Parcourez la nécrologie de Dr John R Russell Monday November 27th 2023 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
Dr. John Ray Russell
With his three girls by his side, John Russell passed away in his 98th year on Monday November 27th, 2023, at Headwaters Health Care Centre in Orangeville.
John was the beloved husband of Alice for nearly 72 years. Treasured father of Karen (Stephen Orme), Linda (Barb Ball), and Laurie (Brian Heimbecker). Cherished Grampa of Evan (Rubi), Kalen (Becky), Christine (Justin), Alyssa, Emma (Mitch), Jono, and Alex (Emily). Proud Great-Grampa of Audrey, Brynlee, Anna, and Hudson. Fondly remembered by his brother-in-law Michael (Anne) Shunock, nephew Michael (Brenda) Waddell, niece Debbie (Doug) Curry, and their families. He will be missed by many caring neighbours, friends, and Rotarians.
John was always a gentleman, kind and humble in heart. From an early age, his compassion for all was most evident. John loved people; always making them feel valued, accepted, and heard.
John Ray Russell came into this world May 15th, 1926, in Toronto. His parents, Hazel and Elmer Russell, were overjoyed at the arrival of their son, their only child. When John was twelve years of age, they moved to Laurel where Elmer built and independently operated a garage to service vehicles. Growing up, John spent hours working by his father’s side, tinkering with cars, motorcycles, wagons, tractors, and other machines. Soon after his arrival in Laurel, at the age of twelve, John owned two cars, and at fourteen, three motorcycles. Every summer throughout his schooling, he worked with his dad in the garage. He was granted his mechanic’s license due to his high level of skill. When John wasn’t working in the garage, he could be found playing softball, at church or community socials, playing cards in the general store, or enjoying the outdoors with his friends.
John attended a one room school house in Laurel that only went up to grade ten. He continued his education in Orangeville, boarding with Maurice and Mary Cline. There began a valued lifelong friendship with Maurice, the Principal of Orangeville High School. Upon completion of high school, John was accepted at the University of Toronto into the Faculty of Dentistry. At that time, only eight out of one hundred and forty students were selected from high schools. The other students were former service men.
John had a good friend named Jack Waddell (his future brother-in-law) who brought John to his church’s Young People’s meeting. A brown eyed, dark haired, vivacious young woman named Alice warmly welcomed him. And so, their love story began, blossoming for over 75 years. John was happiest when he was with his Alice!
Married in 1951, they set up their dental practice in Orangeville on Broadway above the firehall. In January 1952, John was invited to attend a Rotary meeting. Rotary appealed to John; he enjoyed the fellowship with the other Rotarians and felt compelled to serve in his community. He looked forward to each Thursday night meeting. He was a faithful member for 71 years, with perfect attendance for over 60 consecutive years. As a result, he was granted status as a lifelong Rotarian!
In 1955, Karen came along followed by their “8-pound baby boy,” twins Linda and Laurie, in 1959. John and Alice designed their home and dental office on 19 McCarthy Street. In 1959, they moved in and loved being there ever since. Dr. John thoroughly loved practicing dentistry, modelling dedication paired with a strong work ethic. For forty-six years, John considered it an honour to assist so many friends and community members with their dental care. Many talented and caring assistants worked by his side over those years, but his favourite assistant was always his Alice. John loved that his office was in their home. He never missed a lunch with his girls, and he said it was a short commute! As their family grew with the addition of partners, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many pups, his loving devotion to his family grew. All his family members were deeply cherished and supported by John.
John and Alice bowled, golfed, curled, downhill and cross-country skied, entertained, and took family holidays together exploring Canada or renting various cottages. They enjoyed several cruises, bus trips, and excursions to Europe. John built backyard ice rinks; loved billiards, tobogganing, and bike rides with his family, promoting healthy active living and quality family time.
Dr. John retired at the age of seventy-two to spend more time with his Alice, his children, and his grandchildren. He also volunteered in his daughter’s class at Princess Margaret Public School.
John taught us how to always be gentle, always be gracious, always be grateful, and to always be kind.
Our John- such a kind-hearted gentleman! An inspiration to us all!
The Celebration of Life will take place at Dods & McNair Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre 21 First Street, Orangeville, Ontario on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 12:00pm.
A live stream of the service will be provided for those who cannot attend in person. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service time at 10:00am. You are invited to join the family after the service for refreshments and fellowship in the lower level of the funeral home from 1 to 3pm. Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery at 3:00pm – 12 Cemetery Road, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z1.
Donations, in memory of John may be made to the Westminster United Church (Stained Glass Restoration Project), or to the Rotary Club of Orangeville.
A tree will be planted in memory of John in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. 22nd Annual Dedication Service will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com
Monday November 27th 2023
Décès pour la Ville:Orangeville, Province: Ontario
avis deces Dr John R Russell Monday November 27th 2023
nécrologie Dr John R Russell Monday November 27th 2023
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Dr John R Russell Monday November 27th 2023 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.