RUSSELL Leslie John

Everything is better with onions. That was the lifelong and firmly held belief of Leslie John Russell — Les to all who knew him. He passed peacefully away on October 16, 2018 at the Miller Centre. His mighty heart and incredible spirit is carried on by his wife, three children, five grandchildren, sister, nieces and nephews and an extended family of friends and relations. In addition to the above gastronomic advice, his life’s advice was as follows - anything worth doing is worth doing right, always think positively, see the beauty that is everywhere, read books - a lot of them, treat people with integrity and respect, make a difference, leave things better than you found them, make time for a nap every day and don’t throw away anything that could be used down the line. He was someone who made an instant and lasting impression. He was always a gentleman - in appearance, character and action. He was a wonderful storyteller who enjoyed hearing other’s stories as much as he enjoyed telling his own. He was wise and always had advice for family and friends who sought his counsel. He was relentlessly optimistic even in the face of his own mortality. He loved music and the way it made him feel. He was often found tapping his toes, whistling or conducting the virtual orchestra he saw while listening to his favorite music. He saw beauty in the everyday - a flower, a sunset, the dew on a spider’s web. He loved to laugh and had an easy smile that lit up his face. Les was husband to his beloved Verna (Williams) for 49 years, father of Nancy (Brent Pittman), Lisa (Darcy Sutton), Ian (Carolyn Guy), grandfather to Joshua, Gabriel, Rachel, Charlotte and Alex, and sister to Susan. He was uncle to seven nieces and nephews and in particular was a father figure to his nephew Steve. He was predeceased by his parents, Manetta and Gary; sister, Manetta; brother, Eric and granddaughter, Madelyne. Cremation has taken place. Visitation at Carnell’s Funeral Home (329 Freshwater Road, St. Johns) Friday, October 19, 2018 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 7:00 – 9:00 PM and Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Memorial Service to be held at Carnell’s Memorial Chapel on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of Newfoundland and Labrador - an organization of which he was a lifelong supporter and contributor. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences may do so by visiting www.carnells.com.