Russell Sharp
May 9, 1946–October 9, 2018
Dr. George Russell Sharp
It is with great sadness that the family announces George's passing at Saint Boniface Hospital.
Russell, as he was known to most, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of October 9, 2018. Russell was predeceased by his mother Mary Elizabeth Russell, father George Harold, and sister Mary Louise Sharp Elliott. Russell is survived by Bernice, his loving wife of 47 years, his three sons whom he was most proud of, George Anthony (Susan), John Andrew, and Harold Alexander, as well as his beloved grandchildren Lauren Olivia and Colton James.
Russell was born in Winnipeg, moving to the Town of Mount Royal at the age of four. He attended Mount Royal High School, where his guidance counselors suggested he should pursue a career in the trades. Years later, he proudly returned to the school with copies of his Masters in Science from Sir George Williams, and PhD in Nuclear Physics from Concordia University.
In 1976 he began his career in the pulp and paper industry in the accounting department at C.I.P in Montreal. Russell moved on to La Tuque to set up the first IBM computer system in the paper mill. He went on to hold many positions in the production and quality departments. It was there he introduced his three sons to his love of skiing. He excelled at his work, and was briefly transferred to Trois Rivieres, where he introduced us all to his love of golf. The family then returned to La Tuque for a few years before moving to Sherbrooke, where Russell helped open the new Domtar mill in Windsor. His interest in computers and automation helped him lead the team of engineers who built the first automated paper warehouse in North America. In 1990 the family moved to Kenora, where Russell worked for Boise Cascade. In 1995 he took a position with Repap in Montreal. Later he moved on to work with Kruger, where he held positions in Montreal and Corner Brook prior to retiring to Winnipeg.
Russell traveled extensively throughout his career, for both pleasure and business, visiting over 25 countries. Each new project that he undertook meant another move for his family, which would not have been possible without Bernice's ability to keep the family together in the face of new challenges and situations. The end result has been many lifelong family friendships and happy memories. In his retirement he enjoyed carving ducks at Oak Hammock Marsh, researching his family genealogy, ham radio and expanding his love of music through learning new instruments.
Russell has left a lasting impression on each of us, and his legacy will live on in the work ethic he instilled in each of his sons.
A family burial will be held at a later date in Montreal. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of George Russell Sharp to St Boniface Hospital Foundation.
INTEGRITY Cremation & Funeral Planning 204 295 5408 - IntegrityDeathCare.com
Published in Montreal Gazette on October 13, 2018