Neil Russett

Neil Russett

With heavy hearts, the family announces the peaceful passing of Neil Russett on April 4, 2026, at the age of 75.
Neil was the loving son of the late Roy and Vera Russett (McNeil), and was predeceased by his brother Wayne (Geri).
He is survived by his wife, Diane, who, though they had been living separately, remained close. She has been providing loving care and support during the past few years.
He will be deeply missed by his stepdaughter Kristen, her husband Shawn, and his beloved granddaughters Nora and Amelia, who were a constant and cherished part of his life.
He is also survived by his children, Craig Russett (Kelly), grandchildren Ainnsley and Finnigan, and Erin Russett (Chris), grandchildren Braeden and Calista.
Neil shared a special bond with his cousin Barbara McNeil, who was more like a sister to him, and whose closeness meant a great deal throughout his life.He will be fondly remembered by family and many friends whose lives he touched.
Neil was kind, generous and worked hard throughout his life and took great pride in building a life for himself and his family. He believed in sharing not only what he had achieved, but also his knowledge and wisdom with others - whether you asked for it or not. With his sharp sense of humour, Neil was the inappropriate Uncle you never knew you needed—always ready with a joke, a comment that pushed the line, and a grin that most of the time made it impossible to stay offended.
A lifelong passion for hockey led Neil to coach youth teams in Montreal, London, and Windsor, including Riverside Minor Hockey, the Riverside Rangers, and the LaSalle Sabres. Hockey was in his blood—born and raised in Montreal, he was a devoted Montreal Canadiens fan and cheered them on with pride. He loved sports, enjoyed a good laugh, and was never shy about speaking his mind. Neil loved life and valued the people around him. His generosity, strong work ethic, and spirited personality left a lasting impression, along with many memories, stories, and laughs shared by those who knew him.
A special thank you to all who contributed to his 75th birthday video. He loved it - a true reflection of how cherished he was and the many lives he touched.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional team of medical professionals who cared for him the past few years. Your compassion, dedication, and kindness will always be remembered.
For those wishing to honour Neil’s memory, donations may be made to T2B (Transition to Betterness), Hospice Windsor-Essex, or a charity of your choice.