RUSSELL, JOSEPH "JOE" S. - Joseph "Joe" S. Russell, 81, passed away peacefully at the Forest Dale Nursing Home in Riverside-Albert on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 with family by his side. Born in Riverglade, NB on April 7, 1931, Joe was the youngest son of the late Percy and Evelyn (Govang) Russell. Before retirement he was employed with the Canadian Coast Guard from 1962-1987, working as a lighthouse keeper on Grindstone Island in Shepody Bay, Argyle Light off Pubnico, NS and Quaco Light, St. Martin's, NB. Joe loved being outdoors, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, and was well known for his hunting skills. He knew every backwoods road and trail in Albert County. Some of his happiest times were spent at his camp in New Ireland, enjoying the peace and quiet of the woods or being the life of the party with his comical wit, jokes and tall yarns. He is survived by his wife Jean (Hoar) Russell of Hillsborough; two daughters, Debbie Stewart (Jamie) of Moncton, Dawn Bennett (Bill) of Riverview; two sons, Jack Russell of Cold Lake, Alberta and Jeff Russell (Angela) of Dalhousie, NB; three step-daughters, Dawne McLean (Roger) of Shepody, Connie Sarchfield (Darrel) of Boundary Creek and Bonna Bouchie of Upper Coverdale; two step-sons, Sterling Wright (Dawn) of Cornwall, PE and Scott Wright (Kelly) of Riverside-Albert; one sister, Miriam Dohaney of Chipman, NB; one sister-in-law, Noreen Russell of Weldon; eleven grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; several great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews including special nephew Lynn Lockhart (Beverly) and family. Besides his parents, Joe was predeceased by sisters Kathleen (Kay) Lockhart and Mary (Sitz) Stewart; and by brothers, Charles and James. The family gratefully thanks the staff at Forest Dale Nursing Home for providing excellent care to Joe over the past nine years. He was especially blessed to have nieces, Myrna, Marilyn and Krista among his care-givers at the nursing home, as well as other friends on staff who lovingly gave him special attention.
Visitation will be held at the Albert County Funeral Home on Sunday, April 7, 2013 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. The funeral service will follow visitation at 3:00pm with Pastor Paul Steeves officiating. Reception to follow service. Interment will be at Hopewell Cemetery at a later date. Family flowers only. In Joe's memory, donations to Forest Dale Nursing Home, Parkinson Society Maritime Region or to a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated. Arrangements in care of Albert County Funeral Home, 4130 Route 114, Hopewell Cape, NB, E4H-3K2, Ph (506) 734-2780. On line condolences and donations can be sent to www.albertcountyfh.com