Frank Russell

Frank passed away in his sleep at William Osler Brampton Campus on Monday October 12th in his 81st year. He leaves his loving wife and best friend of 53 years Marion (nee Rowntree), fabulous father to daughter Andrea (James), son Todd (Tanya), son Jason (Young Mi) and proud Poppa to granddaughters Cheyenne and Chloe.
He was born January 4th, 1935 and was the youngest son of the late Wesley and Nellie (Rutledge). Predeceased by brothers Jack, Bill and Ken all of Brampton. Missed by his sister-in-law Leah Russell, brother-in-law Bill Rowntree and his wife Eleanor, sister-in-law Susanne Artichuk, her husband Michael, and by nieces, nephews and many extended family members and friends.
Frank grew up in Brampton and graduated from Ryerson in Radio & Television Arts. He worked for several years in the 1950's as a radio announcer for the Brampton radio station CHIC 790 as well as an on air announcer in Kitchener. This was followed by working for Imperial Oil as a territory sales representative in northern Ontario as a newlywed and in Windsor with a young and growing family. He returned with Marion and the children to Brampton in 1969 where he was an owner operator of two Imperial Oil Service stations for several years. He then purchased Brampton Fuels “on a handshake” which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2000. In 1994, prior to his retirement, Frank completed his Ontario license to perform wedding ceremonies and thoroughly enjoyed travelling throughout the GTA for 21 years performing non denominational services from country clubs, cottages, backyards and parks. The wedding ceremonies were a fantastic way for him to continue showcasing his inspiring public speaking skills honed in his early radio days. He officiated his last wedding service in January 2015.
Frank served on Brampton City Council from 1973 for 19 years and held positions as a Brampton Town Councillor, City of Brampton Alderman and Peel Regional Councillor. He enjoyed participating in the Council meetings and various sub-committees throughout his elected time while representing the residents of Ward 4.
Frank was very active within in the Masonic organization and this was highlighted when he served as Grand First Principal of The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Canada in the province of Ontario from April 20th 1996 to April 25th 1998.
He was a member of the following Chapters: St John's No 6 Hamilton; in Stoney Creek. Phoenix No 34 in Cookstown; Occident No 77 in Streetsville; Toronto Antiquity No 91 in Toronto; The St Patrick No 145 in Newmarket; Kichikewana No 167 in Victoria Harbour; Orion No 195 in Brampton (Mother Chapter); Mount Sinai No 212 in Richmond Hill; and Keystone no 224.
Frank was an active member in several other organizations in the Brampton community over his lifetime. He had a passion for the Brampton Excelsiors and was an Executive Member of the club from 1957-1959. He also was the voice of the many of the hometown Excelsior games for 30 years. Frank was the Chairman of the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame for 25 years until 2005 and was honored when his brothers Bill and Ken were both inducted for their active involvement in minor sports in Brampton.
Frank was a 25 year member of the Brampton Rotary Club.
In his free time Frank enjoyed spending time at the property in Sunderland managing a large hobby vegetable garden with Marion over the last 40 years. A special highlight during his retirement was also being a wonderful Poppa to his cherished granddaughters, always having great times sharing fun stories, jokes and laughter. He was a fantastic neighbourhood “supervisor” over the last 15 years, watching the street-scape from his front porch vista and ensuring that all was well in the neighbourhood.
Friends will be received at The Ward Funeral Home “Brampton Chapel” 52 Main Street S. Brampton from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Saturday October 17th 2015. Funeral Service will be held at St Paul’s United Church 30 Main Street S. Brampton on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Masonic Service Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment Pine Ridge Cemetery. Please visit The Book of Memories at www.wardfuneral home.com Donations in memory may be made to: Canadian Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.