Obituary of Todd Russell

In Loving Memory of Todd Richard Russell

August 2, 1966 – December 22, 2024

     On Sunday, December 22, my beloved husband, Todd Russell, age 58, passed away peacefully at Albert House Hospice in Moncton, NB, surrounded by love. Todd battled MS for many years but in just a short time lost the battle to brain cancer.

    Todd was the kind of person who lived each day with purpose—his smile, laughter and positivity lit up the room and he was always working to brighten the lives of those around him. Whether it was through his humour, his friendship, or his unshakable belief in the goodness of others, Todd had a way of making everyone feel special and loved.

    If Todd knew you, he loved you, and his loyalty to those he cared about was unmatched.  He was a devoted husband, a proud and loving father to our daughter Amelia, who he had a very special bond and always wanted to know if she won her card games. He was the best friend anyone could ask for. His love for his brothers and sisters and in laws, nieces and nephews was shown often to them.  He had a special friendship with Mark, Shelley & Ben Chase and Kevin & Kelly McEachern and Colin LeMesurier.

    Todd loved every one of our daycare children, and they loved him often connecting again as young adults. He played Santa to many local daycares and enjoyed making things for them with his love of wood working in the "Grinch’s" workshop.

   Todd loved all animals especially his cats, Curie (the blood bank), Louis and his beloved dog Sam (deceased) He loved being outside and having "Fishing Fridays" with Kevin, not sure if they actually caught anything or if it was ‘the big one that got away.’ He was always helping his sister-in-law Nancy with her show dogs, Blue and Wolf.

  Not able to travel much due to his MS, Todd, loved to host bonfires in the backyard any time of year, and no Todd, we are not going out to the bonfire in this -15 degree winter weather.

  Todd was very proud to be from Grand Manan and told everyone all about how beautiful it is. I however, was often sea sick and afraid to get stuck there like we did when we were dating. He loved fishing there and watching the sunrises and sunsets, often taking many, many, many pictures of them.

    Todd’s life was one of giving and community. He raised over $20,000 for MS research, coordinated the MS Walk for ten years, and poured his heart into countless projects to help others. Todd was always giving of himself to help anyone in need.

  Todd was a man of humour, love, and kindness, and he would quickly jump in with a story. We never knew how much of them were embellished tall tales.

  Todd would hate that this is so serious, so we invite you to remember him in your own way—whether it’s a laugh shared, a story told, or simply a moment of kindness in his honour. 

  Todd is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Valerie, and daughter Amelia.  2 sisters Eleanor Iva (Mickie/James Eddington of Fredericton, NB, Wendy Rozannese Cyr (Dan) of Saint John, NB, 3 brothers   Gregg Owen Russell (Wanda)of Grand Manan, NB, Dana Lloyd Russell(Patricia), Wayne Allison Russell (Casandra) of Woodstock, NB many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents Lloyd (Bill) and Olive Russell, and his brother Rodney Russell.

   Todd’s wish was to have a Celebration of Life with family and friends around the bonfire in the backyard of his home, that he was so proud of. He wanted everyone to be safe travelling, therefore a gathering will be held in May 2025 TBA.  As Todd wished, there will be no visitation or service at this time.  Any donations can be given to the MS Society or to Brain Cancer research.

  A graveside service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery, where Todd will be laid to rest with his parents.

   I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible healthcare teams at the Moncton Hospital, Albert House, his neurology and oncology specialists, and the wonderful folks at Wheels on Wheels for their compassionate care and support during this journey. 

   He will be forever missed by Amelia and I, and by everyone whose lives he touched. Rest in peace, my love. You will always be in our hearts, gone too soon.

   With love, Valerie and Amelia