AUGUST 2017 • COUNTRY LIFE IN BC
21 Tractor parade honours well-loved Cowichan Valley farmer
Russell Stewart remembered for his generosity and community spirit by FRANYA JEDWAB WESTHOLME - The
Cowichan Valley farming community has found a unique way to commemorate the life of well-loved farmer and owner of Russell Farms Market and Garden Centre Russell Stewart. Stewart passed away suddenly on July 9. On July 19, farm families in
the area joined a one-of-a- kind tractor parade, each waiting at the end of their driveway to join the procession as it went by. The Trans-Canada Hwy was temporarily shut down as 46 tractors crossed to the Cowichan Exhibition Park where a celebration of Stewart’s life took place. Stewart’s very own beloved orange Kubota tractor, endearingly known as “The Cadillac,” led the way, driven by childhood friend and devoted employee Ron Halk. Stewart, who did not have a driver’s license, used “The Cadillac” to transport produce between field and farm, and would cross the highway almost daily. Born in Westholme and raised in the valley by homesteader parents, 78-year-old Russell Stewart was a true entrepreneur and visionary. Stewart owned a vast amount of acreage. “He never left a patch of land bare when it could be used to grow produce,” laughs his long-time
it; he just gave them to me,” recounts Allingham. “Now, I have so many, I can pass the generosity along.” Allingham teared up
recounting endless stories of the gentle giant who never let a friend pay for dinner at a restaurant or leave empty- handed, and never said a bad word about anyone. “He had a huge family of
devoted community members, friends, extended family and producers in the agriculture farming community,” remarks Allingham. “It’s a very busy season right now for farmers and they’re all showing up; that’s how much everyone respected him.” Russell Farms Market and
FRANYA JEDWAB PHOTO
friends and employees Ron Halk, Jag Dhaliwal and Don Allingham.
Brimming with generosity, Stewart was a community champion who regularly donated produce to food banks, homeless shelters and various religious communities and hubs around the valley. He also took a special interest in his employees, going above and beyond in supporting their families by giving away produce, lending a listening ear and even money. “He gave me 100 lettuce plants. I couldn’t believe
Garden Centre provides local, affordable produce for the community and hosts a variety of community- inclusive events, such as
hands-on gardening workshops, farm-oriented customer contests and farm festivals. “I’m still going to stay here and work even though
I said I would retire when Russell did. Now that he has gone, I will stay on for the market,” reflects Ron Halk. “This tractor parade honours Russell’s legacy. He has no children, no brothers or sisters, but he has created a huge, loyal community following and we will do everything in our power to keep that going,” says Allington.
PRODUCTIVE·COMPACT FUEL EFFICIENT·TELEHANDLER ON THE MARKET·COMFORTABLE
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