John Russell 1936 – 2023

John Russell (1936 -2023)

What a man; what a life.

Last August family and friends gathered in Desford Free Church to celebrate the life of John Russell. John had lived and worked in Evington for decades, before moving with his wife Shirley to Desford to live closer to elder son, Carey. The diversity of the gathering spoke volumes about the man and his interests. Moving tributes came from younger son Philip, Reverend Martin Mitchell and Eric Waweru.

Family Tribute

Philip, the younger son, described his father’s life as “a tale of faith and service.” John showed unflinching kindness and empathy to his fellow human beings. With Trevor he shared a zany sense of humour and Philip recounted a particularly funny anecdote. The brothers shared a secret language that placed the syllable ‘eg’ in front of every vowel. One day a cheeky young Johnny used this secret code to make fun of a man wearing a ridiculously tall stovepipe hat. Imagine John’s face when the gentleman retorted: “I have not heard that language since I was a child.”

Growing up under the spectre of World War Two impacted John’s outlook profoundly. Despite knowing about the potential cruelty of humanity he responded to hatred with love and he showed empathy where he saw suffering.  Whether it was wartime or peacetime his Christian faith informed his humanity. John’s missionary work led to lifelong fellowships and his sons Philip and Carey recalled their Evington household being a welcoming hub for people from around the world. The lives of the family were enriched and it was an exemplary pastoral experience for the Russell boys.

Church Tribute

After the founding of Central Baptist church in 1983 John became a valuable member of the ministry team and a captivating and accomplished preacher. The Reverend Mitchell recalls that, in collaboration with the Leicester Twinning Association, John established a partnership with Strasbourg Baptist church. There followed several years of memorable exchange visits including to the European Parliament, to Strasbourg and across the Rhine into Germany to visit vineyards. The Reverend concluded with these words: “What a man…. what a life.” 

Centre Project Tribute

Eric Waweru (Chief Executive of the Centre Project) first met John in 2002  and they started a welcome, support and befriending service for asylum seekers.  John was a founding member and trustee of The Centre Project.

My Tribute

The Russells were my friends and neighbours in Evington and I considered John to be a mentor. We shared an interest in French language and culture and comparative religions. He wore his academic credentials lightly – despite holding a master’s degree in theology. I asked probing questions about faith but he was never phased, replying in simple relatable language. There was never any pressure to convert. Instead, he gently accompanied me as I drew closer to understanding his faith. John encouraged me to volunteer with The Centre Project at a time when I was emotionally adrift. The anchor of service reorientated me to myself and to others. For John, selfless service was beneficial to those being served, but also therapeutic for those donating their time and efforts. At our last meeting, John was on fine form – chatty and animated with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. It was remarkable as he had not long recovered from a bout of serious illness.  For once, I let him do all the talking. Alas, that was our final meeting.

Contributors: Philip Russell, Rev. Martin Mitchell and Eric Warweru.

Harkesh Farma