Mar 7, 1925 – Aug 5, 2017
Raymond Leslie Russell, 92, passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on August 5, 2017. He was born on March 7, 1925 on a farm near Cardross, Saskatchewan (the second youngest of six children of the late George and Myrtle Russell). He is survived by his loving wife (Dorothy) of 66 years, daughter Diane in Nanaimo, daughter Loris Asay (George) in Prince George, grandson Brad Asay (Amanda Lacerda) in Prince George, and granddaughter Amanda Asay in Vancouver; 2 sisters-in-law (Gladys Evans in Calgary and Virginia/ Jean Russell in Moose Jaw); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings Bill (Mildred), Eleanor (Ted), Betty (Gord), Mabel (Maynard), and John; and nephews Roly Russell and Bob Acton. Ray finished high school at Notre Dame College in Saskatchewan before attending the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon where he obtained Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. He taught high school in Brock and Rosetown before receiving a Master of Education degree at Oregon State University in Corvallis in 1965. The family moved to Ladysmith in 1968 where Ray began his career in Special Education in Ladysmith/Nanaimo. Ray retired from the School District in 1988 after many rewarding years as a School Psychologist. Ray was active in numerous organizations (including Captain in the Canadian Army Cadet Corps, Grand Master in the Masons, Adlerian Society, and Power Squadron). Ray was involved in many activities in the Anglican Church that were very important to him (including Church Warden, Cursillo, Order of St. Luke, and several others). After moving to the West Coast, Ray bought a boat for fishing and cruising. He was a Power Squadron instructor and a member of the Albineers. Both before and after retirement, Ray and Dot travelled extensively seeing the world. Ray always enjoyed camping (starting with tenting, building a tent trailer, and multiple winter trips in the 5th wheel to Arizona). Ray spent his final years at the Lodge on 4th in Ladysmith living with Dot and participating in the many activities offered there. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lodge on 4th (1127 4th Avenue Ladysmith, B.C.) with Reverend Susan Hermanson officiating. Refreshments will be served following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Philip Anglican Church in Cedar. Condolences may be offered at www.telfordsladysmith.com.