Russell Hood

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Russell Hood passed away peacefully and was reunited with the love of his life, Joy Hood, who predeceased him by one year. He was also predeceased by their daughter Sandra in 1964. Russ will be lovingly remembered by his children, David (Sylvia) Hood, Lynette Allison and Brian Hood. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Miranda Hood and her son, Declan, Sarah Prunty (Kevin) and children Ciarán, Maeve, Seán & Sadhbh, Trevor Hood (Britany Bourgeois), Karla Mason (Brandon) and children Isaac, Abigail & baby, Katrina Jeanson (Justin) and children William, Joseph, Anne, Paul & Nathan, Teresa Hood, Andrew Hood (Paige) and their daughter, Magdalena. Ryan Hood, Caitlin Scebenski (Brett), Leah Danylchuk (Cody), Brendan Allison (Chelsea Gottwald).Shannon Hood, Matthew Hood (Issy) and their daughter Kaia. Russ took great delight in seeing his grandchildren grow into competent young adults and until a few years ago would still get down on the ground to entertain the youngest of his great- grandchildren. Family was very important to Russ and the sometimes chaotic visits brought great joy into his life.

Born in Sydney, Australia, Russ and Joy grew up in close proximity and met through their church youth group. They were involved in many sports and activities which gave them the opportunity to get to know each other before dating. They got married on June 9, 1956 - moving their wedding date ahead because they had secured a great apartment in Manly, where they lived for the next little while. Russ graduated from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Engineering in 1953 and as Associate from Sydney Technical College in 1957. Shortly after, he and Joy embarked on a great adventure leaving their homeland and boarding a ship with their infant son, David. The original destination was to be Canada to gain work experience and then to continue abroad for another few years. They arrived in Vancouver before making their way to their new home, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Due to a variety of circumstances, they ended up staying in Winnipeg where they built a life filled with family, friendship, and community.

Russ enjoyed a long and distinguished career with Underwood McLellan Associates. Throughout his years he served on a wide variety of committees and engineering organizations becoming the President of the Engineering Institute of Canada and was recognized for his contributions by a number of awards. His work contributed to many important infrastructure projects throughout Winnipeg leaving a lasting impact on the city he proudly called home.

Apart from his professional accomplishments, Russ also used his skills and abilities to improve the quality of life within his community. He was very involved with the Victoria General Hospital and in one of his roles he served in the capacity of Chairman of the Board of Trustees as well as the Director of the Research and Services Fund of the hospital. He served as Chairman of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Engineering's Industrial Liaison Committee, receiving a Distinguished Service Award for his efforts, to name but a few of his roles and achievements. Russ was generous with the gifts that he had and was always willing to help others.

After his busy work weeks, Russ & Joy would drive to Ontario and boat to their lovely cabin on an island in Lake of the Woods. Here he would find pleasure in a different kind of work as the two of them transformed their cottage into a little piece of paradise. Many wonderful times were spent swimming, tubing, fishing, skiing and enjoying an evening bonfire. Grandpa was known for his amazing barbecued grilled cheese sandwiches as well as the treats that he kept in the back fridge!

Russ had a lifelong passion for watching hockey and football as well as playing golf. After the years of actively participating in sports were over, grandchildren/great-grandchildren would join him watching his favourite teams on television.

Russ will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His memory will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dad/Grandpa, despite our deep sadness at your loss, we are comforted by the knowledge that you're together once more with the love of your life, Mum/Grandma!