Born April 24, 1953. Died, April 25, 2022, Guelph, Ontario. The second of six siblings, born in Montreal to Kathleen Margaret Minogue Russell and John Gordon Russell.
At an early age, Larry was drawn to airplanes and flying. In his teens, he spent a summer unloading transports in Resolute Bay where he learned to fly under the guidance of one of his father’s good friends, a pioneer bush pilot, Weldy Phipps.
Larry completed his ground schooling and flying hours in the same class as his own good friend Father Emmet Johns, aka “Pops,” who founded in Montreal the Le Bon Dieu dans la Rue, an organization for youth designed to help the homeless and those at risk.
On his solo flight for his pilot examination, Larry almost failed; as he took off from a check-point, his flight plan flew out the cockpit door. But he pushed on -- completing his flight and getting his wings!
After studying engineering at Sir George Williams University, he went to work for Rolly Lefrançois of Nordair. As a commercial bush pilot, he flew the northern settlements, delivering critical food and medical supplies as well as transporting the sick, the pregnant and the traveller, in all types of Canadian weather.
When CP Air bought out Nordair, Larry was hired as a Second Officer on the DC-3 aircraft. As a husband to his wife Debra and a new father, he could appreciate the return to the south – to fly out of Dorval. But, like his father, he had been touched by the spirit of the high north, the Arctic. He never lost his love for that part of Canada or its people.
When Air Canada acquired Canadian Air, Larry achieved the rank of co-pilot or First Officer. One fateful day, while riding in a crew transport on the way to the aircraft, there was a serious accident. Larry and others were severely injured and although he would continue to fly, post recovery, the accident shortened his career as a pilot.
After taking an early retirement, his interests remained wide and varied. He was a motorcyclist – who could build and maintain his own bikes; he rode locally or toured across Europe. He was a carpenter, who constructed anything from furniture to unique planes and car models. He continued to travel, volunteer and support local and national causes, especially those that helped young people.
After living in Milton for many years, he moved to The Village of Arbour Trails in Guelph, to be closer to his family. In June 2020, his son John and wife Laura welcomed twin girls, Lily and Emma. Larry was over the moon – and set about being the very best Papa he could be.
Larry leaves his daughters Amy and Lisa, along with his son John and wife Laura, and grandchildren Lily and Emma. He will be missed by his big sister, Linda Russell (Julian), his sister Christine Campbell (Richard) and his sister Kathleen Bertrand. Two of his beloved siblings predeceased him; his brother, Michael Arthur Russell (Suzanne) and his sister, Lee Ann.
For his 69th birthday, true to his commitment to young people in need, Larry initiated a fundraiser for Covenant House. Should anyone be so inclined to mark his life and passing, there could be no better tribute than to lend even a small show of support to this worthy charity.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
A tree will be planted in memory of Lawrence J. (Larry) Russell in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.