Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Alexander Russ

LIEUTENANT COLONEL DANIEL (DAN) ALEXANDER RUSS (Ret'd), OMM, CD It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that our family announces the passing of Dan, an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend on Monday, January 17, 2011 in his 70th year, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with diabetes. Beloved husband and lifelong friend of Beverley (nee Ward) for 50 years. Devoted son of the late William and Myrtle Russ of Hamilton. Dan loved his 3 children: following proudly in his father's footsteps, only son, MWO Daniel Russ Jr. (Anna) of Hamilton, daughters Kelly Russ-Mahoney (John) of Ottawa and Teresa Movre (Boris) of Hamilton. Loving grandfather to Ryan and Jordan Movre, Kylie and Taylor Mahoney and Deanna, Cassandra and Sabrina Russ. Dan is loved by brothers and sisters, William (Bill) Russ, Jr., Robin Petruccelli, Frank Tilban and Anne Marie Sanseverino. Remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. Sadly missed by furry companion, Rebate. Dan was born on 11 Aug. 1940 in Hamilton, Ontario. His military career began in 1956 as a Soldier Apprentice. He graduated from Vimy in 1958 as an Operator Wireless and Line (OWL). He served with 1st Canadian Infantry Divisional Signals Regiment in 1958. He served with the First, Second, Third and Fourth Brigades. He also served with the ONU in the Congo 1960 to 1962, with UNEF in Egypt 1964 to 1965 and UNDOF in Syria 1978 to 1979. Upon leaving the Regular Force in 1982, Dan transferred to 705 (Hamilton) Communication Squadron as Deputy Commanding Officer commanding from March 1988 until April 1992. He then transferred to 709 (Toronto) Communication Regiment as Commanding Officer A Squadron from December 1992 to June 1996. As busy as he was, Dan always found time to volunteer. He coached boys' hockey, later became a hockey referee and eventually became Chief Referee of Manitoba. He also gave up his Saturdays to entertain special needs children. Family members will be present to receive condolences at L.G. Wallace Funeral Home, 151 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton (905-544-1147), on Friday, January 21st from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friends and family are invited to a Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2011 from Most Blessed Sacrament Parish at 305 East 37th Street, Hamilton. Following, a celebration of Dan's life will be held at the Hamilton Armouries, 200 James St. N., Hamilton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Foundation, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Camp Maple Leaf (a summer camp devoted to reuniting Veterans and their families), your local SPCA or charity of your choice. We are extremely grateful for the kindness and caring support of Drs. Crombie and Clase. There are no words to express our gratitude. The family also wishes to acknowledge the special care administered by the Nephrology health care providers at St. Joseph's Hospital. Throughout his life, Dan taught all of us what it means to be courageous, hardworking and generous and through his example, he leaves a legacy of love. An online book of condolences is available to sign at www.lgwallace.ca