Still in our hearts

John Russell, a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, friend and colleague passed away peacefully on December 1, 2021, just shy of his 67th birthday. John was born in Campbellford, Ontario. After graduating from Sir Sanford Fleming College in 1975, he headed north to the Yukon in 1976, following in the footsteps of his brother Ed Russell. John spent time working in Ross River, Watson Lake and Tungsten and then moved to NWT working in Tuktoyaktuk, Aklavik and Inuvik as a Conservation Officer. He then found his lasting career in 1979 with Government of Yukon, Conservation Officer Services and after 34 plus years of service retired in 2013.

John was usually a man of few words, but if you got him in the right mood, he was a dynamic storyteller and had a lot of colourful stories to share. Throughout his career, he was committed to doing the right thing and was well known for treating people and animals with respect. In his off duty hours, John loved spending time with family, cross-country skiing, walking, fishing, and riding his motorcycle.

He married the love his life, Susan (Jeff) Russell on July 10, 1982. They have three children, Jennifer Russell (Graham Cochrane), Mary-Lynn (Erik Lundie) and Don Russell (Amanda Ius).

He was predeceased by his father, Donald Greene Russell, his mother Jewel Rebecca Russell and his brother Edgar James Russell (Heather-surviving). He leaves behind Susan, his wife of 39 years, his children, their partners and five grandchildren Hayden, Liam, Foster, Claire and Hailey.

As requested by John, there will be a gathering of immediate family only at a future date. He wanted a tree planted in his memory where his ashes will reside. We expect the tree to take on a life of its own.

We do want to provide family, friends or colleagues an opportunity to touch base, so have set up an email address memoriesofjohnrussell@gmail.com where you can share condolences or fond memories of John with the immediate family or you can stop by for a visit and coffee with his wife, Susan.

If you wish to honour John’s memory, donations to either the https://HumaneSocietyYukon.ca or The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 36, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 5X9 would be appreciated.