Ronald Stanley Russell

The Honourable Ron Russell Ronald Stanley Thornton Russell (aka “Aussie”), age 92, Windsor, Hants County. Ron died Thursday, 07 March peacefully at the QE 2 Hospital in Halifax. Born in Ngongotaha, New Zealand, Ron was the son of the late Irene and Sidney Russell. He was predeceased by his sister, Jean and brothers Selwyn and Eric. He is survived by his wife, Jo-Marie, and sons Stephen (Woodstock, Ontario) and Randy (married to Christine) Russell, and grandchildren Zachary and Olivia (Fredericton, NB)., and stepbrother Brian Geddes of Brisbane, Australia. As a young man, Ron served as a pilot with the Royal New Zealand Airforce during the second world war and then with the Royal Australian Airforce. In 1950 he joined the Royal Canadian Airforce as a pilot and served until 1973 when he retired with the rank of Squadron Leader. In 1976, he was appointed as an Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel (Wing Commander) with 420 Air Reserve Squadron. After retirement from the Airforce, he worked as a Duty Manager at Halifax International Airport and entered politics, serving on the Hants Municipal Council. During his time on Council, he was also on the Board of Health for Hants West; the Board at Dykeland Lodge and the West Hants School Board. In 1978 he was elected to the Nova Scotia legislature as the member for West Hants. He went on to win elections in 1981, 1984, 1988, 1993, 1998, 1999 and 2003, for a total of eight consecutive election wins. He was elected to be Speaker of the House an unprecedented three times; 1978, 1993 and 1998. He was the first minority-party MLA ever elected as Speaker (1998). He was the government house leader for 14 years, and the opposition house leader for 5 years. During his 18 years in Cabinet, he served as; Minister of Labor; Minister of Health; Minister of Transport; and many other portfolios and special assignments, including Deputy President of the Executive Council and Deputy Premier. At the age of 80 and while serving as Deputy Premier, Ron had to retire from politics because of bowel cancer. After recovering from his illness, Ron remained actively involved with Nova Scotia politics in an informal advisory role, displaying the passion and energy and intelligence that had characterized his many years of dedicated public service. There will be a Memorial reception for Ron on Thursday, March 14 from 6-8pm with brief words from the family starting at 7, at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax. Jo Marie, Randy and Stephen Russell and family would like to express their sincere appreciation for all the expressions of sympathy that they received on the passing of their loved one, The Honorable Ronald S. Russell.