Tributes for ‘gentle soul’

Leaders mourn sudden passing of colleague

CITY leaders have paid tribute to a long-serving Gold Coast Council employee who died suddenly yesterday.

Guy Russell, 55, has been remembered as a “gentle soul” who loved what he did and was well-liked.

Mr Russell, the council’s safety camera network co-ordinator, collapsed at the Evandale council chambers at 11am yesterday while giving a presentation to the quarterly Safer Suburbs Forum.

Despite the efforts of paramedics and colleagues who attempted CPR and worked to revive him, Mr Russell passed away a short time later.

Family, friends and colleagues were deeply shocked.

Carrara councillor Bob La Castra worked closely with Mr Russell, who was part of the Lifestyle and Communities directorate, and said he was devastated by his loss.

“He was a beautiful person and a lovely, lovely guy,” he said. “Guy was just a wonderful person. He was incredibly wellliked and you couldn’t help but like him. He was just a genuine guy who loved what he did, and he did that damn well.

“He was a genuine soul.”

Emergency services responded rapidly, with six ambulances attending the council chambers.

Colleagues, including Mayor Tom Tate and mayoral chief of staff Wayne Moran, stayed with Mr Russell while he was treated and followed him to the ambulance.

He was taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital but died soon after.

Council staff were told of Mr Russell’s passing by council chief executive Dale Dickson.

Broadbeach Cr Paul Taylor said he was deeply upset by Mr Russell’s passing.

“We have lost a really good person. Guy was someone who got along with everyone,” Cr Taylor said. “I am really upset. He was a fantastic person and would do anything for you.”

Mr Russell worked for the Albert Shire and Gold Coast City councils for 31 years and had played a key role in the expansion of its security camera network.

In recent years he had worked closely with councillors to prepare the city for the Commonwealth Games.

Cr Cameron Caldwell said Mr Russell was a “thorough gentleman”.

“He made a wonderful contribution to council over many years and was widely respected and well regarded,” he said.

GUY WAS JUST A WONDERFUL PERSON. HE WAS INCREDIBLY WELLLIKED AND YOU COULDN’T HELP BUT LIKE HIM CR BOB LA CASTRA