March 31, 1940 - September 3, 2021
With heavy hearts we share the passing of Alan George Russell, 81 years of age, on September 3, 2021. He passed away at home surrounded by his family after a 5-year battle with cancer. On March 31, 1940, Alan was born in Chemainus, B.C. to parents George and Ethel Russell.
After graduating Ladysmith High School, he started his career in the forest industry as a Timber Cruiser. He quickly moved up to a management position within the company. In his late 20's, he was hired on as a casual Longshoreman.
This is where his passion for unionism began. He served as a Trustee for International Longshore and Warehousemen Local 508 from November 1985 - November 1989. He was subsequently Elected 1st Vice President and served in this position for two years.
After a short two-year term as Vice President, he was elected by acclamation to President of I.L.W.U Local 508 where he served until he retired in 2005.
Alan was enthusiastic about hunting, fishing, traveling, gardening and summitted many mountains on Vancouver Island. He spent his retirement travelling with his family, gardening with his daughter and many fishing trips with his sons.
Alan was predeceased by his father George, his mother Ethel and leaves behind his wife Kathy, sons Rory and Byron (Jenni), daughter Zoe, and six grandchildren Loruin, Kendall, Leland, Austin, Marcus and Colton.
No service by request. In lieu of flowers, donations to the B.C. Children's Hospital are welcomed.
We miss you and love you very much. "There are no goodbyes, only until then."