Russell and Johanna took me into there family when I was 15. He taught me how to drive a car (stick and automatic), taught me how to make maple syrup, and how to cut meat properly.  He really helped shape me in to the person I am today. I really wish we could've mended fences before he died, but I'm sure johanna let him know how much I loved and respected him. He was as much a father figure as my own father. 

Russell didn't have to do it but he chose to raise my younger two kids to keep them with there siblings. I will always respect him for that even though they aren't related to him by blood. I am so grateful to see them named in this obituary as his grandchildren because I know that he loved them just as he loved the other 3.  I am so grateful for all you have done to protect them through my divorce from blaises father and what you have done to help me. I love you johanna. You will always be my mother in law. We need each other now more than ever.