Gordon Kyle Russell passed away peacefully on August 1, 2021 in Toronto. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Sandra; his four children, Ian, Laura, Jonathan and Andrew; and his two grandchildren Julian and James, all of whom he loved dearly. He led a life of love, adventure and tenacity. Surrounded in friendship, he enjoyed the opportunities and freedom that business provided him. Success and failure never deterred him with each progression opening a new door to opportunity. Tenacity was his driving guidance.

Early years were spent with the Queen’s York Rangers driving tanks. He loved the experience. “Red” Russell raced a modified VW with a sponsored Porsche engine across Canada. Crossing the finish line of the Canadian International Winter Rally in Vancouver, he was surprised at the finish line with a telegram awarding him a scholarship to Cornell University. He learned to fly gliders and planes. He started G&S Watersports in Tobermory in 1965 and helped open up the waterways to scuba diving. Many business adventures followed; Honeydew, Russell’s Original Cookies, Dial-Adex and Pressers International to name a few. He developed and launched the original Hot Diggity Dogger and the Oopee Ball and sold both around the world. In 1985 he founded and launched Greenhawk Equestrian Sport, a national retailer of equestrian products.

Family and friends enjoyed many years boating around Toronto on the Windswept III, an antique Ditchburn
cruiser which he took great joy in maintaining. He loved his family dearly and lived life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed. “Lang may yer lum reek” Dad.