Obituary of Russell Jack

Jack, Russell Everett: 

Russell Everett Jack passed away peacefully at Guelph on the morning of Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at the age of 86 following a very brief respiratory infection. 

Russ, of Puslinch and formerly of Bracebridge, leaves behind his loving partner of 38 years, Ginny Townsend. He was the much-loved 'Pa' to Theresa (Dave Barrick), Eddy (Sandy Martin), Fran (Bryon Clarke) and Doug. 

More than anything, Russ loved being 'Grampa' to Vanessa (Steve), Matthew, Douglas, Rachel, Parker, Ezra, Avery, Samuel & Lily - unless of course it was being Great 'Grampa' Russ to three special little ladies, Dayinara, Penelope & Presley. 

Russ was born on April 2, 1938 on the Jack family homestead in Proton Township to Willard Jack (1984) and Mary McEachern (1947). Russ is survived by his elder sister, Lucille (Robert Kerr 2000), youngest sister Susan, and sister-in-law Velda (McEachern) Jack. Predeceased by his brothers Ed (2011) and David in infancy (1941), as well as his sister Judy in 2021 (Wayne Bowins 1994). Russ will be fondly remembered by the mother of his children, Marie (Day) Jack. Russ is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

Russ loved to regale his grandkids with stories of the shenanigans of his youth, and of his time with the Canadian Armed Forces Core Militia, where he drove and maintained Sherman tanks, which included hide-and-seek exercises, armoured vehicle style. 

Russ lived his life with kindness, generosity and humour, sharing it with many great friends in both Puslinch and Muskoka, most especially the best of the best for 55 years, Don & Sally McCrone. Russ and 'Cronie' rarely missed a year of their annual moose hunting and ATVing adventures. 

In 1955 Russ left the family farm to pursue a mechanics apprenticeship at the Department of Highways in Owen Sound. A career change in 1966 had Russ and his family move to Guelph when he became a Constable with the Wellington Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police. By 1969 Russ discovered law enforcement wasn't in his blood, and embarked on a few career reinventions over the years, including fuel tanker operator with Shell Canada, then opening Russ Jack Towing Services in 1974. Due to soaring competition, Russ sold his business in 1977 and hit the road again as a long-haul transport truck operator. By 1984 Russ went back to his first love of diesel mechanics with Custom Concrete, and ended his career at Muskoka Transport when he retired in 2006. 

In 1978 Russ became a volunteer Firefighter with the Puslinch Township Fire Department, becoming a Captain for nearly half of his 16-year service, before moving to Bracebridge in 1994. 

Together, Russ and Ginny spent many great years at their home along the North Branch of the Muskoka River. As avid outdoors people they travelled the country from coast to coast to coast with their 5th wheel trailer. They enjoyed exploring the lakes of Muskoka on their boat, appropriately named 'No Fuss', and taking leisurely cruises up river to enjoy the beauty of High Falls. They spent winter months snowmobiling with friends and family, 

For decades Russ volunteered with local snowmobile clubs; grooming trails, maintaining equipment, and training younger generations on groomer operation, until his early 80s. 

He was always on he move, and happiest when puttering around and fixing stuff - unless of course he was 'just resting his eyes', relaxing in his La-Z-Boy and listening to country music. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to friends, neighbours and family. Every spring Russ got together with the neighbourhood 'Muskoka Sap Suckers' to brew maple syrup. Fellow brewmasters say he will be dearly missed this spring. 

Last spring Russ and Ginny moved back to Puslinch to be closer to family as his struggle with dementia increased; unfortunately his disease became too much to handle at home and he was admitted to Homewood Health Centre for specialized dementia behaviours management. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Luthra, and all of the Hamilton 3 team members for the exceptional kindness, care, comfort, and dignity you afforded Russ in the last three months of his life - you helped to make his last days on this earth happy ones. 

As per Russ's wishes, he has been cremated and will wait for Ginny to join him - at her leisure of course for one last cruise down the river. 

A celebration of Russell's life will be held in the Spring. 

Fare-thee-well dear Russell, you are deeply missed; But, as you said last spring "I have to go - my Mom is expecting me"... 

For those who wish, as an expression of sympathy, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, or Homewood Volunteer Association in support of their OASIS program (Older Adult Assessment and Stabilization Integrated Service), or a charity of your choice.