With hearts full of love and cherished memories, we the family of Russell (Russ) announce his peaceful passing on February 24th, 2025, at Victoria General Hospital surrounded by his loving family, following a valiant battle with health challenges.
Born in New Waterford on March 3rd, 1956, he was the son of Wilfred and Mary Ellen MacNeil, and brother to Sue, George, Marilyn, Ramona, Patricia and Isabel.
Russ grew up in New Waterford and joined the Prince Edward Island police academy in 1975. This grew into a lifelong career in Canada Immigration, Enforcement (CBSA) and Intelligence. He continued in this field until retirement in 2013, making numerous friends along the way. Russ was a friend, mentor and valued colleague.
In his retirement, Russ and his wife Gail, enjoyed walks on the beach (Whiffen Spit – Sooke), annual anniversary trips to Tofino, cheering for the Vancouver Canucks and travelling.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Gail, his children Michael (Belinda), Jennifer (Stephanie), his grandchildren Maden, Meara and Sophia plus his Uncle Sam, Aunt Isabel, many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Russ’s celebration of life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, on May 4th, 2025, at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Marc and Jackie Hunter
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Kevin Stewart My deepest condolences to you Gail, Michael, and Jennifer on your loss of a beautiful man. He proudly spoke of you, loved, and adored you.
I was honored to know, work, and socialize with Russ near the end of our careers. His kindness, smile, enthusiasm, and sense of humor was infectious.
His vast wisdom and experience in safeguarding Canada and protecting our citizens was unparalleled. He was a reliable team player.
Like many others, I have lost a good friend. I know I’ll see him again on the other side. Rest well, my friend.
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Raymond & Lorraine MacDonald To Russell’s Family. I want to offer my sincere condolences on the passing of a childhood friend who I grew up with next door. Russell made lots of camping trips with us the MacDonald Family of River Ryan. We were the same age and grew up having lots of fun around the neighborhood. RIP by friend gone too soon.
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Gina Switzer Dearest Gail, Jenn & Steph, Michael & Belinda & family. Words cannot describe how fortunate I was to have found my life path to cross with Russ and Gail. To have Russ as a mentor, a colleague a dear friend and someone like a family member are a few words that can barely describe what he meant to me. To write words in this context seems surreal and to summarize Russ in a paragraph is impossible.
His kindness and honesty was as true as his handshake. Russ was someone that you could count on to have your back and you knew if things were going “sideways” in an arrest, you were not alone, EVER! Then there was that freaking giggle…it started with the eye twinkle, then all bets were off, no holding back the MacNeil giggles were contagious.
The day we lost you, the world got a little darker, but the stars got a lot brighter. Miss you my friend
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Kris Bachynski Sending from my heart, love and condolences to Gail and family.
Russ will be missed. So enjoyed spending time, laughs and visits with the MacNeil family.
With love,
Kris
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Gayle Nestor My sincere condolences to Gail and family. I will remember the committed couple that Russ and Gail were. They were partners in heart and soul. Caring and giving to everyone they cared for, including the furry pets in their family. Rest in peace Russ.
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Rob Russ had a huge impact on my career trajectory and was a key mentor when I worked with him in the year and a half or so until his retirement. He was a legend in our community, a true subject matter expert in his field, and was looked upon with the highest respect by the partners we worked with. I will be out of town for the service but will be thinking of Russ and will raise a glass that morning from abroad. Russ, thank you for your service to Canada and to all of us who benefited from knowing and working with you.
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Dave Quail Russ was someone I enjoyed working with when our paths would cross on files. While he was always serious when it came to work, he could always make the table laugh when we would meet for coffee after the Intel meetings with his unique sense of humour.
Though it is sad that he is gone, it is comforting that he is now at peace.
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Shin and Rita Sall Dear Gail, Michael, Jennifer and the entire Family,
I am heartbroken to hear about Russ’s passing. He was one of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. His warm heart, infectious laughter, and quick wit made every moment spent with him a joy. He had a way of making people feel at ease, of bringing smiles even on the hardest days, and of reminding us all not to take life too seriously.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have called him a colleague and a friend. The memories we shared—his jokes, his wisdom, his unwavering kindness—will stay with me always. Though words feel inadequate in times like these, please know that my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you.
It pains me to say that we won’t be able to attend the funeral services, as we are out of the country for an extended period. Please know that, even from afar, we are holding you close in our hearts and sharing in your sorrow. I hope you find comfort in the love he gave so freely and the countless lives he touched.
Shin and Rita Sal
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Jeff&Cindy Glutek Our deepest condolences to the family.Always enjoyed doing lunch with Russ&Gail when we were in Victoria.Such a kind caring loving person.Will miss his humor and smile.Hugs to the family
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Christine Kennedy So sorry for your loss.
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Brian Leah Russ it was a pleasure to know and work with you. I am glad you are now at peace. Memories are never forgotten. You are missed.
To the MacNeil family,
Russ was such a respected, admired and loved friend and colleague. When I first met Russ in 2008, having been transferred in to a new position with the RCMP, he was the first to welcome me and show me the ropes. I will always fondly remember our daily coffees with him as one of the founders of the “league of merely ordinary gentlemen” at the New Wave Cafe. We all had so many laughs. Wise and kind and so knowledgeable in his field. He was instrumental and key in the success of our multi-agency mandate to make Canada a safer country. Russ got things done and was not hindered by politics, policy or red tape. I will always remember a special trip to Port McNeill and the bottle of rum he brought. Or our business trips to Halifax and Alameda together. Russ adored his wife Gail and spoke of her often with such admiration and love. He also regaled us with stories of his children and puffed with pride when he spoke of them. They don’t make ‘em like Russ anymore. Loved his family, so dedicated to work and always there for his friends. Jackie and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and want to convey that Russ’ legacy will have a longstanding impact in making Canada safe. I know that one day when I’m before the pearly gates Russ will be there to make sure I’m not on a watch list. Rest in peace my friend.