Obituary of Dr. Russel Legge

Rev. Dr. Russel Donald Legge, BA, STB, PHD 69, died in Bridgewater, Tuesday February 17, 2004, after a lengthy illness. Born January 31, 1935, in Milton, he was a son of James and Shirley (McNutt) Legge. His life is celebrated by his loving wife of 43 years, Ellie (Dingwell) Legge; his children, Cheryl L. Thacker and her husband Dr. Kenneth Thacker, Thunder Bay, Ont.; Scott D. Legge, Rockwood, Ont.; Dr. Suzanne R. Legge, Murillo, Ont.; James E. Legge, Saskatoon Sask.; grandchildren, Jenelle, Christopher, Jason and Nicole; brothers, Philson Legge and his wife Ruby, and Everett Legge and his wife Dolly. After an apprenticeship as a ship's fitter at H.M.C. Halifax, he ventured into higher education and graduated from Transylvania University, Lexington KY., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA., and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont. He was ordained a Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and served that church in Guelph and Winger, Ont. He was President of the Canadian Council of Churches and Vice-Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada and a member of the Executive of the Inter-Church Committee for a Wider Ecumenical Fellowship. He served as an elder of First United Church in Waterloo, Ont. An Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Dean of Studies, St. Paul's United College, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont., Russel spent most of his life teaching. At the time of his retirement, students spoke of how much he had changed their lives. He was made an "Honorary Member of the University" and "Professor Emeritus" by the College for his extraordinary contribution to teaching and administration. After retirement he moved to Bridgewater where he became an elder of Bridgewater United Church and also Chair of the Board for The ARK. A memorial service followed by a reception to celebrate Russel's life will be held 2 p.m. Friday, February 20, in Bridgewater United Church to which family and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Russel's name to The ARK in Bridgewater, "Beads of Hope" through Bridgewater United Church, or a charity of your choice.