Obituary of Donald Alexander Russell

The family of Donald Alexander Russell would like to share with you the life of the man who meant so much to so many. Don passed away at age 93 on December 22nd, 2023 in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Don was born in St John’s, Newfoundland on August 13th 1930 to Jean Campbell and Herbert Russell. He and his three older brothers spent many happy summers at Seal Cove. After graduating from Prince of Wales College in St John’s, he went on to study at Acadia University, graduating with a BA in Psychology and Economics. This led him to a Masters in Social Work at the University of Toronto, during which time he met Patricia Anne Blankenbach. They were married on August 6th, 1960. Together they raised two children, Marcie and Eric, in their longtime home of Amherst, Nova Scotia.

A community-minded man, Don was of service to many, both through his career and his involvement in organisations like the Rotary Club. Behind an unassuming exterior was an adventurous spirit which took him all around the world. Nevertheless, he had a healthy appreciation for life’s simpler pleasures. He was always happy puttering around the cottage in Northport or dozing off in his chair with a good book in hand. Though Don was a quiet man, his music never was; you could find him from a mile away by following the sound of CBC Radio 2. His creativity shone through in puns and paintings alike. Those who received his art—as a gift, a donation to a fundraiser, or the annual Christmas card—are lucky to hold a piece of the joy he found in the world. His greatest gift, however, was the love he has for his friends and family.

Don was a Newfoundlander through and through, strong until the very end. He was loved, and will be missed, by many. Don is survived by his wife Pat Russell; his daughter Marcie Nixon and her husband Dave; his son Eric Russell and his wife Gisele; and his four granddaughters Kaylee, Taylor, Zoe, and Talia.

There will be a small service at Christ Church in Amherst on Thursday, December 28th at 1:30 pm. There will also be a celebration of life in the summer (date to be determined). For those who wish, donations may be made to the Pat and Don Scholarship at Mt. Allison University, the Amherst Rotary Club, or a charity of the donor’s choice. 

Where once he stood we stand