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It is with profound sadness we express the passing of an amazing man – Harry Russell Hass (Russ) on July 15, 2020 in his 82nd year. Russ is survived by the love of his life, Betty (Elizabeth), his true love, with over 56 married years together. A relationship built on friendship and respect with each passing day.
Russ loved his family and instilled in his daughters Debbie McBride (Lonnie) and Dawn Hass (Gary Oliver) strong values that served them well. He watched them carve beautiful lives filled with family and tradition that made him proud. One of Russ’ greatest joys was his Grandchildren, Lee, Mackenzie and Emily McBride and Emma Moore. There was always time to sit and visit, go to dance recitals, hockey games, and talk about Lee’s cattle gave him an opportunity to revisit his own childhood. Russ was so proud of how his Grandchildren have grown into successful, independent adults.
Sadly, he will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, having made a major presence in their lives.
Russ grew up on a farm in Cooper, Ontario with his parents, Harry George and Vera May, and his twin brothers, Milton and Clinton. At 17 he ventured to remote areas of Northern Ontario to work for the railroad. The friends he met always held a special place in his heart. After coming back home, Russ met Betty and they started their life together in Oshawa where he worked for GM, then Campbellford as a Police Officer. Finally, settling in Port Hope where Russ was Deputy Sheriff for 23 years in Northumberland County. He capped his career as Sheriff in Whitby for 2 years before retiring.
At 55, Russ retired allowing him and Betty to travel to Bluegrass Festivals across North America meeting so many wonderful people along the way. Friends were always welcome early in the morning for coffee or late in the evening for one more song. A gentle and caring man, Russ made friends wherever he went.
Russ loved to laugh and tease his family and friends. From the jello that never set (he ate it and filled the bowl with coloured water) to being only 29 for most of his life.
Russ’ life was an example of how to be a kind and generous person, willing to help anyone, at any time. From checking on the deaf dog at 3am in a thunderstorm to driving all over North America looking for Bluegrass bands to promote at Canadian Festivals.
Russ’ many, many friends meant the world to him. For 10 years he organized the “Pickin in the Valley” Bluegrass Festival, for over 200 of his music friends. This was a dream come true as he welcomed some of the best singers and pickers in Ontario.
Inherited from his Mother, Russ’ soul was surrounded by music. He could play most stringed instruments, specifically the guitar, banjo and bass. The emotions and stories with Bluegrass filled his heart and Russ lived “High on Life and Bluegrass”.
A private family reception will take place Monday, July 20 at 1 pm. Please click VIEW SERVICE VIDEO on the link under Russell's picture to the left to join the live streaming of this celebration.
Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Kidney Foundation or Parkinson Canada.
Sorry to hear of your loss. We spent many great times together. My second dad.
So very sorry to hear of Russell's passing - many fond memories of working with Russ at the court office.
Sending hugs. Thinking of you and your family. So sorry to hear about Russell.
So very sorry to hear of Russ passing away and our deepest sympathy to Betty and the family.....and we have very fond memories of working with Russ at the Court Office, and our Christmas parties he always arranged........Flo, David and Bradley Femiak.....
So sorry to hear of Russell passing , our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May all the good memories with him give you strength and peace at this difficult time. Sending you our love.
We are so sorry to hear of Russell's passing. Please except our deepest sympathy and know that we feel for your loss. I will always remember when mom passed away, Russell was at our door with enough food to feed our large family, and at a much appreciated time. I remember him as a kind man with a great sense of humor. You were blessed to have him in your lives and I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Please accept our sincere condolences Dawn (Gary) for the passing of your father Harry Russell Hass. Thinking of you and your family during this time of loss.
So very sorry for your loss. I have a lot of wonderful memories from when I worked with Russ at the Court office. We raised many a glass at our regular "seagull" meetings at Casey's. He was a kind man.
My deepest condolences go out to Betty and the family. What a great loss of a wonderful person and a talented musician. May you rest in peace Russ.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Parkinson Canada
So sorry to hear about Russell. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Sending my condolences. Thinking of everyone at this time.
We are so sorry to hear of his passing. We will miss him at Pineridge Bluegrass Club.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
I met russ at bluegrass club and he was so sweet to me..welcomed me with open arms..and always came over to say hello..such a sweet nice guy..I was devastated to hear that he has passed.. he now will join the many bluegrass and country pickers upstairs and sing with the Angel's choir...my deepest sincere condolences to his family
Many happy memories of hunting with Russ and playing crocinole with lots of laughing. He will be sadly missed. My prayers are with the family at this time. Love and happy memories. Cousin Donna.
Please accept our deepest condolences. Russ will be missed by all the lives he touched.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
Our hearts are heavy with the passing of our beloved brother-in-law Russ. We shared so many good times over the years from our isolated camping in Algonquin Park where we were harassed by bears, to our annual summer camping on Lake Mazinaw. We laughed about those experiences many times over the years especially about the big bright circus tent we shared. Russ and Betty’s was our home away from home. There was always a bed for us and warmth and love every time we came. Big breakfasts were mandatory whether you were hungry or not. Russ was forever giving and always there for us. Our lives will not be the same without him. Rest In Peace Russ, thank you for the wonderful memories, you will be forever in our hearts.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Dear Betty & Family It is with heavy hearts that we send our deepest condolences to you in the loss of Russ. He will be forever missed. Marg & Harold
We remember the Halloween nights that The Hass family “scary garage” was the highlight of the neighbourhood. . Betty always sat on the step to give candy to any child too nervous to go in. Russ was a good man and a great neighbour. Our sincere condolences to Betty and the family. May he Rest In Peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
We were extremely saddened to hear of Russ’ passing and we wish to extend our sincere condolences to Betty and her family. We met Russ through the Pineridge Bluegrass Club many years ago and he has been a wonderful friend ever since. With Russ and Betty, we have shared many musical adventures including the bluegrass club, their parties at the farm, wonderful times sharing accommodations at the bluegrass awards in Huntsville, and countless festivals, to name just a few. Russ was more than just a bluegrass fan. We regarded him as an ambassador, philosopher and truly a professor of this genre of music. He was always willing to share his knowledge which we thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated. We have valued his friendship over the years and will miss him greatly. Gary and Sheila Meyer
Very sorry to hear of your dads passing. It sounds like his life was full of great memories for you to hold close to your heart. Brian and Lillian Darling
I was so sadden when I heard about Russ. He was such a wonderful man and I was sorry that I didn't get to know him better. I am glad that you and your family have been left with such wonderful memories. He sure did leave a legacy. May you be comforted at this difficult time and be blessed with love and peace. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Thinking of this Wonderful Family at this difficult time - Russ You made me feel part of your Family including me in your Family Dinners and Events. You were a kind, caring, classy Man and I will truly miss you.
Thinking of you all. So sorry to hear.
Condolences to Betty and family.
This is indeed a sad day, and the passing of an era. When Russ, my brother Gurney and I were in our mid-teens, we would gather at Harry and Vera's house on a Saturday night, to play square-dance music and old C&W tunes. We called ourselves the Olde Tyme Eldorado Boys. I always felt very welcome at the Hass' place, and Harry and Vera never complained no matter how late we played. Those were great times and great memories, anchored by Russell. Thanks, old friend...
Our love & prayers to all of you in the loss of a great man. His legacy will live on in the hearts of many.
Uncle Russ was a kind man full of life and mischief. His kindness, love and spirit will be missed by many. My heart aches for my Aunt Betty and my cousins who have lost a father and grandpa. May he rest in peace.
Dear Betty and Family We are so sorry to hear of Russ’s passing. Deepest condolences to you and your family. We always had lots of good times with you and Russ at Bluegrass Jamboree’s. Sending hugs