1923-2012

Alan Russell

Alan Russell was born on August 7, 1923, in Vancouver, British Columbia, and joined the Canadian Army in 1942 as a Physical Training Instructor. He lost his left leg below the knee in an accident while on duty in Canada. He was discharged and joined The War Amps soon after in 1945.

Mr. Russell continued his education at the University of British Columbia, graduating with both a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Bachelor of Laws degree, and was called to the Vancouver bar in 1952. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a Barrister and Solicitor before retiring in 1984.

Serving with distinction and dedication, he held several executive positions within the Association over the years, including:

• Chairman of the Board, War Amps National Board of Directors (2005-2012)
• National Director, Vancouver Branch (2005-2012)
• National President (1994-1997, 2002-2005)
• National Vice-President (1990-1993)
• Immediate Past President (1998-2001)

Mr. Russell also attended numerous CHAMP seminars, sharing his knowledge and positive outlook with child amputees and their families. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Membership, Meritorious Service Membership and Honorary CHAMP Membership from The War Amps, as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals. From the National Council of Veteran Associations in Canada (NCVA), he received the Citation for Service to Canada’s War Veterans and Widows.

He passed away on March 30, 2012. On May 15, 2012, Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East, British Columbia, paid tribute to Mr. Russell in the House of Commons, as follows:

Mr. Speaker, Benjamin Alan Russell, veteran, lawyer, valued mentor, constituent, passed away on March 30, at age 88. Al was a modest and great Canadian who lived a life of service through the war, through his 32-year law practice and through volunteerism. Always good at sports, he joined the war effort at age 18 as a Physical Training Instructor. He lost his left leg below the knee in an on-duty accident in Canada. After his discharge in 1945, he graduated in law from UBC, distinguishing himself as a lawyer and devoting himself to The War Amps. Al lived The War Amps motto “amputees helping amputees.” His contributions regionally and nationally were immeasurable. He ultimately was elected Chairman of the Board for the last seven years. As his firm's first woman student and associate, I always appreciated his warmth and kindness. Al and his philanthropy will be missed by his family, his many friends at Cultus Lake, the Delta Golf Club, the Tunnel Town Master's Curling League and by me.

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