It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Russell “Russ” Burton Clunie, Sr., a pioneer in Saskatchewan’s civil engineering and heavy construction industry, and a devoted father, grandpa, and great grandpa. Russ passed away suddenly yet peacefully on October 29, 2025, at his home in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. At 87 years young, Russ was still actively working and contributing to his many businesses, living independently, and left us on his own terms peacefully in his sleep. His loss will be deeply felt by his family, throughout the engineering community, the construction industry, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Russ was born on August 7, 1938, in Silver Park, Saskatchewan, the youngest of five children. He grew up in Star City, where he formed what would become an 85-year friendship with his good pal Murray McArthur. Until his final days, these two stayed in touch regularly and were a testament of true friendship. Our family thanks Murray and Caroline for all they have been and given to the Clunie family.

Russ’ youth was filled with energy, ambition, and a love for sports, music, and working on the farm. Even his high school yearbook predicted he would become an engineer, or at least a “ditch digger”, a foreshadowing of the path he would proudly take.

Russ fulfilled his dream of becoming an engineer through summer work with the Saskatchewan Department of Highways as a checker and surveyor during summer months while working towards his Engineering Degree at the University of Saskatchewan. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1960. He went on to become a Project Engineer, then a District Construction Engineer at the Department of Highways between 1960 and 1975. He then worked as the Manager for Northern Saskatchewan at Keith Consulting between 1975 and 1978 before starting what is now known as Clunie Consulting Engineers Ltd. in his garage with his two sons, Rusty and Jayson in 1978.

Under Russ’s guidance, Clunie Consulting Engineers Ltd. became known for excellence, professionalism, and integrity, values that reflected Russ’s own character. His influence extended far beyond his office walls, through his mentorship of generations of young engineers and his lasting relationships within the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) and the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies- Saskatchewan (ACEC-SK).

Russ’s entrepreneurial spirit led him and his sons to join the B&B Construction Group in 2006, growing it successfully with partners Ken Burkosky and later Gord Broda and the Kulczycki boys with his son Jayson quarterbacking that part of his legacy. Russ believed in always investing in yourself and in land. He would often say “they’re not making anymore land, best to get it now.” This is exemplified by the farmland still owned around Star City. Russ inspired and led his boys to start and hold onto land purchases in and around Prince Albert. Russ inspired the creation of Signature Developments and watched it make a lasting impact on the City of Prince Albert with the current “Yard District”, Highway Commercial Developments along Highway #2 & #11, and many other projects that stand today as part of his lasting legacy. Russ would always say “I just wish I was 20 years younger, there is so much left to do.”

A true builder in every sense, Russ contributed to nearly every corner of Saskatchewan’s infrastructure. There likely aren’t many sections of highway in Saskatchewan that Russ hasn’t had some part in locating, designing, constructing, consulting, or providing construction administration for. In fact, he often paved or re-paved the same section of highway that he had some part in building years before. Among his many accolades, Russ received the SHCA President’s Award of Merit (2004) and the ACEC-SK Mentor Award (2023), both recognizing his lifelong dedication to building not only roads and bridges, but people, teams, and communities.

Russ believed in doing things the right way. He valued relationships above all and believed that family came first. He appreciated a clean lab, a clean truck, and a hard-working attitude. To him, field work was never a chore but deemed a vacation. He continued his tours of construction projects across Saskatchewan until his final days.

Russ, or “Dad”, “Grandpa”, “Great-Grandpa” was a man of no want. He showed and gave so much to his family. A great day for Dad was to come to family supper, enjoy a great meal watching all the family enjoy themselves saying isn’t it great how healthy and lucky we are, happy to leave with a bag of leftovers for the rest of the week. He never missed sending a birthday or Christmas card and always had a special and very fitting message included.

He was predeceased by his parents, Christine and Douglas Clunie; his grandson, “Max” Clunie; sisters, Winona (Merv) Lancaster and their sons, Mark and Gregg, Gwen Holmes (Bruce); brother, Doug (Joan) Clunie and ex-wife Christina Ann Clunie.

He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy: his son, Rusty (Sharon) Clunie; granddaughter Alyson (Ryan) Cullum and their children, Zoey, Kailer, and Jace; his granddaughter, Meghan (Tanner) Byrne and their children Layla, Ruby, and Redford; son, Jayson (Colleen) Clunie; his grandson, Peter (Jamie) LeMessurier and their children River and Ewan; his grandson, Ross (Erica) LeMessurier and grandson, Jake (Mufaro) Clunie and their son, Russell Jayson “RJ”.

He is further survived by his sister, Dr. Colleen Cooper and her family; Joan Clunie and her family; and the families of Winona and Gwen.

Russ’s loyalty, wisdom, love and compassion have left an enduring mark on all who had the honour of knowing him. The Saskatchewan construction and engineering community has lost a keeper of technical knowledge, fairness, and what was right. Russ’s legacy will continue through his family, his company, and the many professionals he inspired over his remarkable 70-year career.

In lieu of other tributes, donations in memory of Russ may be made to borealhealthcare.ca https://interland3.donorperfect.net  .  Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lorne Adams Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322. A service will be announced for a later date and is planned for Spring of 2026 tentatively early May in Prince Albert, SK.

 

• Date : 2025-10-29
• Location : Prince Albert, SK