Thomas Russell Russell Elliott

Thomas Russell Elliott was known for his blue eyes and wide, handsome smile. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, he was known as Russell and will be remembered as an exceptional person who went about his life with great consistency.

Russell was born on February 14, 1932 at Port Hope Hospital in Port Hope, Ontario. He was the son of Mary Winnifred Jones and Bruce Franklin Elliott. He grew up in Newtonville, Ontario where his parents operated Elliott Auto Wreckers, a gas station, a lunch counter and the Newtonville Motel.

Russell was raised with four siblings, George, Donald, Bruce and Robert. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years. They were known to enjoy coffee together on a monthly basis in their retirement years.

As a young boy, Russell had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Russell was an active child who enjoyed skiing in the Kendal Hills. His keen interest in cars began at an early age.

Russell had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He reached grade 10 before heading out into the workforce which was typical for young men of his era.

Always considered a good friend to those he knew, Russell enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Bill Skelding and Keith Burley. Later in life he became friends with Ron & Eleanor Templar, John & Bev Shreve, Ross & Jean Porteous, Ernie & Tibby Lang, Jake & Dory Melanson, Robert & Isabel Peacock, Ian & Rita Barkwell and many more.

On April 3, 1953 Russell exchanged wedding vows with Audrey Annie Bickle at Port Hope United Church in Port Hope, Ontario. Driven and loyal, Russell was committed to making his new family happy.

Russell worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. He was blessed with three children, two sons, Gary and Brian, and one daughter, Linda. They in turn gave Russell the blessing of five grandchildren, Chad, Duane, Carson, Emily and Russell of whom he was very proud.

Russell enjoyed his job and working hard for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, he worked diligently and did his best to succeed in every accountability. He began his career with a couple of years of service at Goodyear Tire. He then joined the Oshawa Public Utilities Commission on November 7, 1950 as a meter reader, later becoming a water heater service technician followed by some hydro collection work. Russell always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done. He was employed by Oshawa Public Utilities Commission for 43 years retiring November 30, 1993.

Russell enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favourite pursuits were buying and selling cars, and other investments.

Russell found pleasure in sports. Recreational sports included golf, skiing, fishing and billiards. In his retirement, he developed an interest in sports on television, including horse racing and hockey.

Throughout his life, Russell was actively involved in the Moose Lodge and a variety of fitness clubs.

Russell’s faith was important to him. He was a lifetime member of Harmony United Church and most recently Simcoe Street United Church. He loved and spoke often of his church family at Simcoe Street United Church.

Russell enjoyed travelling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favourite vacations included road trips to Eastern Canada, Nashville and California, cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska and favourite weekend getaways to Niagara Falls and Gananoque.

Russell was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favourites was his childhood white Samoyed Dog, Rex. They were best friends for 10 years. After his marriage and children, the family pet was a cat, Fluffy.

Russell enjoyed his retirement years exercising, being active at church and working with his investments. He also enjoyed spending time with his many friends as well as making new friends at the offices of his care teams, where he shopped and where he did business.

For the last year and half of Russell's life he enjoyed the companionship of Marjorie Madsen. They had a relationship that brought each of them great purpose. They took good care of each other.

Russell passed away on July 26, 2016 at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Ontario. Russell fought bravely with heart, lung and kidney disease. He is survived by his children, Gary, Brian and Linda; his grandchildren, Chad, Duane, Carson, Emily and Russell; his brothers, George, Donald, Bruce and Robert. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home and Thomas Russell Elliott was laid to rest in Thornton Cemetery in Oshawa, Ontario.

Simply stated, Russell was a unique, honest individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends. He leaves behind him a legacy of a beautiful family, life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Thomas Russell Elliott will be remembered by those whose lives he touched.

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ELLIOTT, Thomas “Russell”

Passed away peacefully with family by his side on July 26th, 2016, at the age of 84. Predeceased by his loving wife Audrey Anne Bickle (2012). Fondly remembered by Marjorie. Loving father of Gary (Lori), Brian and Linda Jeffery (Brian). Cherished grandfather of Chad, Emily, Russell, Duane and Carson. Dear brother of George, Donald, Bruce and Robert. Remembered by many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Retired long time employee of Oshawa Public Utilities Commission. Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME 847 King Street West, (905-721-1234) on Thursday, August 11th, from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday, August 12th, at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Thornton Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully appreciated.