Remembering Dentistry Leaders Dr.DonaldK.Russell Dr. Donald Keith Russell of Burlington, Ontario, passed away on February 21, 2023, at the age of 73. After graduating from the faculty of dentistry of the University of Western Ontario in 1973, Dr. Russell started his career in dentistry that would eventually span 40 years, serving many families in the Burlington region. His caring and personable approach was greatly valued by his patients. Dr. Russell’s demeanour with his patients made them feel relaxed and comfortable, trusting him with caring for families for generations. Dr. Russell was a member of the Burlington Dental Academy for over 30 years and served in many roles for the academy, including as its president in 1993−94. He also served as director of the academy’s emergency service for 10 years. After serving in a variety of executive positions at the Ontario Dental Association (ODA), Dr. Russell was elected ODA President in 2007−08 and continued to work on many ODA committees after completing his presidency. He also was a voting member for ODA at the CDA Annual General Meetings for many years. Dr. Russell’s service and contributions to the dental community were recognized with the ODA Barnabas Day Award for Distinguished Service, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the profession of dentistry for a sustained period of at least 20 years. According to his family, it was one of Dr. Russell’s proudest professional achievements. Dr. Russell’s colleagues remember him as a true gentleman and professional. He always treated his office staff like family and was well-loved for it, making their days easier not harder. “Don’s humour and interest in your life and family made him a very special friend,” says Dr. Larry Levin, former president of both CDA and ODA. “Many of us in organized dentistry are cut from the same cloth. We love the discussions about the future of dentistry and what we can do to improve dental care for everyone. We enjoy debate and trying to convince others of our vision of the best way forward. Don was a master in the boardroom and helped to bring out the best in people while working towards building consensus.” During his time at ODA, Dr. Russell was recognized as a leader in the truest sense, doing so with kindness, compassion, wisdom and empathy. He had the strength to bring people together despite differences in views and opinions. He will be remembered as an unselfish person, whose ego was less important than collective success. As a member of the local Burlington community, Dr. Russell was involved with the Burlington Rotary Club, and coached youth hockey and baseball for many years. Dr. Russellwas predeceasedbyhiswife Susan.He is survived by his children, Katie Lambert (Ian) and Keith (Joanne Magnaye); and his grandchildren, Kavanagh (Piotr‑Maria Pytka), Olivia, Avery and Lachlin. 46 | 2023 | Issue 2 Obituaries
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