"Always be kind, it is its own reward"
"Later Cat"
"Later Kid"
-Dwayne
It is with broken hearts, we announce the passing of Dwayne Derrick Russell on October 19, 2020, at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, hand in hand with his soulmate.
Dwayne was born in Pictou on June 12, 1973 to George and Donna Russell. Dwayne graduated from West Pictou Highschool, Dalhousie University to obtain his science degree with an advanced major in biology and finally attended SAIT in Calgary for Respiratory Therapy. Dwayne started his career at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, and he was a member of the flight team and anesthesia assistant in the OR. Dwayne returned home to Antigonish to work at St. Martha’s Hospital, where he loved his job and work family tremendously for 21 years. Singing the halls of St. Martha’s, he had a calm, patient, kind and happy aura. He was very knowledgeable of his job and loved to share his knowledge whether it be at St. FX or with the hospital’s Sim Team.
Dwayne was a lifelong avid baseball player. He played for the Truro Bearcats, Pictou County Albions, and Antigonish Angels to name a few and was inducted into the NS intermediate baseball hall of fame for pitching in 2012. He was a sought-after pitcher and volunteered time to coach pitchers with St. FX.
Dwayne met the love of his life, Lesley, in the spring of 1995. They married in Feb 2000 in Cuba and have 2 children. Dwayne loved to take his family on vacations, and their favourite place was Orlando. They cherished their many trips to Disney World. Nothing was more important or made Dwayne happier than to see his family smile. Dwayne loved music, time with family and friends, travelling, playing ball, watching his kids play sports, game nights, bon fires, The Toronto Blue Jays and watching The Toronto Maple Leafs with Billy.
Dwayne battled his illness with determination, strength, courage, and grace that was unmeasurable. Dwayne would do anything for anyone. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He had the kindest heart and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Besides his parents, Dwayne is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Lesley (Strickland); daughter, Olivia and son, Griffin, both at home; sisters, Tracy (Tony) and Tanya (Craig); parents-in-law, Les and Nancy Strickland, sister-in-law, Kim (Scott); brother-in-law, Jeff (Shellie); grandmother, Georgie Sanford; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Predeceased by paternal grandparents, maternal grandfather, and cousin Suzie Lowthers.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the angels on earth, Shauna and Billy , Dr. Jane Anne Howard, their circle of special friends, Jeannie Kennedy RN, Dr. Ron MacCormick and all our St. Martha’s family. The compassion, kindness, love and support Dwayne and his family felt was exceptional and never to be forgotten.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a Celebration of Life at the Heatherton Ballfield on Saturday October 24, 2020 at 4:00 pm. COVID rules must be followed and masks must be worn.
Donations in Dwayne’s memory may be made to Antigonish Challenger baseball c/o Randy Crouse at [email protected]