It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Emeritus Peter H. Russell, who passed away last week at the age of 91.
As the founding principal of Senior College at the University of Toronto, he was the driving force behind The Senior College Peter Russell Scholarship in Lifecourse, Aging and Retirement, in the Department of Health and Society.
This award honours Peter's legacy as a political scientist, passionate educator, and member of the U of T community. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Peter Russell scholarship. Your support will enable students to pursue their studies in the emerging field of Lifecourse, Aging, and Retirement and will have far-reaching effects on generations of retirees for many years to come.
Peter served as a professor of political science at the University of Toronto from 1958 to 1996 and was honoured with the special designation of University Professor in 1994. He served as the Principal of Innis College at the University of Toronto from 1972 to 1977, and he was the founding principal of Senior College at University of Toronto, an organization of retired faculty, librarians and senior administrators at the University of Toronto who offer fellowship and stimulation through their continuing intellectual work.
He served as president of the Canadian Political Science Association in 1990-91 and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. His extensive involvement in various commissions and task forces included his role as Research Director on the McDonald Commission on Certain Activities of the RCMP, and the Federal Task Force on Comprehensive Land Claims. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of constitutional law, Peter was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1987.
Peter is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Sue; as well as four children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.