He had a special love for his many nieces and nephews.

Dad was pre-deceased by his mother, father and siblings and several brothers and sisters-in-law and dear nieces and nephews.

Please join us as we say goodbye. Services will be held at Ruthilda Community Hall on Friday May 1 at one p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dodsland Sports Centre and your local chapter of KidSport.

Interment at Ruthilda Cemetery and lunch to follow at the Hall.

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