Russell Allan Edwards

A man of passion and boundless energy has passed. Russell Allan Edwards (QC), aged 88-years of Cambridge, Ontario, left his loved ones Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Lisaard House. He will be missed by his loving wife of 66 years, Ruth Jean Edwards (nee Dewar), of Cambridge, Ontario, and his children Eric and Valerie. He is survived by his grandchildren, Cameron and Annika Edwards, and their mother, Heather D. McLachlin; his niece, Elizabeth Edwards, and his nephew Peter Edwards, and their mother Muriel M. Edwards (nee Hibbard). His brother, Dr. Reginald William Edwards (Muriel), predeceased him on February 6, 1976.

Russ was born at Haileybury, Ontario, on September 23, 1931 to the late John Bradley and Beryl J.M McLaren. He and his older brother Reg lived in Timmins until they were orphaned by the death of their parents. Russ then lived in Belleville for his formative years. He never lost his connection with Northern Ontario and it became one of his many joys, enjoying cottaging on the Canadian Shield. Graduating from Belleville Collegiate Institute, he directly pursued a law degree and went on to article for Arthur Graeme Slaght. Graduating from Osgoode Law School in 1955 (reportedly the youngest person called to the Bar in the Commonwealth at the time) Russ chose to open his practice in Galt, Ontario. Starting on his own, with Ruth by his side and a loan from his mother in-law Jean Dewar, he began a law career that spanned over 30 years to his retirement from the practice of law in 1988. During that time, Russ grew his one-lawyer office to one of the largest law firms west of Toronto, with his valued partners and friends, Simmers, Edwards, Jenkins, Thompson, and LeBrun. He specialized in corporate law working with many firms and businesses familiar to most residents of Waterloo Region; Freure Homes, Seegmiller LTD, Preston Sand and Gravel, Charcoal Steak House, and The Highway Market, to name a few. Russ was particularly proud of his involvement with IMAX Corporation, helping to take IMAX from a private company to a listed company on the Toronto Stock Exchange. He was named to the Queen’s Counsel (QC), reputedly one of the youngest appointments in the Commonwealth. Later, Russ partnered with John Pinchin and Ted McCollum, as they owned and operated Dexter-Lawson Mfg. and Phatas Inc. in Cambridge, Ont.

Russ’ passions ran a wide gamut of activities and interests. He loved politics and was an alderman on the 112th Council of the City of Galt in 1962 and was the deputy mayor. He was active in all levels of politics and though a long-time Conservative Party member, he acknowledged the talents and efforts of members of other parties, most notably, “Max” Saltsman (MP) of the NDP Party. He always had a strong spirit of altruism and worked tirelessly, mostly behind the scenes, to raise money for numerous charities, particularly Cambridge Memorial Hospital and the establishment of the Gore Foundation. He held a long and abiding respect for the Salvation Army (who cared for him when he was a child) and the work of the Cambridge & District Humane Society. He loved boating, skiing, travelling, reading, technology, and learning. He often combined vacations to have an aspect of each passion incorporated and would often take the opportunity to learn something new like scuba diving. Russ and Ruth took up RVing, exploring from coast-to-coast and down to Mexico on the Copper Canyon Railroad. Russ shared many wonderful memories with his dear wife Ruth, his children, family, and friends on many trips. He had a reputation of being the instigator of many practical jokes on unsuspecting victims. This was just one aspect of his active sense of humour and he could be found, at any social gathering, by the strength and volume of his laughter. Russ and Ruth soaked up the sun, fun and new friendships in their condominium at Longboat Key, FL. - a well-deserved reward for a life full of hard work, tenacity and some struggles.

Russ believed in the strong connection between family and friends. Having lost his beloved brother, Reg, in a tragic aircraft accident, he consistently created opportunities to strengthen these bonds. He could be found keeping in touch on the phone, or email, or dictating a letter to a family member, a friend or an acquaintance. He felt that friendship had to be curated and cared for and he made the effort to be that person that reached out and did not forget another. Russ’ love of everything Christmas was legendary, and he held the spirit of that season in his heart throughout his whole life.

In keeping with his wishes, a private funeral will celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Cambridge & District Humane Society or the Salvation Army in Russ’ name would be appreciated.