ONTARIO – Russell Gunning passed away at the St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Elliot Lake on Saturday, April 17, 2007, at the age of 85. Born on December 11, 1921, in Loch Broom, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, he served overseas with the British Columbia Dragoons in North Africa, Italy, France and the Netherlands during WWII. He then returned to school and graduated in 1952 from Acadia University with a BSc in Geology. He also worked in explorations with Hudson’s Bay Mining & Smelting Co. in Flin Flon, Manitoba, from 1952 to 1958, when the family moved to Elliot Lake. Starting out as a mine geologist, he retired as Chief Geologist at Denison Mines in 1988. Russ is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean Gunning (nee Christie) of Elliot Lake. Predeceased by his parents, Albert and Lottie Gunning (nee Burge), and son, Randy Gunning. He is also survived by his children, Cheryl MacLennan (husband Mick) of Toronto, Frank Gunning of Sudbury, Michael Gunning (wife Cherry) and Kereyn Vorgias (husband Steven), both of Ottawa, and grandchildren: Charles, Laurel, Brett and Ethan. He leaves behind two sisters, Rena Hicks (husband Jack) of St. Peter’s, Nova Scotia, and Anna Molyneaux (late husband Bud) of Trenton, Nova Scotia. Also predeceased by brother, Wendell Gunning (wife Phyllis) of Stellarton, Nova Scotia, and sister, Winnie Sewell (late husband Joe). Will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. His remains rested at the Elliot Lake Funeral Chapel & Cremation Centre (36 Ontario Ave). Funeral service will be held today at 1 p.m. from the funeral home with Rev. Robert Gardner officiating. Cremation to follow. Interment in Woodlands Cemetery, Elliot Lake. Memorial contributions to the Elliot Lake Palliative Care Program would be greatly appreciated by the family.