Russell passed away peacefully at the Red Lake Margaret Memorial Hospital on May 26, 2023 at the age of 79.  He was the loving father of Amber and Morgan and the grandfather of Patyon and Ryan.  Russell was predeceased by his wife of 44 years Janet, his brothers Brian and Terry and his sister Tish.

Russell was a proud graduate of The Haileybury School of Mines. It was while at HSM where Russell met Janet. The two made their way post graduation to Red Lake  where they were married in December 1969.  Russell worked many years at Placer Dome Campbell Mine in a variety of roles in geology, exploration and engineering . His second half of his career was spent with the Municipality of Red Lake as the Chief Building Official.

Russell and Janet spent many happy years enjoying the area, hunting, boating, fishing, watching the sunsets at Rahill Beach. Russell's retirement years were spent being a proud grampie to Payton and Ryan and enjoying the sun on his back deck.

Per his wishes cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Hospital Foundation through the Red Lake Chapel, Box 237, Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0.