Obituaries

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nick Russo, who left us
peacefully at home on February 6, 2025, at the age of 68, surrounded by his loving
family. While widely known for his passion for the outdoors and his culinary talents,
those who knew him best recognized that his greatest love was his family. Nick’s
presence will be profoundly missed by his devoted wife of 37 years, Daphne; his
daughters, Stephanie and Sabrina; his sons-in-law, Luke and Waylon; his cherished
granddaughter, Zoe; his parents, Orlando and Nancy; his sister, Luciana; and his
nephews, Michael and Vincent, niece Nicole, and niece-in-law, Paulina.
Nick was a man of many passions—an avid fisherman, a talented chef who delighted
family and friends with his creations, a musician, entomologist, and biologist. Above all,
he was a devoted husband, father, Nonno, uncle and a beloved friend to many.
Nick’s early years were spent in Vancouver and the Burnaby Heights, where his love for
nature and the outdoors took root. He fondly remembered learning to fish with his
grandfather, experiences that laid the foundation for a lifetime of outdoor adventures. As
a teenager, he joined the Venturers, which led to many unforgettable trips to Whistler
and even Europe. In his late teens and early twenties, Nick played drums in a local
band, performing at weddings and events, always adding rhythm and energy to the
celebrations.

His academic journey took him to Simon Fraser University, where he earned a degree in
Biological Sciences. His love for insects was reflected in his impressive collection of
insect display boxes. He worked for several years as an entomologist before
transitioning into a career as a biologist with the Province of British Columbia. He later
moved on to work for the federal government, serving as a Spill Impact Assessment
Biologist and Environmental Emergencies Coordinator with Environment and Climate
Change Canada.

Nick found great joy in spending time with his family at their cabin on Allison Lake, as
well as on trips to Banff and the Kootenays. His passion for fishing took him on annual
trips to 100 Mile with his dear friends Tony and Dave. He also loved spending time with
his German Shorthaired Pointers, sharing his love of bird hunting and the outdoors with
his loyal companions.

Nick’s wisdom, generosity, and deep love for his family will live on in all who had the
privilege of knowing him. His legacy will endure through the lives of his children, grandchild, nephews and nieces, and the countless memories he created with those he held dear.

A prayer service will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Saint
Helen’s Catholic Church, 3871 Pandora St, Burnaby. The Mass of Christian Burial will
take place at Saint Helen’s Catholic Church on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.
Following the Mass, Nick will be laid to rest at Ocean View Burial Park, The Grand
Mausoleum, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC. Family and friends are invited to join
the family for food and refreshments afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the BC Cancer
Foundation in Nick’s memory.