Russell died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Vancouver on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at the age of 69 years. Russell is survived by his loving wife, Elisabeth (Betty Sommerville), his mother Runa, his brother Clifford and wife Margot, his nephew Ryan, and other extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his ¬father, Aulay.
Born in Moncton, Russell was raised in West Vancouver, attended West Van High and obtained his degree in philosophy at Bishop’s University in Quebec. But his real interest was always journalism and he began his career in the 70s at the Medicine Hat News. He moved to the Lethbridge Herald, and then to television news at CTV in Lethbridge and Calgary. In the late eighties he was hired by CBC TV News in Calgary where he continued his own unique style of storytelling with his deep and distinctive voice. A natural journalist, he delighted in telling the story of his first job with the Medicine Hat News. The editor asked Russell during his interview if he had been to journalism school. When he answered no, it turned out to be the right answer since his new boss wanted nothing to do with a ¬graduate with any preconceived ideas.
CBC News closed its station in Calgary in the late 90s. He returned to -Vancouver, where his heart always belonged and took on his final news position with Shaw TV’s community news. Russell met Betty soon after he arrived in ¬Vancouver. They married on February 14th and were blessed with 19 devoted and happy years together. He spent his latter years volunteering for the Crane Resource Centre at UBC, where he voice recorded textbooks and educational materials for blind students.
Russell was a kind and gentle man. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. At his request, he will be cremated and there will be no special service.

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Russell
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