Obituary of Jan Russell

Jan entered into rest peacefully at Providence Care Hospital in Kingston, on December10th, 2025.

Jan is predeceased and dearly loved by his mother Betty Russell/Fraser (Les) of Belleville, his father James Ira Russell (Terry) of Toronto and his sister Pamela Slik/Russell of Picton, as well as his late wife Mary MacDonald of Kingston and half brother Jimmy Russell of Toronto.

He leaves behind and will be sadly missed by his two brothers, Barry from St. John’s NFL and Duane (Sue) Russell from Belleville and his three half sisters Trudy, Debbie and Catherine Russell from Toronto.

He will also be fondly remembered by his niece Danya (Ekem) Slik and Nephews Manson (Lori) Slik and Alexander Russell.

Jan was a talented artist from his early childhood and it was clear he was destined for a life of creative expression.

He was born in Prince Edward County and lived most of his adult life in Kingston.

Jan made close friends and found community in Kingston.

There he met his wife Mary MacDonald, also a painter, and together they were central figures in the early artist’s group in the 1960’s that included Bob Blenderman and Shirley Gibson-Langille.

Jan’s creative passion and artistic talent inspired him to continue painting for the rest of his life, his style and subject matter evolving and changing over time always in interesting directions and his natural inspiration to create never fading.

Many of us are forever blessed with having the beauty of his artwork and love in our homes.

He will be missed by those who loved him for his gentle, kind, generous nature.

Jan’s life was meaningful and sincere in every way.

A small family graveside service will be held in the spring 2026 at the West Lake Cemetery in Prince Edward County.

Donations in his honour can be made to Skeleton Park Arts Festival in Kingston at skeletonparkartsfest.ca