It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Russell Perry Lalonde announce his passing at the age of 80 on Tuesday July 19, 2016. Russell passed as a result of a head injury incurred while doing one of the things he loved most: fishing with his great-grandson on the pond that he built.
Russell is survived by his wife of 23 years Corinne (Craig-Pretty) and was predeceased by first wife of 34 years, Ruth (Jackson) in 1992.
He is adored by his children, Mona (Keith) Bechervaise of Airdrie, AB; Sheila (David) Paul of Poland, ON; Beverly (Randy Clark) McLellan of Perth, ON; Frank (Jennifer Perry) Lalonde of Merrickville, ON; Barbra (Eric) Brousseau of Kingston, ON; and Jason Craig (Wendy) Lalonde of Edmonton, AB. He is fondly remembered by Corinne's children Tracey (Larry) Banks and Craig (Sam Leroux) Pretty both of Carleton Place.
He is survived by 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren (with another one due to arrive in September) and four step-grandchildren. He is predeceased by grandsons Johnathon Brousseau (2005) and Matthew Lalonde (2005). He is the proud Godfather of Benjamin Paul.
Russell was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth (nee Buchanan) in 1982 and Frank Lalonde in 1981.
He is survived by his siblings Edith (late Maurice) of Alexandria, ON and Edna (James) Scott of Perth, ON. He is predeceased by his brothers Jack (2014) and James (the late-Judith) (2016) as well as his sister Jean (late-Bernard) Fulton (2013).
Special brother in law to late-Ada (late-Archie) Foster; Jessie (late-Cecil) Hughes; Marion (Robert) Arnott; late-Pearl (late-Clifford) MacDonald; Doris (late Steven) Trudeau; Edna (late Jim) Adrain; Alice (Ron) Gilchrist; Laurie (Cheryl) Craig; and Sharon (Brian) Majaury.
Russell will be remembered fondly by his aunts Elizabeth (Lizzie) White and Shirley Lalonde along numerous nieces, nephews, friends, as well as his furry friends Trixie and Andy.
Russell was a dedicated life-long member of the Evergreen 209 Masonic Lodge and for many years enjoyed being Rusty the Clown as part of the Tunis Temple Shriners. He was a licensed millwright at Omya Canada prior to his retirement.
Friends may pay their respects on Sunday July 24, 2016 from 12:00 PM until 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Blair & Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore Street West, Perth, Ontario. A funeral service will be held in St Andrews United Church, 115 Clarence Street, Lanark, Ontario at 10:30 AM on Monday July 25, 2016. Interment at Watson’s Corners Cemetery, 3rd Concession Dalhousie, Watson’s Corners, ON. Reception to follow at the Watson’s Corners Community Hall.
In remembrance, contributions to Providence Community Care, Brain Injury Services or Community Home Support Lanark County would be appreciated by the family.
Russell would finish his prayer of thanksgiving with the words 'and keep us ever mindful of the needs of others'. May Russell's generous spirit, youthful enthusiasm, desire for lifelong learning, and his commitment to his family and community be continued in his honour by all those who loved and cared for him.