Canadian jewellery industry loses a “gentle giant”

by eyetee | September 2, 2008 12:00 am

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Western Canadian Jewellery Expo co-founder Russ Wickstrom has died of cancer. He was 72 years old.

His daughter, Patricia, said her father had been feeling ill for the last few months and was in the hospital undergoing tests when he died on Aug. 2.

Patricia remembers her father for his quick wit.

“He always had a joke to tell,” she said. “He was a people’s person. He liked being around people. He always had something sharp to say to lighten the mood. He was a good dad and a good friend.”

Wickstrom died just weeks before his 73rd birthday and the start of the expo. A memorial was set up at the show’s entrance where people could express their condolences.

Larry Ulliac, his business partner of 17 years, called Wickstrom “a great gentle giant.”

“He was soft-spoken, he was kind, he was very gentle. He was loved by one and all in this business. I don’t think he had one enemy. He was just a great guy. You couldn’t find a better individual.”

Born in Gull Lake, Sask., in 1936, Wickstrom travelled the prairies working as a salesman, selling everything from fruit to jewellery. He served as vice-president of the Alberta Commercial Travellers Association and was a member of the Alberta Jewellery Travellers Association.

Ulliac said Wickstrom’s passing leaves behind a void, not only on a professional level, but a personal one.

“He was not only my partner, he was also my friend. We spoke on the telephone practically every day. Three months before show time, we would speak sometimes two or three times a day. It was a huge shock to me. I’m still in a little bit of a daze.”

Although Wickstrom will be missed, Ulliac said the Western show will carry on.

“Nothing will change,” he said. “My years of experience with Russ will help us continue.”

Ironically, one of the show’s highlights included a black tie dinner fundraiser for cancer, which was organized earlier this year by the DiGem buying group to raise money for research. Wickstrom’s family attended the event, which raised between $18,000 to $20,000 for cancer research.

“Russ was a good guy,” said organizer and DiGem past president Tim Markwart. “He was a pretty influential part of that show and he will be missed.”

Wickstrom leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Leslie, daughters Tracey and Patricia, and grandsons Tyler and Ryan.

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