John Wallace Russell
(Retired Captain, Barrie Fire and Emergency Service)
It is with profound sadness and much love, we announce Wally’s peaceful passing, at home surrounded by his family, on December 29, 2023, at age 76.
Lovingly devoted to his wife Brenda, son Scott (Angie) and daughter Vicki (Bryan). Doting and adored Papa to grandsons Emmett and Hunter.
Son of Eileen and John Russell (pre-deceased) and brother of Roger (pre-deceased), Wendy, and Reid (pre-deceased). Son-in-law of Peter (Marie pre-deceased).
Wally will be lovingly missed by his many family members and friends across Canada.
As a young man, Wally learned to scuba dive and soon began “The Divers Five” – men with whom he retained a close bond and friendship for over 60 years.
Wally followed in a family trade as a custom cabinet maker working with his father at The Cabinet Shop in Barrie. He later began his career with the Barrie Fire Service where he devoted 28 years to serving his community and helping to protect the lives of those in it, retiring in 2001 holding the rank of Captain (Fire Prevention Officer). Following his retirement, he renewed his love of building and launched Walrus Enterprises. His greatest achievement in this trade was building a log home with his son, daughter and wife, together with interested family and friends, a home where he and Brenda retired.
Life in their new community established strong bonds and friendships with many, but in particular special friends, the “Grandview Lake Full-Timers”.
Wally’s love for his family was abounding. His happiest moments were those spent with his family, and in particular, his grandsons.
The family would like to extend sincere gratitude for the care, compassion and support provided by the staff at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital - Dr. Krensky, Dr. Hammell, and Dr. Wu; Nursing staff, and in particular Promise, Charity, Junior, Julia, Rebecca and Adam; and all other caregivers including Jenna (O.T.), Laurie (Physio) and Samantha (home nurse).
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethune United Church, 2 Dickie Street, Baysville, Ontario at 1:00 p.m. on January 11, 2024 followed by a Gathering for Happy Memories and refreshments (approx.1:30 p.m.) in Thomas Hall (adjoining the church). Spoken memories of Wally will be shared at approx. 2:30 p.m. Following Wally’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
Messages of condolence and memories may also be forwarded directly to the family at Rememberingwallyrussell@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to:
Baysville Friends of the Library
etransfer to baysvillefriends@gmail.com (please include a mailing address in the notes); or
via CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/baysville-friends-of-the-library/ ;
or by cheque to PO Box 201 Baysville, P0B 1A0
G.A.P (Gravenhurst Against Proverty); https://www.gravehurstagainstpoverty.com/donate.html
South Muskoka Memorial Hospital
https://www.healthmuskoka.ca/donate/
Canadian Liver Foundation
https//www.liver.ca/how-you-help/ways-to-give/
or your preferred charity. If assistance is required in making your donation, please do not hesitate calling the funeral home, Monday to Friday 9-3,