THOMAS ANDREW RUSSELL

It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Tom Russell announces his passing on May 21, 2026, at the age of 87.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 60 years, Ann, daughter Catherine (Stuart), son Stuart (Karyn) and grandchildren Ainsleigh and Liam. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Kathaleen, sisters Judy (Ron) and Susan (John) and brother Jim.

Tom grew up in old St. Vital where from an early age his chores included chopping wood and feeding the coal furnace. Later, snow shoveling and grass cutting were added. To earn a few dollars, he also delivered papers and drugs for the local pharmacy. In his teens, his favourite part-time job was selling toy trains at The Bay downtown. He also enjoyed two summers as a military cadet at Camp Dundurn, Saskatchewan.

Tom spent his early working years at the Pioneer Grain. In 1969, he joined the Manitoba Government as a Sales Tax Auditor where he worked for over 30 years. Tom loved trains, travel and everything Scottish. After retirement, he and Ann took a number of cruises and many trips to Scotland to visit family. They also drove to Ottawa several times to visit their son Stuart and his family.

In 1962, Tom joined the Winnipeg branch of the R.S.C.D.S. (Royal Scottish Country Dance Society) where he met his wife Ann. A few years later, a good friend from the R.S.C.D.S offered to teach Tom to play the bagpipes. His first pipe band was The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, where he played as a volunteer for several years. He then moved to the 283 ANAVETS Pipes and Drums and spent his last years piping with the 402 Squadron Pipes and Drums. Tom loved taking his pipes into elementary schools to show the students how they worked.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, June 8, 2026, at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road. Attire is casual and bright, no formal black requested.

The family extends our gratitude to the staff of Unit 1 at Extendicare Charleswood for their kind and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tom's memory to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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