Russell was born in Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario on May 6, 1924. He enlisted in the Army on March 2, 1943 with the Queens Own Rifles. He served in England, France and Germany during World War II as a Rifleman. Russell was a Prisoner of war. He was discharged on April 9, 1946. He received the 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp. He met and married his English War Bride Iris Yates Turnbull and returning to Canada they had thirteen children. In 1968, they moved to Everett, ON. He was an active member of the Legion Branch 508 until his death on December 21, 1992.

Content from RCL Magazine