Chief Russell Kwakseestahla
August 14, 1951 – May 20, 2011
The Kwakseestahla/Quocksister family lost a cherished father, son, brother and uncle on May 20, 2011 in Vancouver, B.C. when Chief Russell Kwakseestahla succumbed to many health challenges after a long and valiant struggle.
“Russell” was born on August 14, 1951 in Campbell River, B.C., to Hereditary Chief/Captain George and Elizabeth (Glendale) Quocksister, of the Laichkwiltach Nation, Ahwahoo Tribe. He lived in Campbell River most of his life. He was a logger and commercial fisherman, but was widely known because of his passion for political activism regarding First Nations’ issues and his extensive cultural knowledge. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs ‘tweeted’ that Russell’s, “...strong passion for title & rights is legendary.”
We take comfort in knowing Russell joins his mother Elizabeth; grandparents Chief John and Susan (Assu) Quocksister, George Glendale and Katherine (Henderson) Ferry/Adams; niece Angela Wilson; sister-in-law Audrey Quocksister and brothers-in-law John Bear, Richard White, Donald White, Charles (Derek) Wilson and Bruce Serhan.
Thanking the Creator for having had Russell in their lives is his son Capt. Negeh Kwakseestahla (his mother Deborah), father Captain George (Candy-Lea) Quocksister, brothers George Quocksister Jr., Rock Quocksister and Ritchie Quocksister, sisters Carol Bear, Maria White, Ida (James) Johnny, Lizabeth Wilson, Louella Serhan and Alana (Greg) Anderson. His numerous nephews and nieces, hundreds of cousins, extended family and friends will forever preserve their memories of this charismatic elder statesman.
The family sincerely thanks those who have consoled us through your presence, phone calls, cards and flowers. There will be no service at Russell’s request.