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CYRIL JAMES RUSSELL
Born: Dec 25, 1928
Date of Passing: Mar 04, 2020
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CYRIL JAMES RUSSELL
Cyril was born on December 25, 1928, in Swan River, Manitoba where his family farmed grain and raised dairy cattle. When Cyril was in grade 5, his mother, Marjorie, was diagnosed with cancer, so they sold the farm and moved to Winnipeg. After grade 11, he got a job with a printing company delivering flyers to the Winnipeg Grain Exchange building on Main, then with Powel Equipment in the Service Department taking parts out to the mechanics for a year. Following this, he joined the Dominion Bank (now TD Bank) at Main and Higgins where he held a position of branch management. He was soon transferred to Fort Frances where he met Maizie. After intentionally splashing her with his boat to get her attention, they started dating and eventually married in 1952. They moved back to Winnipeg where they had two children, Barbara and Douglas. In 1960, he was offered a position as an office manager of Fort Ignition, an automotive parts distributor. He became a shareholder and eventually president and general manager, growing the company from one branch on Fort Street to 36 branches across Western Canada. In 1967, he and a few friends started Autoline Products Ltd., an automotive parts company, and, after selling Fort Ignition in early 1990, he expanded his existing ownership where he remained active until recently. Cyril loved his work and spent every free minute building up his companies. He was honoured with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada's highest award, the Distinguished Service Award, and served as its chairman in 1994. He cared deeply about his employees and enjoyed having his children become a part of his legacy. He and Maizie bought their first cabin at Falcon Lake in 1968 and loved watching their children and grandchildren grow up around the water. They also bought their first condo in Maui in 1988 and visited most years with friends and family. Cyril was lucky enough to have one last trip there to celebrate his 91st birthday.
He was predeceased by Maizie, his loving wife of 65 years, as well as his parents, Marjorie and Douglas, and his two sisters, Vivien and Irene. Cyril will be lovingly remembered by his sister Ellen, and children, Barb (Bob) and Doug (Wendi), and will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Christina, Benn, Monica (Nathan), Luke, Jon (Julia), Melissa, Kalli, Carter and Justine.
The family would like to extend deep appreciation to the 4th floor North staff at the Victoria General Hospital for their compassionate care.
We invite friends, family, and all those who worked with Cy (Mr. Russell as he was respectfully called) to join us in toasting his life and career at his favourite lunch spot, Rossmere Country Club, 925 Watt St. on Thursday, March 12 between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trails Manitoba or a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 07, 2020
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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I worked for Mr. Russell for many years, he was a great person and helped you in any way he could. He will be missed by all! - Posted by: Garry Holzapfel (Past employee) on: Mar 19, 2020
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Our sincere sympathy to Cy's family and his sister Ellen. We always enjoyed our visits with Cy whenever we were in Winnipeg - the latest being October this year. He will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Maxine Rovere (cousin) on: Mar 14, 2020
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Remembering and thankful for his assistance and guidance throughout the years. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: John Morris (Supplier ) on: Mar 12, 2020
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My condolences to the family, I admired and respected Mr Russell a great deal, he was a people person and treated all of his employees with respect and would talk and laugh with us on his visits, there was a lot to be learnt from this man. - Posted by: Lorraine Malyk (Past employee) on: Mar 12, 2020
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Doug, Barb and family, my sincere condolences to you all in the passing of Uncle Cy. - Posted by: Bonnie Hatch (Niece) on: Mar 10, 2020
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Barb, Bob, Doug and family, Mr. Russell will be missed by many. I worked for him from 1986 on and have lots of fond memories. I remember well all the fun we had in the office, often getting in a bit of trouble for chatting too much! I stopped in to see Mr. Russell back a few years ago at Autoline and it was like I just saw him yesterday. He won’t be forgotten. My sincere condolences to all of the family. - Posted by: Sharon Turner (Past employee) on: Mar 09, 2020
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Dear Ellen, Barb, Doug and families. We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Cy's passing. So many fond memories flood in at times like this. Family gatherings, trips to the lake and just so much fun when we were all together. I'm so glad I was fortunate enough see Cy again last year. We will miss him dearly. Our love goes out to you all, God bless you. Ashley, Dean, Thomas, Katt, Wes and Nolan - Posted by: Dean Cranwill (Nephew) on: Mar 08, 2020
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I have lost a mentor and one of my best friends. Mr. Russell did the impossible. He built a successful company and always found time to make everyone feel important and special. He was never to busy to take time for everyone , and listen. He will truly be missed. - Posted by: Tony Zarrillo (Employee) on: Mar 07, 2020
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Our sympathy goes out to the family. We will miss seeing Cyril enjoying himself around the cabin. - Posted by: Ron & Janice Simard (Neighbours at Falcon Lake ) on: Mar 07, 2020
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