Russell Vernon Peake

And know that where I'm at,

The horses all are gentle,

And the cattle always fat.

- J.B. Allen

It is with immense sadness and a lifetime of memories that we share the news of Russ's passing on Monday, April 27, 2020 in Calgary, Alberta. As perfectly expressed by one of Russ's closest friends, "Humanity lost a hell of a guy today."

Born to Vern and Nona Peake in Marwayne, Alberta, Russ was raised on a farm in the surrounding area which was undoubtedly the source of his strong work ethic and ongoing pursuit of perfection. After attending grade school in Kitscoty, Alberta, Russ enjoyed a successful 48-year radio and television broadcasting career. From the mid-1960s until the early '70s, Russ was CHQR's sports

director in Calgary, Alberta, and in 1971 Russ joined the sports department at CTV Calgary where he worked as a sports anchor/reporter for 35 years until his retirement.

Russ was also the PA announcer for both the WHA's Calgary Cowboys and the NHL's Calgary Flames at the Stampede Corral, and he continued as the arena voice of the Flames in the Saddledome until 1996. Although Russ loved all sports, he was especially passionate about rodeo and curling, with one of the major highlights of his career having been the PA announcer for curling at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Russ was inducted into both the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and the Southern Alberta Curling Association Hall of Fame.

An avid curler, Russ played the game from high school up until just a few months ago, and he was able to cross several international travel destinations off his bucket list in recent years. To say Russ was a devoted grandpa is an understatement; he was a regular and familiar presence at the hockey arena, baseball diamond, soccer pitch and basketball court, rarely missing an opportunity to watch his grandchildren.

Predeceased by his wife Helen and his sister Pat Berube, Russ will forever be remembered for his sharp wit and sense of humor by his many friends and colleagues, and deeply missed by his daughters Jodi (Darren Angerman) and Debbie (Todd Garman), grandchildren Ephrem, Madison and Carter of Calgary, nephew Daryl Berube (Pat Duncan), children Kirsten and Craig of Whitehorse, and nieces Kim Berube of Calgary and Lori Lohnes (John Lohnes) of Millarville.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2.

"I only really like two kinds of music. Country . . . . . . . and Western."

- Russ Peake