Russ was born in Toronto in 1935. Loving husband and best friend of Wendy for 64 years, father of Mark, Judy (Mike) and Lisa (Steve) and brother of Ross (deceased), Brian and Andrea.
Russ went to grade 9 at the young age of 11 after skipping 2 grades. Being so much younger than his class mates, he did not enjoy high school and left to join the RCAF. He was stationed in Chatham, N.B. When they returned to Toronto Russ became Fire Fighter in downtown Toronto for 14 years. While there, he attended York University as a mature student, taking night courses and arranging his schedule with friends so that he could attend day classes. With his B.A. partially completed, he went to Teachers’ College and was hired to teach in Scarborough. After a full decade of part time courses, with assistance and support from Wendy who edited and typed his essays, Russ ended up on the Dean’s honour list with an MA in American History.
After retirement Russ & Wendy moved to Foxboro Green. They got serious about travel and visited many different countries. Russ joined the Ancient Mariners and went on lots of camping trips both in Canada and the U.S. For Russ the pinnacle was paddling the Nahanni River in the North West Territories; second favourite was the Rio Grande. Russ had a love of music and singing, he could also whistle a pretty good tune. He sang with a choir that toured Italy and performed at Centre on the Stage in 2000. Russ really enjoyed his time with Foxboro’s choir led by Dave Muir, a great conductor. He was a good curler, a not as good tennis player, a football referee, and an avid sports fan. He also enjoyed the company of many friends that he made as a member of the Retired Business Men’s Club.
Russ had a full and active life, but his very best times were those spent with his grandchildren, Christine, Rebecca, Rachel, Jaclyn, Brad & Jeff. They loved it when he cooked Toad in the Hole for their breakfast. He loved taking them out in his canoe. And he loved attending their sports and school events. Russ became great grandfather to Riley two years ago.
Russ showed character and courage as he dealt with health issues over the past few years. He passed away on Saturday, July 14th. Russ will be missed by all who loved him.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Aug. 19th from 1 to 4 at Conestoga Place, 110 Manitou Drive, Kitchener N2C 1L3. Please RSVP by Aug. 16th to wendy.or.russ@gmail.com or to Judy or Mike Rowley. If you would like to share a story about Russ please put “I will speak” beside your name when you respond.
Russ went to grade 9 at the young age of 11 after skipping 2 grades. Being so much younger than his class mates, he did not enjoy high school and left to join the RCAF. He was stationed in Chatham, N.B. When they returned to Toronto Russ became Fire Fighter in downtown Toronto for 14 years. While there, he attended York University as a mature student, taking night courses and arranging his schedule with friends so that he could attend day classes. With his B.A. partially completed, he went to Teachers’ College and was hired to teach in Scarborough. After a full decade of part time courses, with assistance and support from Wendy who edited and typed his essays, Russ ended up on the Dean’s honour list with an MA in American History.
After retirement Russ & Wendy moved to Foxboro Green. They got serious about travel and visited many different countries. Russ joined the Ancient Mariners and went on lots of camping trips both in Canada and the U.S. For Russ the pinnacle was paddling the Nahanni River in the North West Territories; second favourite was the Rio Grande. Russ had a love of music and singing, he could also whistle a pretty good tune. He sang with a choir that toured Italy and performed at Centre on the Stage in 2000. Russ really enjoyed his time with Foxboro’s choir led by Dave Muir, a great conductor. He was a good curler, a not as good tennis player, a football referee, and an avid sports fan. He also enjoyed the company of many friends that he made as a member of the Retired Business Men’s Club.
Russ had a full and active life, but his very best times were those spent with his grandchildren, Christine, Rebecca, Rachel, Jaclyn, Brad & Jeff. They loved it when he cooked Toad in the Hole for their breakfast. He loved taking them out in his canoe. And he loved attending their sports and school events. Russ became great grandfather to Riley two years ago.
Russ showed character and courage as he dealt with health issues over the past few years. He passed away on Saturday, July 14th. Russ will be missed by all who loved him.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Aug. 19th from 1 to 4 at Conestoga Place, 110 Manitou Drive, Kitchener N2C 1L3. Please RSVP by Aug. 16th to wendy.or.russ@gmail.com or to Judy or Mike Rowley. If you would like to share a story about Russ please put “I will speak” beside your name when you respond.
