His positive attitude and strong will to live, allowed him to fight his battle longer than most, and allowed his family and friends extra time to create many new memories with tons of laughs and stories to tell and share for years to come.
Born and raised in Riverside, son of the late Eugene (1981) and Ilene Russell (2017) and brother to the most awesome sister, Mary Thompson (John Hopkins). Supportive and Loving Father of John (Jenna Heimdal) and Ryan and wife Alyssa and a very loved Papa of Samantha Moore, Mckenna, Caili and Adalynn Russell. Loving Uncle to Paul (Giota) Thompson and Andrew (Jennifer) Thompson and families. Dear nephew of Betty and Al Hajnal and will also be missed by many cousins. Jack was loved as a teacher throughout his career teaching at King Edward, Dougall, Prince of Wales and Benson. In 1986, he did an exchange program with his students at Benson and went to Baker Lake, NWT where they had the trip of a lifetime. Talking about those stories years later would make Jack's face light up as he recalled those memories. He was a past member and president of AKO Fraternity and he loved being a member at Erie Shores Golf and Country Club where he spent many days golfing, laughing with his buddies and enjoying life. He taught his sons how to fish up at St. Joe’s Island and, supported them in all their sports endeavors as well as, his grand daughters at theirs. He always looked forward to spending time with all his hilarious and supportive buddies; Richard, Neil, Charlie, and Ken, and many more at Tom Foolery’s, Cramdons and the golf course. Jack was a diehard Leaf’s fan, where he instilled the Leaf’s madness in his boys and grandchildren. He loved going with his son Ryan to a Leaf’s games once a year and playing in the football pools with his son John, while rooting for the Lions. Jack loved Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, old Western Movies, playing cards with John and his mom Ilene, and fishing on his son Ryan’s boat up north at Balsam Lake. His infectious smile and laugh could make anyone’s day brighter and will be missed by everyone that knew him. Thanks to John Hopkins, the family treasures their trips to the cottage at Balsam Lake, and before that, up at St. Joes Island together, where Jack was always the last one to bed and the first one up to get out on the boat. After arriving at Erie Shores Hospice just over one month ago, the family spent as much time as possible letting Jack know how much he was loved and appreciated. We are happy to know his last memories will be of his granddaughters and family serenading him by singing karaoke in his room while he listened and smiled after not responding for over a week.
The family would like to thank Dr. Al-Judaibi and Dr. Mujoomdar, as well as Dr. Brahmannia and his most awesome administrator, Melissa Alton. With you not giving up on Jack, we had 5 extra years with him when he miraculously left palliative care in 2015. You gave him more than just time. You gave him a second chance and he was eternally grateful to have you in his life. To the nurses and PSW’s at Erie Shores Hospice; Brandi, Erica, Chris, Cris, Lucy and many more as well as Social Worker Elizabeth and all the ladies in the kitchen. Thank you for your compassion that you shined on Jacks final days as you allowed us all to honor his life as we so needed to do, for all the great food you cooked (BEST BLTs!!) and for talking with us and sharing Jacks life story. To all of Jacks friends, you know who you are and how special you were to him and are to us. You are like our extended family and we are so thankful Jack had you in his life. Thank you to Dr. John Hopkins, always going above and beyond for Jack throughout his illness, and for all your love and support for Mary and our family.
As cremation has already taken place, an interment and celebration of life will occur at a later date.
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