JOHNATHAN KEVIN ANATOLE RUSSELL-LACASSE (RABY)
February 23, 2002 – July 13, 2022
It’s with profound sadness, that the Russell and Lacasse families share the sad news of our beloved Johnathan (John) Kevin Anatole Russell-Lacasse (Raby)’s untimely passing on Wednesday, July 13th, 2022 in the City of Greater Sudbury.
Johnathan is survived by his adoptive mother, Rosalind Russell of Espanola, and his birth parents, Ray Lacasse of Sudbury and Sarah Teneycke of Vancouver, B.C. He is also survived by his brothers, Craig and Michael, and sisters, Natalie and Katrina, and his adoptive grandparents, Claire Allan of Hamilton and Kenneth Russell of Espanola/Gore Bay, and his maternal birth grandmother, Darryl Anderson.
Lovingly now in the arms of his paternal birth grandmother, Elizabeth (Betty) Lacasse, and Uncle Dave Lacasse.
He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews, in both his extended adoptive and birth families.
Johnathan was a man with a strong moral compass, convictions, and work ethic. He was the kindest, most loving person, funny, and supportive of so many.
Many of his friends will recall how much he loved sports and was a phenomenal baseball, soccer, basketball, and hockey player with various Espanola teams and won many awards, including several MVPs. He also loved camping and the great outdoors.
He was especially proud that he, Craig, and Rosalind represented adoption nationally as part of the 2011-12 cross-Canada Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay.
Despite dyslexia, Johnathan was awarded an academic award, The Never Give Up Award in his final year at Sacred Heart in Espanola before his move to Sudbury to reunite with his birth father and family.
Johnathan was also proud of his First Nation roots and enjoyed learning about his heritage, traditions, customs, and history.
It was always his dream to go into the Canadian Army, but due to his challenges with dyslexia, he had to leave that dream behind and began learning the construction trade having taken part in the building of many private and public projects over the last four years in the Sudbury and North Shore corridor.
A very compassionate thank you to all the first responders, EMS, Greater Sudbury Police, and Emergency Staff at Health Sciences North for taking such loving care of him.
As per his wishes, Johnathan was cremated with a Celebration of Life planned for Sunday, August 21st, 2022, from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Espanola Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 in Espanola.
Donations to the Espanola Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 or Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer in his name would be appreciated.
Forget Me Not
I give you this one thought to keep,
I am with you still; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning
Hush … I’m the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds encircled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not think of me as gone
I’m with you still in each new dawn
Rest In Peace Johnathan … So Many Memories, Too Little Time
Arrangements entrusted to Sudbury Park Lawn Cremation Services.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Johnathan Raby Wednesday July 13th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sudbury, Province: Ontario