Russell “Russ” Alfred Barnes, age 79, of Red Deer, AB, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Red Deer Regional Hospital. 

His Celebration of Life will be from 2-5:00 pm on Monday, November 10, at the Westerner Chalet. His cremains will be scattered at a later date, at places that were close to Russ’s heart. 

Russ was born the middle child of Ewart and Eileen (Scott) Barnes in Deloraine, MB, on July 17, 1946.  When Russ was a toddler, the family moved to Brandon, MB, where he attended school.  His main education was often described as “educated by life,” which he took great pride in.

On August 5, 1966, he married the love of his life, Connie Bass, in Brandon, and to this union, three children were born.  He worked for Manitoba Hydro in his early years and once the family moved to Alberta, was a salesman and draftsman in the construction field until his retirement. Over the years, he built several family homes, in all corners of the province, where many memories were made.

His second love was driving and restoring old cars. He owned a Model A for over 50 years, restored a 1951 Mercury with his boys and loved cruising in his 1969 Malibu, with his arm out the window.  Russ hosted the Delburne Shine and Show for 10 years. In his early years, he raced stock cars and continued to drive fast his whole life. In his later years, he mellowed and hobbies included historical fiction and was a chronic Sudoku player.  Always known for being a card shark, he beat everyone at crib (even 1 week before his passing).  

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife Connie Barnes of Red Deer; children:  Scott (Joan) Barnes of Sylvan Lake, AB, Sean Barnes of Red Deer, and Andrea (Lee) Luders of Canmore, AB; grandchildren:  Olivia (Keelan) Ellerby, Riley Barnes, Jamie Barnes, and Sola and Toben Luders; and great-grandchildren Braelyn and Carter Ellerby.  Russ is also survived by his sister Helen (Don) Scribner of Brandon; brother-in-law Greg Bass; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Henry “Hank” (Mary Lou) Barnes.

• Date : 2025-11-04
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home