Russell Thomas Crockatt

Obituary

Passed on

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend Russell Crockatt at the age of 78, on October 29, 2025 at Selkirk Hospital. He was predeceased by his son Colin in 2021, his parents Sadie & William, sister Anne and brother-in-law Cliff. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 54 years Barbara Crockatt, and siblings Ken (Virginia), Barb (Verne), Donna (Peter), Wendy (Dave), daughter-in-law Pam (Robert), and grandchildren, Paige, Max, and Lucy along with many family members and friends.

Russell was born on March 13, 1947 in Winnipeg, one of six children.  He married Barbara on December 19, 1970, they farmed and built a life in Argyle where they raised their son Colin.  Russell worked very hard to build his farm and legacy, trucking for Leo’s to be able to upgrade from a mobile to the custom home he and his friend Cyril built in 1973. Barbara or Barbie as he called her, truly was the love of his life, although not overtly romantic anyone who knew them could attest to their partnership and his love for her.  

Russell greatly cared for his animals, working cattle by horse and always a softie to sneak food scraps to the family dog.  He was happy to invest in the welfare of his animals, with the calving barn, and CCTV for calving set up both in the kitchen & bedroom to what family members referred to as “cow-vision”.  Russell was an active member in the farming community, showing cattle at fairs, and enjoying trips to Agribition, Ag Days and Brandon Fair. He enjoyed socializing with his friends and peers at the coffee shop and curling rink over the years. When he was younger he enjoyed playing sports and watching the Jets and Bombers along with attending their games with Colin.  Additionally, winter holidays and camping in the summer with friends were always looked forward to. 

He was very proud when Colin went to University to get his Agriculture Degree with his intention to return to the family farm.  They farmed alongside each other from 2004 until Colin’s passing in 2021 and continued to help and support Pam with the farm afterwards. Russell found great joy having the next generation take over the farm and have his grandchildren run around the farm.  As he slowed down, he found time to spend with the grandchildren and enjoy their smiles, laughter and energy. His eyes would light up when he saw them! He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Barb and family would like to extend their thanks to the coffee shop crew for always being there for Russell over the years and to the staff at Selkirk Hospital during this past week for their great care. 

The graveside service will be held at the Argyle Community Cemetery on Friday Nov 7th at 1:30pm with a luncheon at the Argyle Community Hall to follow.  Everyone is welcome.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Argyle Curling Club (Box 31 Argyle) or to a charity of your choice.  

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