DONALD BRIAN RUSSELL

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don at age 70, with his family and friends by his side. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend. He was a man of great character.

He is deeply missed by his beloved wife Doreen; children, Jason (Tessa), Jordan (Katrina), Jessica (Jordan); and grandchildren, Nigel, Manny, Benny, Mason, and Levi. He is also survived by his siblings, Ray, Kay (Jack), Pat, Marjorie (Roger), Glen (Joyce), Bev (David), Blair (Deb), Craig (Janet), and Marilyn; brothers-in-law, Gord (Kathy) and John (Laura); sister-in-law Pat (Doug); best friends, Ron and Sherry, Don and Gloria; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by parents, Harold and Lillian Russell; in-laws Greta and Ron Sango, Jim Ferris, Frank Makins, Bill Ducharme, Barry Kippen, Art Scora, Don Bush, Marlene Russell, and Marleen Russell.

Born in Carman, MB, Don was raised in Barnsley, the third youngest of 10 children. It was as a young boy on his parent’s farm that Don first developed his love for the stewardship of the land. He spent countless hours beside his brothers and sisters, helping with planting and harvesting, as well as caring for the family’s livestock. His love for hockey would land him a spot on the Carman High School Cougars team and he even took to the stage in My Fair Lady.

After graduating from Carman Collegiate in 1973, Don moved to Winnipeg and worked for Xerox in the parts department. In 1976, he met the love of his life, Doreen, and her 4-year-old son Jason. Don and Jason quickly formed a close relationship, and before long, the three of them started their life together as a family.

In 1977, Don joined his father, Harold, and brother, Blair, transplanting trees and landscaping for Aubin & Russell Ltd. In the early 1980s, he earned his degree in Horticulture and Landscape Design from Guelph University.

In 1986, Don and Doreen welcomed their son Jordan. Two years later, their daughter Jessica came into the world. That same year, Don & Blair purchased Lawrence Aubin’s share in the business and Russell Trees Ltd. was born. Situated on the family farm in Barnsley, Don & Blair continued their partnership and friendship until his passing.

He touched many people over the years and was a big part of his community. Coaching minor hockey and the Stix program, many early mornings and cold winter evenings were spent at the hockey rink. He was also very generous to have donated blood nearly 100 times. In 1992, he went through an extensive procedure to donate bone marrow and was honoured by The Canadian Red Cross. 1993 would bring the wedding of Don and Doreen. Many cherished memories remain from that day.

One of Don’s favourite things to do was travel. Whether it was tropical vacations, road trips with the kids, or cruising with Doreen and family. He enjoyed photographing his adventures and time with family. He continued to play hockey, joining the Old Timers league. Curling, bocce, and golf were some of his other favourite pastimes. He enjoyed socializing with friends and family. You could find him at Happy Hour in Carman, with a beer in hand at the block parties on Markwood, or late night chatting and laughing over a table game.

Don was a very proud man. Proud of where he came from, proud of what he did, and proud of his family. Honour and integrity were very important to him. We will remember his smile, his laugh, and his strength. He was very resilient, facing every challenge, including a courageous battle with cancer, without complaint. He would listen and speak with anyone, and treated everyone equally. You knew that he genuinely cared. He truly was special - to many people, in so many different ways.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cancer Care Manitoba, Dr. P.G. Mehta, Seven Oaks Urgent Care, and Health Sciences Centre MICU for their exceptional care and compassion.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Caboto Centre located at 1055 Wilkes Ave. 

You’re never truly gone 

if your memory lives on. 

We will miss you 

and love you forever.

Don’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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