Obituary of Ted Russell

With heavy hearts but with spirits lifted by a lifetime of beautiful memories, we announce the passing of Ted Russell on March 3, 2026. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Ted built a legacy not in words, but in action. To know Ted was to be loved by him, and his absence leaves a void that can only be filled by the lessons of resilience, kindness, humour, profound integrity and quiet generosity he left behind.

Ted was the proud patriarch of four generations, a role model who taught his family and community the value of hard work and self-reliance. He taught his daughters many practical life skills and to challenge themselves to excel in all their endeavours. He believed in doing the job right the first time, standing by your word, and always showing up for those you love. His garage was never just a workspace; it was a classroom, a workshop, a planning table and the birthplace of big ideas. Whether through a meticulous project or a spontaneous road trip, his spirit was built to last and the lessons he passed on will echo through the generations that follow.  

Ted’s greatest joy was the family he built alongside his beloved wife of nearly 66 years, Ethel (nee Pendergast). He was the cherished father of Lynn (Keith), Cheryl (Tony), and Cathy (Richarde). His gentle spirit and lessons of strength live on through his grandchildren: Megan (Tyler), Katelyn (Tyler), Jory, Shannon (Reid), James, Aiden (Elijah), and Christopher (Danielle). He was also a proud "bonus" grandfather to Dan (Tori) and Jamie (Greg).

Ted was the adored great-grandfather to TJ, Zoey, Saoirse, Dafne, Heidi, Cali, and Taya, and he looked forward with great love to the arrival of Aiden’s baby girl this spring. He was also the loving bonus great-grandfather to Preston, Eden, and Henry.

He is survived by his siblings Bud (the late Wendy) and Rob (Jenny), and was predeceased by his sister Patricia (Fred). He will be remembered fondly by his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Edra (the late Ken), Diane, Lenore (Gerald), Dolores (Brian), Mabel, the late Keith, and the late Patricia (Fred), along with many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

We would like to offer our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Nanji and the ICU Team at Kingston General Hospital for their exceptional care for Ted and compassion for our family during his time in hospital. Though he may be gone from our sight, Ted’s hands are still in the work we do and his voice is in the advice we give.

In a final tribute to a life well-lived, a funeral mass to honour Ted’s legacy will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, which would have been Ted’s 88^th birthday, at St John’s Roman Catholic Church, at 11:00am. Following the mass, a reception will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Perth, from 12-4PM, which will include a Poppy Service by the Royal Canadian Airforce Association.

In memory of Ted, memorial contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Kingston General Hospital; ICU would be gratefully appreciated by the family to continue the fight.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Blair and Son Funeral Home, Perth.

Local Accommodation
Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn
82 Peter Street, Perth Ontario K7H 1S2
1 800 916 1392

Nevis Estate
61 Drummond St W, Perth ON K7H 2K5
(613) 326-0017

Perth Plaza Inn & Suites
40 Dufferin St, Perth ON K7H 3A6
(613) 264-1022

Aquarius Motel
17518 ON-7, Perth ON K7H 3C6
(613) 267-4261

Tay Inn
125 Dufferin St, Perth ON K7H 3A5
(613) 267-3300

Colonial House Motor Inn
125 Dufferin St, Perth ON K7H 3A5
(613) 267-3300

The White House Inn
18 Wilson St W, Perth ON K7H 2M9
(613) 326-0082