MICHAEL A. RUSSELL
May 25, 1959 – April 8, 2018
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael this past Sunday, April 8, 2018 at the Cedars Cancer Centre of the McGill University Health Centre. Beloved husband to Suzanne Beaudin, adored father and best friend to Andrew Russell. Brother to Linda (Julian), Lawrence, Christine (Richard), and Kathleen (Jean-Pierre). Predeceased by his parents, John and Kathleen Minogue Russell and dear sister, Lee Ann. Uncle to ‘The Cousins’ – Sean, Sarah, John, Lisa, Amy, Darcie, Taylor, Dimitri, Nicolas, Mathieu and Jean-Philippe. Great uncle to Emma, Owen, Anthony, Annabelle, Adeline and Isabelle.
Thank you so much to the entire medical staff who helped in caring for Michael, we are and will be forever grateful.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Edmund of Canterbury Church, 105 Beaconsfield Blvd., Beaconsfield, H9W 3Z8, on Tuesday, April 17 at 1 p.m., followed by a gathering at the Beaconsfield Golf Course, 49 avenue du Golf, Pointe-Claire, H9R 4N6.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to the Cedars Cancer Foundation Michael A. Russell Legacy Fund supporting Sarcoma Research and Education, would be appreciated (Cedars.ca).
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Voluntas (condolences may be left at voluntas.ca, 514-695-7979).
Roch Simard
April 13, 2018 at 3:16 pm« Salut Mike »
Voici comment nos conversations débutaient.
Je me rappelle comme si c’était hier, quand, à la mi-décembre, il m’a téléphoné pour me dire qu’il serait de retour au bureau fin janvier. Mike étant Mike, je l’ai taquiné au sujet des pilules anti-douleurs qu’il avait commencé à prendre. Je lui proposais de me rendre chez lui pour qu’il m’en donne quelques-unes. On a bien ri. Comme d’habitude on riait toujours avec Mike.
Ce fût notre dernière conversation.
Il est difficile de croire qu’il nous a quitté si rapidement.
Je me souviendrai toujours de sa bonne humeur. Toujours le sourire aux lèvres. Toujours partant pour aller voir de nouveaux clients. Surtout dans le domaine de l’aéronautique. Combien de fois l’ais-je entendu relater son expérience chez Pratt & Whitney.
Mike trouvait toujours la bonne façon de simplifier les choses compliquées pour que les clients puissent comprendre. Il s’efforçait aussi de trouver une solution aux problèmes des clients et de formuler le tout pour que ça fonctionne à l’intérieur de sa police. Tout un défi qu’il relevait régulièrement.
Nous avons partagé plusieurs bons repas avec de bons vins à refaire le monde de l’assurance-crédit, à discuter avions, à parler de nos amis canins, de sa piscine, des voitures, et une foule d’autres sujets. Ces conversations me manqueront énormément.
Je suis persuadé qu’il vole maintenant allégrement dans le ciel. Malgré tout, j’ai la ferme impression qu’il sera toujours parmi nous.
Bon courage et mes sincères condoléances à Suzanne (que j’ai rencontré à un souper bénéfice de la Fondation Cedar sur invitation de Mike – très belle soirée en fait).
Rest in peace, Mike.
Roch
L
April 14, 2018 at 9:52 amOur extraordinary brother, Michael.
He who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
Left the world better than he found it,
Always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had;
Whose life was an inspiration;
Whose memory a benediction.
Best Love,
Linda Russell
Larry Russell
April 16, 2018 at 1:08 pmThank you Linda for such inspirational words on Michael and who he was and what he was all about. I will miss my younger brother very much! A tougher fight was never fought!
Steve Kovac
April 17, 2018 at 12:39 pmA real Gentle Man, he smiled often, and I could tell he was a gentle soul. In business we come across many people, but Michael has left an impression on me. Not only was he genuinely attentive to our companies needs – I could tell – but he was a nice guy, someone I enjoyed talking about business, the world , politics and then some. He has also taught me an important lesson. I don’t know how many times he kept inviting me for a lunch to go over things and just talk – and I was always ‘too busy’ at the office. Always something came up…… well that’s going to change in my life..
Goodbye brother I miss you already
Symon Burgess
April 26, 2018 at 10:03 amMike, the many laughs and things learned in our short times together will not be forgotten. You were an influencer on many, and one that played an impactful role in my professional career. Much love, and thanks for everything.
Richard ariens
May 9, 2018 at 6:40 pmDear family of Mike, I worked with Mike during my time with Atradius in the USA. Mike was different and in a very good way. A kind and genuine spirit, who was interested in other humans , not because of self interest but because he was curious and he cared. Sometimes when you go out on business with colleagues you are not looking forward, with mike it was different. The world was a bit softer and a bit nicer when you were out with mike.