January 19, 1999 - December 24, 2018
On Monday, December 24, 2018, Russell Norman Grombach passed away at home in Cranbrook. Russell was born on January 19, 1999 in Cranbrook and was raised here. He was currently working at McDonald's Restaurant and at The Drive radio station at the time of his passing.
Russell loved nice cars and had big dreams of owning a fancy car someday. He enjoyed all kinds of music but especially Rap and Rock - although he enjoyed any and all. Russell loved hockey - not just watching but playing too. At any one moment he could have been found at any golf course, hitting 300+ yard drives, and making eagle putts. He was the producer of Kootenay ICE Hockey on "The Drive 102.9 FM" - he ran all the equipment from behind the scenes to make sure it all ran smoothly during the game broadcast. Russell was loved at his places of work. At the beginning of a shift at McDonald's, he would go around asking each person how they are doing. He had a true love for people and those around him. In the last few months, Russell concentrated on his muscle gain and fitness. He rode his bike everywhere and liked to be active. Russell did struggle with some low periods in his life, but he recently began climbing a peak and was heading on and up to better things. Of all the loves that Russell did have, his son Xavier was his greatest! This young boy carries all the same warm and loving characteristics of his father, and will carry them on with him as he grows into a man his dad would have been proud of. Russell will be missed so much by all of us.
Left to mourn Russell's passing are his beloved mother Joyce Merrick, his father Harry Grombach, his only brother Robert and sister-in-law Sarah, his most loved son Xavier, the mother of his son Kyla Traue, and his grandfather Brian Merrick. Also left are his Oma and Opa Grombach in Penticton, Uncle Doug and Aunty Bernadine Merrick, Cousin Allan Merrick (Godfather), Cousins Deanna & Dave Rainey, Uncles Roland (Shelley) and Bernd Grombach (Crystal), and Aunty Monica Grombach. Russell was predeceased by his loving grandmother Diane Merrick in March 2018.
A Memorial Service for Russell will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Cranbrook Alliance Church, 1200 Kootenay St. N., Cranbrook.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com.