Mr. John (Jack) Stuart Russell

On February 7 at Grace Hospital, John Stuart Russell

Born on January 21st, 1923, in Winnipeg, he was the eldest son of John Alexander Russell and Bertha (Ivey) Russell. He attended Winnipeg Schools, United College, now the University of Winnipeg, The University of Manitoba (Bachelor of Arts) and the University of Toronto (Bachelor of Library Science).

Mr. Russell lived in Winnipeg all his life and commenced his professional career as Assistant Librarian at United College in 1946. From 1950 to 1952 he was Assistant Librarian at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine. He later played a significant role in the establishment of the Public Libraries of St. Boniface, St. James, Assiniboia, Charleswood and Brooklands between 1952 and 1969. He was Chief Librarian of the St. James-Assiniboia Public Library between 1955 and 1979 when he was appointed City Librarian of the Winnipeg Public Library shortly after the amalgamation of all municipal Public Libraries in Greater Winnipeg.

He was active in the Canadian Library Association and served three terms as President of the Manitoba Library Association, during which time he worked for the development and growth of public library service throughout the province. Mr. Russell was appointed by the Federal Government in 1960 for a three-year term to represent Manitoba on the Advisory Council of the National Library of Canada. He had also served on the Board of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

A devoted member for 25 years of St. John’s Cathedral (Anglican) he was at various times a Vestryman, People’s Warden, Licensed Lay Reader, Lay Delegate to Synod and was a member of many Church Committees and served on the Council of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land. Of recent years he attended St. Luke’s Church.

Jack was pre-deceased by his beloved and devoted wife of almost 40 years, Marion Hazel Booth in 2002 and is survived by his godson and very dear friend, David Boyes, of Winnipeg, and by his sister Mrs. G. Harold Sharp (Mary) of Winnipeg, two brothers, Ronald (Carol) of Winnipeg and Gerald (Mary Ann) of Abbotsford, BC, numerous nephews, nieces and cousins, here and in Ireland, and by many friends, both young and old, who were special to him.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 13 at 11:00 AM from St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 130 Nassau Street, North, with the Rev. Paul Lampman officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined, but those wishing to do so may make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, R3L 0K6, or to The Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, R3T 0R3.

I Know That My Redeemer Liveth

THOMSON “IN THE PARK”

204-925-1120

Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com