Passed away peacefully, at Glenwarren Lodge in Victoria, B.C. on December 25, 2009. Beloved husband of Isabelle for 66 years; father of Michael (Janice), Nancy (John), Stephen (Bernice), Jeffrey (Mary), Joel (Maria), Trish (Paul); grandfather and great grandfather of fifteen. Born in Hamilton, Ontario July 20, 1922, Russ graduated from McMaster University after returning from active service in the Second World War. After many years with the Canadian Manufacturers’ Association, Russ opened his own business providing outsourced management to a variety of trade associations in Toronto and then Ottawa. After retiring to Victoria in 1990, Russ happily tended to his garden, played the piano, took long walks along the ocean and relaxed in his library surrounded by his books. He always looked forward to visits from his large family and would share his passion for music, books and nature with all. In the last year, Alzheimer’s robbed him of many of his favourite pursuits but his eyes would still light up when he saw Isabelle, his children or his grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff at Glenwarren Lodge for their compassion and care for Russ over the last seven months.
A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 1701 Elgin Street in Oak Bay on Wednesday, December 30th at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada would be greatly appreciated.
44 Responses
Jeff, Mary and family:
Sorry to learn of the loss of your father. My sincere condolences on the loss of your father.
Bhawani
Dear Jeff and family,
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dom
We offer our sincere condolences to the family.
Millicent & Don Fraser
Naomi and I are saddened to learn of the death of Russ and we send our heartfelt condolences to Isabelle and his family.
We have very fond memories of Russ and Isabelle when they lived among us in Kanata and at St. John’s Church South March. Russ and I were on the Church Council together for some time. I greatly enjoyed his good humour, kindness and patrician style. In 2001 we had the delight and privilege to stay with Russ and Isabelle for a few days in their home in Victoria. For me Russ was very special and he will be greatly missed by many.
Dear Jeff, Mary and family:
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your Dad. His hobbies and interests are very similar to my own, and I think he would have been someone that I would have enjoyed getting to know. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kate McLeod
Dear Joel, Maria, Christina, Samantha and family,
We are extremely sorry to hear of the loss of your father/grandfather. He was a wonderful person. Our thoughts are with you.
Johnny, Elisa, Alex, Leo and Joseph La Vecchia
Dear: Joel, Maria, Christina, Samantha and the Neal Family
Our deepest condolences on the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Ron, Adriana, Steven and Dorothy Wollenschlager
Dear Isabelle and family,
Beryl & I extend our most sincere condolences on the passing of Russell.
Along with his many friends and triumphs in the business world of Canada, Russell was a fellow member of one of Captain J.R. Cornelius’ famous track and field teams in the late 1930s and early ’40s. Neal, Bryant, Gates and Kerrison were a “team”, remainded so and always will, in my mind, in H.C.C.I., R.C.A.F. and as forever comrades.
Our hearts go out to you.
Beryl and Harry
Jeff, Mary and all Neal family,
We are so sorry to hear passing of your father, our sincerest condolences.
Shafiq & Saima
Yesterday I saw in The Spectator about Russ.My memory bank took me back to Central Collegiate and Isabel Rushton in Room #3 ( Miss Baker ). I remember Stan ( ? ) , Marge Walker, Harry Kerrison,Gord Furry & Capt Corneilous(sp).I too was in the RCAF WW2 & worked on a McMaster committee with Russ.I met my wife Ruth at MAC & 60 years later we are still together . We have 3 children, 6 grandchildren & 2 great granddaughters. I taught High School at Delta & Central & retired in 1985 as a Supervisor. I have many more memories. But I send Sincere Condolences to you & family