Walter Benjamin Russell

August 8, 1926 - May 12, 2021

Funeral Details: A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date

Walter Benjamin Russell

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ben Russell on May 12, 2021 at the age of 94 years.  Ben was healthy until a few days before his death, he died at Amica in Barrie with his wife Peggy Russell, and daughter Susan Edwards at his side.

 

Ben will be dearly missed by Peggy, his wife of 73 years, his three children, Rick and his newfie wife Susan Reilly, Susan and Jim, his grandchildren Jamie and his fiancé Patty, Sarah and her husband Quentin, Christine and Stephanie, his great-grandchildren Chloe and Mia, the Kolohon clan, and his many friends.

 

Ben proudly served in the Canadian Air Force for 35 years in exotic places such as Clinton, Edmonton, Ottawa, Fort Churchill, Armstrong, Portage la Prairie, and Borden to name a few. Each move featured three squabbling children in the back seat of a car driven for hundreds of miles to our new military home.

 

Ben also served many years at the Barrie court house where he was mesmerized by the daily drama played out by miscreants, attorneys, judges and juries. Whenever Ben started into one of his infamous “court stories”, the family would scatter like chickens, all except his faithful wife who never tired of his stories and jokes.

 

Ben loved his fellowship and time with his brothers in the Masons and Scottish Rite, Ben served as Grand Master of his lodge in Barrie.

 

When Ben was a young child, he would often be distracted on his way to school. One time he got lost in his fascination with a pond featuring wonders such as minnows, dragon flies, water beetles, birds, butterflies and cattails. He arrived at school two hours late and was promptly strapped by the nuns. But here’s the thing. Ben never lost his child-like wonder at life and people. He was an easy person to like, and young children and dogs could always sense a kindred spirit.

 

Ben loved his family and his family loved him. Many thanks to the Amica staff who looked after Ben for several years. In lieu of flowers, Ben asks that you hug your family and give your dog an extra treat. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Arrangements entrusted to Peaceful Transition Simcoe and Online condolences and memories may be made at www.peacefultransition.ca

 

 

CONDOLENCES

4 Condolences
  • Wayne and Joan McAuley
    Posted on: Friday, May 14, 2021 Reply

    Peggy we are so sorry to hear of Bens passing. We have lost touch over the years but always remember Ben for his humor and his jokes, he was a great guy. I know you will miss him terribly. May he rest in peace and fly with the angels.
    Wayne and Joan McAuley

  • Darlene and Gord Shearer
    Posted on: Saturday, May 15, 2021 Reply

    Our heart goes out to you and to everyone who loved Ben. This is such a huge loss. Ben was such a lovely person and we did share some good times with him and Peggy and Rick and Sue. I know he will be deeply missed. God Bless you and your family – Darlene and Gord, Leigh-Ann and Jason and Amy and Mark xo

  • Cam & Alison Goodman
    Posted on: Friday, May 21, 2021 Reply

    Peggy & Family

    We extend our sincere sympathy.
    I ( Cam ) have many fond memories of Ben, particularly at Sheba and Scottish Rite meals with lots of laughs and fun.
    We are thinking of you at this difficult time.

    Cam & Alison Goodman

  • Laurie Brown
    Posted on: Friday, June 4, 2021 Reply

    Peggy and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss…. that smile, the twinkling eyes, the jokes and stories ….My memories of Ben will always bring a smile.
    Laurie Brown

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