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Anonymous planted 3 trees in memory of Donald Russell
Friday, September 12, 2025
3 trees were planted in memory of
Donald John Russell
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James planted 5 trees in memory of Donald Russell
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
5 trees were planted in memory of
Donald John Russell
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Don was a very interesting and adventurous fellow. A real gentleman at all times and a terrific sense of humor. Don had wonderful teaching methods, Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Kelly posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Mr.Russell was my favorite teacher. I had a very negative school experience the grade before I met him and it could have gone either way. Mr Russell changed how I felt about school and my memorable year with him led to a successful education. The right teacher can make all the difference in a child's life, and Mr Russell made a great lasting impression on me. Thank you sir.
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Janet Lamb posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Dear Diane, Debbie, Dawn and David, I am so very sorry for the recent loss of your husband and father. I was fortunate to meet Don in Nova Scotia 15 years ago on the occasion of my son’s marriage to Debbie. He was a lovely man and a generous host. I liked him immediately and I know he will be sorely missed by friends and family alike, including the two grandchildren that we share. I hope that your many shared memories will help to sustain you through your grief. Thinking of you all with love and sympathy, Janet Lamb
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Ron & Diane Spiers posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Diane & Family
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time.
Ron& Diane Spiers
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Sheila Livingst posted a condolence
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Our deepest condolences on Don's passing. We always enjoyed our conversations with Don and Diane, and our association at Memory Lane. He was a terrific guy and you were lucky to have had such a wonderful life with him. May he rest in peace.
Blessings to you all. Sheila & Jim Livingston3
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Hugh Roddis posted a condolence
Friday, September 12, 2025
Sorry to hear of Don's passing. My main memories of him are from the short but memorable voyage on the 'Halten' nearly sixty years ago. Always cheerful, always willing to lend a hand or haul on a line. A perfect crewmate.
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David Russell uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 12, 2025
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Various photos of Don over the years
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Darlene Myers posted a condolence
Thursday, September 11, 2025
So very sorry to hear about Mr. Russell, he was a very extraordinary person, his support to students and community was outstanding. My families condolences to the Mrs. Russell and family.o
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Hollie Quick posted a condolence
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Some teachers leave a lasting impression on their students and Mr. Russell was one of those for me. I didn’t have a lot of self-confidence in grade 5 and Mr. Russell helped me so much with that. He gave each member of our class the opportunity to showcase the things we were good at, or interested in from geography to videography to creative writing and public speaking to outdoor survival skills. In short, Don Russell made going to school fun. Long before it became a phrase, he “thought outside of the box” and inspired us all to want to learn and grow. From hanging out with Debbie for 13 years, I also know he was a wonderful dad who worked hard to make life an adventure for his family. I loved seeing him and Diane come into Memory Lane when I was there. He always managed to mention something that would take me back to the best parts of childhood whenever I saw him and I will be forever grateful that I had the privilege of being one of his students. Sending love to the whole family.
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Charlotte Wilson Hammond posted a condolence
Thursday, September 11, 2025
What a life! Don accomplished so much and was humorous, curious and very committed person. He will be very missed by family and friends. Our thoughts are with all of you,… Charlotte and Gordon and family.
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Darlene Brunt posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
When I first met Don it was with the plays at OPA. He did the building of sets and the painting. I was amazed at what he taught us to do. He loved being part of this which also got the new parents loving to work with the plays for our children. I than joined the Lions Club and remet Lion Don. His comment to our community and his stories and bad jokes made him so much fun to stand together as Lions. Rest easy Lion Don you will be greatly missed ❤️
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Tegan (Smith) Rowlings posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
I was devastated this past week to hear of Mr. Russell’s passing. I was incredibly fortunate to be placed in his homeroom class in grade six at Robert Jamieson in the mid 1990s. I was a chatty kid, and ended up being sat near the front with my equally chatty cohort, Kevin MacPherson. I was having a particularly rough year, and Mr. Russell was the kindest and most encouraging teacher. He pushed me to audition for the lead role of Dorothy in the school production of the Wizard of Oz. I got the part, and it was an experience shaped my confidence in my abilities during those formative years. When I moved back home as a young adult in the early 2000s, one of the first things I did was volunteer painting sets with my grandma Pat, for the plays at the school. When I had my own child we started attending the Lions Club pancake breakfasts, where he played jokes with my little Drinnan and popped the huge Lion mascot head on him as he toddled around the breakfast tables. He always joked with me that I should sing for my breakfast. The past few years I saw him often at the library and we would exchange quips. His passing leaves a deep hole in our community. I know I speak for more than myself when I say that I am heartbroken at the loss of my favourite teacher, and that we are overwhelmed with gratitude for how his ability to see, encourage, and guide us with integrity, grace and humour has shaped us into the citizens we are today. Thank you, Mr. Russell.
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Jason Farris posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Had Mr Russell as my grade 6 teacher. Was weary having the principal as my teacher but he was excellent. Great year. Still remember the Cabot trail biking story.
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Heather Martin posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Have very fond memories from when he was the principal in Sheet Harbour and the many recent conversations we had when he came into my workplace. Sending sincere condolences to all the family.
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Marie Loo lit a candle
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
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Don was one of the Lions member to welcome me and make me feel part of the big Lions family in 2023. He recommended Jeddore Lodge and Cabins to his family for their vacations. He was someone who was open heart with no prejudices and always caring for me when I got a cancer. The day I planned to visit him at Dartmouth General, I learnt that it was too late. However it was meant to be. Don will stay in my heart as someone kind with a big heart. My sincere sympathy to all the family members especially Debbie who stayed at Jeddore Lodge and Cabins (now sold due to my health). Marie Loo & Family
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Yolanda Biddulph lit a candle
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
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Yolanda planted a tree in memory of Donald Russell
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
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It was a blessing to grow up having Mr. Russell as a neighbor on Upper Lakeville and also to have him as my grade 6 teacher. My deepest condolences! Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Ralph and Judy Murphy posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Diane and family,,,,,passing along our most sincere condolences. May you take comfort in all the wonderful memories that you hold in your hearts. Don will be fondly remembered by so many. Sincerely ,Ralph and Judy
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Kevin Murphy posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Mrs. Russell and Family,
On behalf of Stephanie and our family, please accept our sincere condolences. I have fond memories of Don throughout his various community leadership endeavours. His unique perspective, quirky, sense of humor, and infectious smile touched many.
Respectfully,
Kevin, Stephanie, Jackson and Rachael Murphy
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Wanda Laybolt posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
So sorry to hear of Mr. Russell's passing. Mr. Russell was just starting his teaching career at Harbourside School when he taught me in Grade 6. He made learning so much fun by having us make a 3D map of Fortress Louisburg, play out the Order of Good Cheer, learn how to read maps (even Geographical maps), memorize poems and recite them and many more things, that you didn't realize you would need in the future, that are not taught in school today. When my daughter was in Grade 6 at Robert Jamieson she had Mr. Russell for her teacher too. She was worried that she was going to miss a lot of school work when we went on a family trip to Ontario for a week. Mr. Russell said that her assignment was to write a journal about what she seen and learned about the places she visited. Rest in Peace Mr. Russell, you truly were one of the best teachers.
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Russell, David, Dawn Marie and Debbie. Hope it gives you comfort knowing how many lives he impacted, and how we will never forget him.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Donald Russell
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Serenity Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Donald John Russell uploaded a photo
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
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