David Russell

David Bernard Russell, Ph.D. was born in London, England, March 22, 1936. He died peacefully at the Sunnyside Adventist Care Centre in Saskatoon, Sk., on December 30, 2024. He was the eldest child born to his mother, Maud, and father, Sidney Russell.

David's early years in London were shaped by the events of World War II and, in particular, the Nazi Blitz on London. He remembered playing with other small boys in bombed out buildings. He contracted polio at a young age and was left with a shorter right leg. Due to his mother‘s valiant efforts, this was the only apparent long term affect of the disease, although he did experience post polio-syndrome in his later years.

David was the oldest of three boys. His two younger brothers, Gerald and Jeremy, were seven years and 14 years younger than David respectively. He is survived by his youngest brother Jeremy and his family, his children Chanda and Peter and their respective partners and Peter‘s children. He was predeceased by his parents, his daughter Susan, his younger brother Gerald, and his second wife, Seham.

David attended Dulwich College in London for his school years and then studied at University College, London. He was involved in cancer research at Guys Hospital in London during the late 1950s to 1961. He also undertook post-doctoral work at Harvard University in the mid-1960s and research in electron spin resonance at Argonne National Laboratory, University of Chicago. He then joined the University if Saskatchewan in the mid-1960s.

In 1961 he married Devika Coventry and they had three children Chanda, Susan, and Peter. They divorced in 1972 but remained steadfast friends until his death.

In 1972 David married Seham Moussa, the Dean of a Textile College, in Cairo, Egypt. He subsequently taught at the American University in Cairo for 2 years before returning to his tenured position at the University of Saskatchewan in the mid-1970s.

David forged enduring friendships from his school and university years. He kept in contact with many of these friends throughout his life in spite of the long distances and the inevitable march of time. 

David was a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Saskatchewan for several decades. He presented numerous papers, including on the risks of climate change, at universities and conferences globally, and long before the topic became mainstream. He was well thought of by his colleagues and his students, both undergraduate and graduate, in whom he took particular interest. Some of his former students maintained contact with him throughout his life. 

David had many interests: he was a voracious and eclectic reader; a gifted pianist; a stamp collector; a steam locomotive aficionado; and, an avid gardener. He had a massive cacti collection, much of which followed him from the UK, into and across the USA, to Canada, and finally Saskatoon! He regularly grew 7 foot tall hibiscus plants in his home. David was an infectious storyteller who also enjoyed good nature teasing; giving as good as he got.

David was a life-long member of Islamic Association of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon), serving in many capacities including that of President. He was a foundational member of the committee which successfully established Saskatoon's first Mosque. In both his manner and erudition he did much to break down Islamophobic tropes and myths that imbue popular western discourse.

David was also a long-time member of the Saskatoon Rotary Club, regularly entertaining members by playing the piano, and was keenly interested in the organization's philanthropic work which was coherent with his Muslim ethics. He was also a long-time member of the Canadian Institute for International Affairs, now known as the Canadian International Council, and regularly attended its dinners and presentations. David also helped to establish Saskatoon's first French School and wrote its Constitution. He was also a committed board member of the Saskatchewan Parkinson's Disease Foundation over the course of many years. Additionally, David was also one of the earliest members of FRAP, the Fellowship for Reconciliation and Peace, which created a much-needed safe space for Saskatoon Muslims, Christians, and Jews to work together and build bridges between faith communities in the context of the protracted conflict in the Middle East; one which continues to fester until today. This was also coherent with his Interfaith work throughout his time in Saskatoon and included the Saskatchewan first ever Muslim/Jewish interfaith gatherings at both the Mosque and the Saskatoon Agudas Israel Synagogue. Bringing people together, bridging divides, and celebrating diversity as a source of strength as opposed to a sign of weakness, provided him with enormous satisfaction and the promise of a better future.

David was a man of deep moral principles and had an unflinching loyalty to the ideal of fairness. He abhorred injustice, occupation, oppression, and persecution, in all its myriad forms, irrespective of the victimizers or the victims. He also exhibited a demonstrable kindness towards children, often speaking warmly of the accomplishments of his children, as well as his nieces and nephews.

As a friend, mentor, and community member, through his academic work, and his personal efforts coherent with his faith, David strove to make the world a better place. He did much to advance this noble goal. He will be deeply missed by many.

The family would like to acknowledge the efforts of Dr Paula Paley of the Saskatoon Community Clinic who skillfully provided David with the best care possible especially in his declining weeks. Much thanks is also extended to the entire staff at the Sunnyside Adventist Care Centre with special mention of his personal care aide, Taylor, especially when he could no longer feed himself, the Nursing Staff, particularly Leslie and Jocelyn who kept him as comfortable as possible, the Spiritual and Social Care Coordinator, Conrad, who scrupulously observed Muslim end of life etiquette out of respect for David, and everyone at Sunnyside who treated David with kindness and respect. Additionally, thanks is extended to David's Physiotherapist, Brieanna Davidson, for all her efforts in helping David remain as independent as possible. 

Lastly, the family conveys its deep and profound gratitude to Bonita Wong who selflessly made extra effort to keep David virtually connected to his family members in Alberta, the UK,, and Egypt. She has attended to David's various and sundry needs without hesitation. Sincere thanks to you Bonita.

For those so inclined, the family requests that donations be made in David's memory to a charity of their choice.