Gordon W. Russell, a founding faculty member of the University of Lethbridge and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2012, at the age of 80 years.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife Audrey Russell; his children Cam Russell and Shelley (Curtis) Svidal; and his granddaughters Serena and Sierra.
Among his 70-plus publications are several books, including Violence in Intimate Relationships (1988), The Social Psychology of Sport (1993), Sport Fans (2001), Sport Science Secrets (2001); Aggression in the Sports World: A Social Psychological Perspective (2008) and Sport’s Open Secrets (2011).
Professor Russell was a member of the International Society for Research on Aggression, having served as its Treasurer from 1988 to 1994. During this same period, he was the book review editor for the journal Aggressive Behavior. Most recently, he served as Executive Secretary of the International Society for Research on Aggression.
Since his retirement in 1995, he remained active in research, writing articles for scientific journals. His research centered on human aggression with a recent focus on the social/personality characteristics of those instigating riots and others who would dissuade them.
In keeping with Professor Russell’s implicit wishes, no services were held. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon.