It is with great sadness that the Hennessey family announce the passing of Russell Samuel Hennessey, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.  Russ will be forever loved and remembered by his best friend and wife of 67 years Gail. Russ will always be remembered by his loving family: Helen and Ron Colpitts and their son Bruce; Michael and Linda Hennessey and their son Timothy with his wife Rachel and their children Olivia and Ben; Keith and Tracey Hennessey and their children Brianne, Jennifer, Scott with his wife Sarah, Robert and his wife Tessa, Sierra and Chase; his extended family and many friends.

Russ was born in Reserve Mine, Nova Scotia.  He was raised by his mother Florence and father Mike with his siblings John and Marina.  In 1947, the family moved to East Coulee Alberta where his father worked as a coal miner mechanic and Russ went to school at the East Coulee single room school for all grades (now a museum).  There he met his lifelong friend Ed Hunt with whom many adventures were had. The family moved to Calgary in 1953 where Russ completed high school at Western Canada High.  After school he enlisted in the Air Force and after completing basic training, he was stationed at many Canadian Air Force bases.

In 1956 Russ was transferred to Ottawa; where on a blind date with his Air Force friends and local student nurses; Russ met the love of his life; Gail Haywood.  Within a year, Russ and Gail were married on August 7, 1957.

Russ was a member of the Canadian Air Force serving for 10 years, including a four-year deployment at 4 Wing, Sollingen, Germany.  After his retirement from the air force; the family moved to Edmonton Alberta where Russ was employed by AGT (Alberta Government Telephone) as an engineer; computer programmer and computer programmer instructor.  In 1976, Russ and Gail moved the family to Victoria to become the owners of Gilwood Wholesale (a sewing notions wholesaler) and Buttons & Bows Fabric Store. Russ successfully ran Gilwood for fourteen years until he chose to sell the business and retire.

Russ was a long serving member of the Knights of Columbus and was the Grand Knight at both St. Patrick’s Parish in Victoria and Our Lady of the Rosary in Langford. In addition, Russ was a Fourth-Degree member; Faithful Navigator and District Deputy for Greater Victoria. Russ was also a long-time member of Uplands Golf Course; where on October 13th, 1983 he had his one and only Hole-in-One on the fourth hole.

Russ had a stroke in 2018 that left him with movement challenges that prevent him from doing many of the things he enjoyed in life including golf.  As time progressed the challenges became greater, slowly eroding his ability to enjoy the finer moments of life; culminating in a stroke on January 2nd that ultimately led to his passing on January 7th.  The family is grateful that he is now at peace.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, 595 Galiano Crescent, at 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 14th , 2023, followed by a reception at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre Fieldhouse. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the BC Children’s Hospital.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Leslie Ivens

    Keith My deepest condolences to your entire family. Cherish all of your memories.

    Leslie

  • John & Barb McDonald

    Gail and family it is with sadness we read of the passing of Russ recently.

    Barb and I were so very blessed to have know Russ throughout his membership in the Friday Seniors Bowling League at the lanes and we shall always remember his cheerful presence and the support he gave to the bowlers over the years.

    Truly one very kind and sociable man and he will be missed.

  • Marven and Sharon Kelland

    It is with deep sorrow that we say goodbye to our friend, Russ, he and Gail have been the best of our friends for many years. Russ you will leave a big void in this life, but I know that there is a special place in Heaven for you. Rest in Peace dear friend.

  • Debbie McLaughlin

    Dear Gail and family.
    We are so sorry for your loss of Russ. May your memories and those you love be there to comfort and support you.
    Love Debbie McLaughlin, Laura Haywood and all.

  • Renee Dale

    Dear Gail I’m very saddened to hear of Russell’s passing. I enjoyed our visits and will miss seeing you both. Sending hugs

  • Lynn Hunter

    Dear Gail and family,
    It is with a heavy heart I read Russ’s obituary in today’s paper. You were good neighbours to me when we lived on Huxley Street. I thank you for that. I remember particularly the help during our epic snowfall in 1996. You acted as a strong team all the time I knew you. Your 67 years together is a testament to a caring relationship. I wish you strength and love from your family as you carry on without dear Russ.

  • Ray and Julie Flemming

    Just a note to say that we were very sad to learn of Russell’s passing from Helen I believe last saturday or sunday. We mailed a card that has not as of yet reached Bruce but had a nice conversation with Bruce today. Will be thinking of you all with love and prayers on Saturday. Julie and Ray Flemming

  • James E Pungente

    Russ, You have flown all over the world in every type of plane and now you are free to fly the universe. Good times; Sunday Brunches at the club, an enjoyable round of golf with you and enjoyable visits with you and Gail. You were never selfish with your time. Rest in Peace. Jim and Inga.

  • Michael O'Rielly

    Joan and I offer our condolences to the family. Mayhe rest in peace

  • Wil & Mary van der Pijl

    It is with deep sadness that we heard of the passing for the ever friendly and graceful Russ Hennessey. We are so very sorry for your loss. Russ will forever live on, in my memory, as the man who with his kindness was able to touch so many people at Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church and later at Our Lady Star of the Sea. RIP dear Russ you Wil be missed.

    We wish Gail and her family strength and all the good memories and warmth of family for the future. May the good Lord bless you with peace, strength and well-being.

  • Jamie Chamberlain

    My condolences what a great man and brother knight

  • Brad Houck and Denise (Morin) Houck

    Sending our condolences from Lansing, Michigan, USA. So very sorry for your loss.

  • Maureen Mitchell

    So sorry to learn of your dad’s passing, Keith. May all your fond memories comfort you at this sad time.

  • Noreen Adams

    Russ was a very nice man and it was a pleasure knowing him. I know at this time it is difficult to say goodbye to him but your memories will last forever. May he R i P.

  • Linda Shiellds

    I am so very sorry for your loss. I am thinking about you all and praying for you. I understand what you are going through and if ever you want to talk or I can do anything please don’t hesitate. We have not seen each other for many years but I feel like our families are linked and that your family is my extended family. Hugs to you all may your faith and the God of all comfort, comfort you in the days and months ahead.

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