RUSSEL WILLIAM PRIOR

Condolences & Memories (18 entries)

• I met Russ about three years ago as he was filling in as a sub at the school I work at in the maintenance department. We struck an almost immediate friendship when he found I enjoyed weightlifting as a hobby and the history of the sport in general. I was shocked to find he had such a storied background himself and at my urging regaled me with stories of having not only competing against some of the greats of his time, but at times beating them. He was deeply touched when I showed him an entry in an old historical book I've owned for years and long out of print on the sport mentioning him as a winner of one of the CommonWealth games he participated in. He always made a point of stopping by my office when he subbed for us and those acts of kindness and generosity in training tips and stories of his 'salad days' are so much appreciated. Thank you Mr Prior, my friend, you've earned your rest. - Posted by: Murray Neufeld () on: Mar 07, 2018

• Mr. Prior was one in a million teachers that we were so fortunate to have not only as an educator but as a role model, mentor and inspiration. Thank you Mr. Prior for encouraging a young girl to learn how to cut metal, weld it back together, fix a broken lawnmower (I think of you every time I start one) , change oil and rebuild an engine. You will be missed but not forgotten. - Posted by: Tracy Caron (Student 1984-1989) on: Mar 01, 2017

• I met Russ a few years ago when he moved into paradise village.he found out I was a car guy and he approached me at cards and we started talking cars which led to a great friendship. Russ also took up darts so we played darts together a lot.i found out Russ was a much better player than I was. next Russ found out I loved fishing which led to many trips to his cottage near Minaki Ontario. as I got to know Russ I learned he was a famous athlete in his younger days and competed in the pan am games and Olympics with great success. when I purchased a mustang and a corvette he came over to test drive my latest cars. he said some day I am going to build a Camaro or a Chevelle .I have a few big block Chevy engines and lots of parts saved for the project.i said when your ready to build the car let me know and I will volunteer to assist you. but it was not to be. I will miss you Russ and God bless you my friend.I will never forget you. Jim - Posted by: jim l'esperance (friend) on: Feb 24, 2017

• Russel was a leader for us even if he was not french Canadian. We stand together fighting for our nation. Merci Russ you make us proud being Canadian. - Posted by: Yves Carignan (teamate at commonwelth games 1974 and olympic Montréal1976) on: Feb 24, 2017

• My condolences. I will always remember my good time spent volunteering at Dakota CC with Russ. - Posted by: Brian Cordingley (Friend) on: Feb 24, 2017

• I was very sad to hear of Russ's passing. Russ was a dedicated volunteer and a huge influence in the Ringette community. I had the privilege of working with Russ on the Ringette Manitoba Board of Directors several years ago. Always had a story to share and always made the effort to talk with you when he saw you. My condolences to the Prior family. Rest in Peace Russ! - Posted by: Carol Mydlo (Ringette) on: Feb 24, 2017

• He was my autoshops teacher. He taught me how to weld, he was so awesome, I miss miss him dearly. Sorry for your loss, RIP Mr.Prior.😭 - Posted by: sandra prevost (student) on: Feb 23, 2017

• On behalf of Niverville Collegiate Institute, I wish to express our deepest sympathy. Russ did quite a bit of sub work in our Tech Ed. area. Those of us who knew Russ realize what a wonderful person he was and know how greatly he will be missed. - Posted by: Michael Koester (Principal) on: Feb 23, 2017

• A kind and honest man with a great laugh. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Curtis Beaudoin (Student ) on: Feb 23, 2017

• To Barb and family. I was very fortunate to have been coached by Russ. His coaching philosophy helped me immensely. Raj Santiago - Posted by: Raj Santiago (Past student. Russ's athlete from 1979 to 1985) on: Feb 22, 2017

• My best memories are running from rink to rink, goofing around in the suburban and just having fun with our families. Russ meant a lot to a lot of people and will be missed always. Russ and Barb were like second parents to so many of us growing up and I will be forever grateful for everything they've done for all of us. Rest in peace Russ. - Posted by: Michelle Jansen (Friend of the family) on: Feb 22, 2017

• I'm sorry for your loss. Russ was a great teacher and a tremendous positive influence in my life. Although I never became a mechanic like he wanted me to be, he laid important groundwork for the technical and troubleshooting skills I use every day in my career. You'll be sadly missed, Mr. Prior. - Posted by: Sean Fogg (Student) on: Feb 22, 2017

• Rest in Peace, Mr Prior. I didn't even go to Nelson Mac, and Mr Prior was one of my favourite teachers. Attended shop from Holy Cross. He is remembered fondly. - Posted by: Shayna Hinz (Student) on: Feb 22, 2017

• Sorry for your loss. I remember Mr Prior pulling me out of other classes to help weld on Beaumonts. The skills he taught me back in high school some 25 years ago I still use today. RIP sir. Duane Clefstad - Posted by: Duane Clefstad (Student) on: Feb 22, 2017

• I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. - Posted by: Tracy Boutet (Friend ) on: Feb 22, 2017

• My condolences on Russ's passing. He helped a lot of kids, and he was great fun as a colleague. He will be missed. - Posted by: David Harkness () on: Feb 22, 2017

• I will always remember your kindness. You treated everyone with the upmost respect. My Condolences to the Family. Kyle You are good friends with my Daughters Fiancé Chris Wright my thoughts and Prayers are with you at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Denise Berard (Past student at Nelson MacIntyre Collegiate) on: Feb 22, 2017

• I am very sorry for you're loss. Russ was a great man and will be very missed . RIP Russ - Posted by: KEVIN LAMONT (FRIEND) on: Feb 22, 2017