Russell (86) was a highly-regarded former school principal and community leader. He was principal at Turaki Primary School and Rongomai Primary School and chairman of the Howick Residents and Ratepayers Association until 2005. He was an avid campaigner well into his later years, on sometimes in high profile legal battles, for the betterment of his community. In 2010 he was honoured as the Howick Community Board Citizen of the Year. He also received the Howick Rotary Club's Paul Harris Fellowship in 2009 for his community works. A member of the Howick Operatic Society, he appeared in 11 musicals between (1972 - 1983) and later became involved in numerous operas, musicals and pantomines within the Auckland district which, in 1995, saw him receive a Merit Award from the New Zealand Federation of Operatic Societies. He is survived by his son and two daughters.