Obituary of John Walter Russell

John ‘Johnny’ Walter Russell, age 65, of Sydney River passed away on August 27, 2025, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Rose Marie Routledge and Thomas Russell. He was a proud Ironworker for over 42 years. Johnny made friends easily, was loved by all, always had a smile or a joke, and he loved to tell stories or tales. Johnny loved his time spent boating , sitting on his wharf on the Mira River, his favorite place to spend his free time. He loved all music and playing the spoons and harmonica, his music was everything to Johnny; he was the greatest guy to be around, always making you laugh. He also loved his nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews very much. Johnny was one of a kind. He was loved by everyone he met. He was so proud of his 42 years as an ironworker and all his work on the windmills for which he travelled far and wide. He was also a very proud member of his Ironworkers Union Local 752. Words cannot express how loved and respected he was by all who knew him. He always greeted you with a big smile. I can write and write and write what a special person he was. He will be so loved and missed; he will always be my sun and stars. Survived by his partner of 14 years, Patricia MacDonald, stepson, Brandon Alexander Ellis (Ainsley Finlayson); brothers, Thomas ‘Tommy’ (Carol), James Russell ‘Jamie’ (Colleen), Jody Graham (Trina); sisters, Anne Marie (Allan) MacInnis, and Tanya Graham (DJ MacNeil, partner); his newborn grandchild, Brielle Elizabeth Ellis . Johnny is also survived by Patricia’s mother, Jean Marsh (Wayne Thomas), and her sister, Alison Churney (Adam Hird partner). Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Katie and Tony Routledge of Glace Bay, and Patricia’s father, Blair MacDonald. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. Visitation will take place in the funeral home on Tuesday, September 2, 1- 3 pm, followed a Celebration of Life at 3 pm, Fr. David Rankin officiating. A reception will be held immediately after. Interment will be held at a later date. Johnny was a Shriners ‘kid’, so the family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Shriners Children Hospital. I would like to show my appreciation to all the wonderful staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital ER department who went above and beyond. A special thanks to Dr. Morrison, Dr. Osbourne, and Dr. Hebb. Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.