To the family of Mr. Tom Russell and all my friends from Stanstead College,

 

First of all, I would like to express my sympathies and condolences to the family of Mr. Tom Russell. He was Headmaster at Stanstead College during my years there from 1971 -1974. He succeeded Raymond Lester who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in late 1971. My parents and I were given the tour of Stanstead College by Mr. Lester in the summer of 1971 and it was his personality and approach that convinced us that Stanstead was right for me.  But as it turned out, it was Mr. Russell the headmaster who inspired the boys and my classmates during those years:

Mr. Russell had an unbelievable sense of humour. He had a bright positive attitude to everything in life; the glass was always half full and he had a pride in the school which was obvious and infectious. He always had a funny quip or comment in every speech that he gave to the school.

 

One day, I remember when he asked me and couple of other students if we wouldn’t mind taking the time to show a kind older gentleman around the school; That gentleman asked us questions during our tour and we felt privileged and honoured that our headmaster would trust us with a tour of an unknown person and did not suspect who this person was at the time as Mr. Russell did not reveal the true nature of the visit. In retrospect for obvious reasons, he wanted us to act naturally without any kind of pressure and just be who we were. Well that mysterious person turned out to be Mr. Ralph B. Hood who made a sizeable donation to Stanstead…..a brand new swimming pool and tennis courts. This turned our small gym into a large sports complex we could be proud of.

 

Being from England Mr. Russell had an interest in soccer and participated as both a coach and fan to our soccer teams however he also made sure that he did not miss any of the Varsity football games too and in fact he took an interest in all the schools activities and sports and encouraged the Howie Meeker summer hockey school.

 

 My fondest memory of Mr. Russell was during the graduation ceremonies of 1972-1973 and it was here that his sense of humour was most evident.  I was part of the choir on stage and a first hand witness in a packed Church…the silence was deafening and the mood was dry and sober: Headmaster Russell was calling out the prizes: Chemistry prize….Yeu Tieu (pronounced “You too”) Yeu came up on stage received his prize and shook everyone’s hands and then as he was making his way back to the pews to sit down and just before sitting down, Headmaster Russell exclaimed “And Mathematics Prize…to Yeu Tieu! (you too!)….and entire audience in the church burst out in spontaneous uncontrolled laughter. What had been a serious and almost too conservative a mood had turned in to a happy and memorable event.

 

Mr. Russell commanded the respect and admiration of all his students during those years and most importantly he was well liked because you could walk up to him and talk to him about anything.

 

Mr. Russell, thank you for being an inspiration and a role model for the rest of my life. May you rest in peace!

 

Ali (Allan) Sonac

Class of 1973
October 3, 2006

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I was fortunate enough to arrive at Stanstead as an English and History teacher the same year that Tom and Janet arrived. Although I remained at the College for only a year, the College enjoyed the incalculable benefits of Tom's excellent teaching, coaching and leadership for many additional years. Tom was a wonderful man, commanding respect and affection everywhere he traveled. My wife, Faith, and I consider ourselves exceedingly lucky to have maintained a friendship with Tom and Janet. We regret only that, living so far apart, we could not visit with them as often as we would have liked. Stanstead, along with a generation of students and staff, is a better and stronger school as a result of Tom's superb leadership.

John LeBaron
Teacher 1968-69
October 3, 2006
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I was saddened to hear of the passing of Tom Russell. I remember his keen interest in soccer (which was a bonus for the soccer boys) and his sense of humor. One Sunday while playing basketball or something in the gym, one of my classmates played a practical joke of sorts on me, by absconding with one of my shoes, in fact leaving me shoeless other than sneakers. Mr. Russell made a dinner announcement on my behalf….citing the fact that “I had been defeeted earlier that day…and if the whereabouts of my lost shoe were known, to please bring it to my attention”. A penchant for puns and a ready smile for the boys. Thank you, Mr. Russell.

Peter Churchill
Class of 1976
October 3, 2006
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Together with my equally apprehensive mother, I drove to Stanstead College as a quiet and very homesick boy in September 1975. We had flown from eastern Canada several days earlier. As we sat quietly together in the car driving down the highway, I recall looking at the fall colours and feeling unsure, apprehensive and very lonely. At 15, I was about to enter the world of life as a student in boarding school so far from home. I had suddenly left everything familiar that one knows but inevitably takes for granted at that age: street hockey with my friends, the security of a warm home, home cooked meals and the unwavering support of strong and wise parents. I felt my grasp of that suddenly very precious life slide through my hands as our car drove through Mont Orford's shadow.

I can only assume that Mr. Russell noticed this very homesick boy in LeBaron Hall one evening. He quickly sprang into action. Mr. Russell invited me to his farm together with the rest of his family one beautiful Sunday afternoon that fall. Afterwards I joined his family at their home for Sunday supper. His family adopted me quickly and without qualification.

Walking back to Colby House later that evening gave me the first flickering hope that everything would be fine. In the weeks ahead Mr. Russell and other teachers would make a special and genuine effort to see how I was doing. Their support in those first challenging months ensured that I eventually felt part of the Stanstead College family. Under their guidance and support, my grades and interpersonal skills grew stronger. In the spring of 1976 as we prepared to go our separate ways for the summer, I realized for the first time how important that year had been for me.

During the days that followed Baccalaureate 1979, I reflected on my first days at Stanstead College. In my suitcase was the Pitcher Medal and a number of other awards, silent testimony to Mr. Russell and the teaching staff's influence on my life as a young student. As I peered out of the jet's window, I wondered about what the first days at the University of Waterloo would be like later that September. Due in no small part to the wisdom and guidance I received from the leadership at Stanstead College, I felt ready for the next important chapter in my life. Unlike the shy 15-year-old boy who had been so unsure of the future four years earlier, the confident young man I had become was well prepared for not only university life but for what would follow in the years ahead.

Richard Martin
Class of 1979
October 3, 2006
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When I read the news of Tom's passing I had a flood of memories come over me.

I am now 52 year old.... and when I think back......'.Sir' Tom had a lasting and deep impact on me.....both on and off the field.

I have fond memories of Sir Tom in every way - straight up - tough and fair .......and as loving and caring individual.

I remember the rides in the Rover - down to the country house on the lake - and the boat.

I remember fondly how he decided to grant me my major S even tough my skills on the field were radically less than those of Greg Brown -- but my vocal cheering on had to count for something I guess. ( ha ha)

I remember the wonderful English classes -- everything from the Moody Blues to ....whatever - he was in inspiration to my free thinking.

I remember when Mr. Lester was tragically killed in the car accident -- and Tom 'took the helm' -- I and we were shaken - but quickly regained confidence because of his steady hand.

Stanstead was a changing point in my life.....and Sir Tom was a big part of what 'changed me'.

My brother, Dr. Thomas Burdon and I often speak about how we wish we were still there.......my lord they were good times and Tom R was a very big part of that indeed.

Janet, believe it or now - I remember you .....clearly - and the 'children' - my lord - it feels like yesterday to me.

I have 4 children and one grandson - 27, 25, 17 and 14.......and 7 -- imagine.

Ours hearts go out to you - and we know that Tom is smiling as he 'hears this message'.

Doug Burdon
Class of 1972
October 4, 2006

P.S. One final memory - When I was in Grade 12 (C1)-- we were having some discussion about the possibility of creating a C2 -as co-head boy - I wrote a rather moving (according to Sir Tom) letter to try to convince the board to move to create the C2 level - (as I and a large number of the other grads wanted to stay) -- I still have that letter -- along with many of my other Stanstead report cards and awards .......and my major S sweater .......that could fit on my grandson now I am afraid (ha ha). Tom was always there for me. He and Stanstead made a difference in my life.

Brian is a living testament to that today.

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I was saddened to hear of Mr. Russell's passing and I too was overcome by so many fond memories that I feel compelled to share a few with you and hope they endorse what you already know, that Tom Russell was simply the finest. In 1972 I was an insecure teenager and arrived at Stanstead with great trepidation, almost fear. Within minutes of arrival I had met the "headmaster" and immediately was put to ease. I believe I actually became his friend and that was an incredible feeling for me. I remember your farmhouse and learning how to kill a chicken by wringing its' neck and then the chore of plucking. Your home and children were happy and a reflection of the safe environment and security you provided to the entire student body. Some of those characters were challenging to say the least! The tenacity and intensity demonstrated by the headmaster as soccer coach and fan might only have been surpassed by Mr. Gallant's!  Some of the moments I remember best were the tours He asked me to go on with Mr. Hood during the building and planning of the new pool and courts.

He always had his abundant confidence and humility combined in such a way that Ralph Hood had only one option-to build! The graduation from Stanstead was one of the saddest days in my life, but my experience there under Thomas Russell as headmaster helped provide me with a foundation which has served me well as a parent, cardiac surgeon, and citizen of our community and world. Regrettably, I did not know Mr. Russell was ill, otherwise I would have taken the time to tell him these things in a more timely manner. As Doug so clearly expressed, it seems like yesterday that we were there having the "best days of our lives". You are a clear picture in my mind's eye as your children were then as well. I hope they are well and I send you all my heartfelt condolences.

Tom Burdon
Class of 1973
October 4, 2006
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How do you write down how someone affected your life? Tom Russell was the person I needed at the time in my life where there were more questions than answers. He was my teacher, he was my advisor, he was my coach, he was my Head Master, and he was my friend.

 

I remember fondly the kind words of encouragement and guidance he would offer when it seemed I was off track. He loved to call me the “The boy on the bike with the big boots” and I enjoyed being invited to dinner after spending the afternoon lining all the playing fields. At the Russell’s house, it was always a good meal and lots of fun to either watch 8mm movies or listen to stories from their time in Africa and marvel at all the souvenirs. Mr. Russell (still have trouble saying Tom) had a way of making everyone feel a little more grown up and important. He would always listen, with great interest, to what you had to say. I enjoyed his British humour and of coarse his play on words.

 

I managed to reconnect with the Russell’s in 2004 and was pleased when the response was warm and one of genuine interest in what was going on in my life and of his fond memories of our days at Stanstead.

 

I have many mementos from those days but I think the one I treasure the most is a letter Mr. Russell sent me shortly after my last year. He thanked me for my help during my years at Stanstead and offered his assistance to me, if ever I needed it. It is a letter I still have and treasure to this very day.

 

My thoughts are with you……….

 

Jonathan H. Cowen
Class of 1972
October 9, 2006
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