It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the loss of Laurie Russell who passed away with his family by his side at the age of 77 years.
Laurie will be lovingly remembered by Sandi, his wife of 52 years; two sons Blair (Denise) and Brent (Heather); granddaughters Ava and Makena; brother Jim (Kathleen); sister Debbie (Clem); nieces and nephews Lisa (Michael) Higgins, Karen Russell, Brad (Melanie) Remillard, Jayme Remillard and great nephews James, Robert, Brayden, and Jase. He will also be remembered by many close family friends.
He was predeceased by his mother and father, Jim and Laureta Russell.
Laurie, born in Nanaimo, was a descendant of the Meakin Family who arrived in Nanaimo on the Princess Royal in 1854. In his early years he lived in the log house on Newcastle Island (which is now the Park Ranger Station) with his Nana and Papa Elliott, who was the Island Caretaker for CPR at the time.
He was a Log Scaler for over 40 years, where he became very well respected within the forest industry. He owned his own scaling company for over 10 years, retiring in 2003 at the age of 59.
Laurie enjoyed helping and watching his sons participate in a variety of sports. He was heavily involved in community sports as they grew up. During his time as president of the Nanaimo Minor Lacrosse Association he did a lot to promote and develop lacrosse in Nanaimo.
Laurie was a great family man. He was passionate about boating, loved the water, and was a member of the Nanaimo Yacht club for many years. He spent a lot of time on the water: working, fishing, and pleasure boating with his family.
His love for cars started at a young age and continued throughout his life. Over the years he had many cars and hot rods. He was a member of local car clubs and enjoyed attending car shows, garage meetings, luncheons, and BBQ's.
Laurie had a love for oldies music. For hours on end, he listened to a variety of different genres on YouTube. He was the music man!
He will be remembered by many in his neighborhood sitting on his front porch - always ready for a lively discussion on numerous topics. Many thought he had a "gruff exterior", but those who knew him, know that he had a very big heart and would help anyone. Laurie was very generous to his friends and family and had an unrivalled sense of humor that everyone enjoyed.
He often said, "I've lived a good life!". Laurie was extremely proud of his sons, affectionately called his wife, "Red", and greatly admired his daughters-in-law, Denise and Heather. The two highlights of his life were the birth of his 2 beautiful granddaughters: Ava in 2006 and Makena in 2020.
He was an incredible Husband, Father, Papa, Brother, Uncle, and a friend to many. He will be missed.
At his request, there will not be a service. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, a donation could be made in Laurie's memory to a charity of your choice.