It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father, John Russell Ferris, who left this world peacefully on the evening of May 12, 2026. John was born July 21, 1934. He was the youngest and last remaining of 10 children born to Mark and Sadie (Jamael) Ferris of Sydney, Nova Scotia.

John was predeceased by his loving wife of 70 years, Mary Cecilia (Flynn), and three sons: Brian, Wayne and Michael.

John is survived by son Russell (Lorie) Ferris, daughter Denise (Dale) Fuller, grandchildren Ryan O’Hara, Jeremy Corbet, Dustin (Diane) Fuller, Dayla Fuller, Dan Fuller, Michelle Ferris, Landon Ferris, Valerie (Oliver) Edwards, great grandchildren Daniel, Waylon, Corbin, Emma, Aleah, Jupiter, Mason; and JC and Alyzha Mitchell, David and Conner, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews and many special friends.

In 1953, John married Ceci and started his 25-year military career serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force. By 1957, Russell, Brian and baby Wayne, they moved to Germany for four years where Michael was born. They returned to Canada moving to radar bases in NS, Quebec, then Manitoba where Denise was born. With five children, more military transfers followed to Quebec, Nova Scotia, Ontario then to Alberta in 1974.

In 1978, John and Ceci built their first house in Innisfail. Dad retired from the military and continued to work another 13 years with the Canadian Penitentiary Service in Bowden.  During that time, for a few years, John owned and operated Ferris Men’s Wear. Upon retirement they enjoyed 15 years of travelling North America, adding many life-long friends along the way.

Together Dad and Mom welcomed relatives, friends, neighbours to their home, sharing many happy memories of Sydney and all their travels, with lots of laughter, singing and playing cards.

John was very proud of being from the Shipyard. He always considered Sydney home and brought the family back for many summer vacations. Family was very important to Dad and he especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He worked hard, played hard. He often assisted with renovations, car repairs, landscaping projects for relatives and friends.

He believed in forgiveness and would often say, “Don’t hold on to it” or “It’s water off a duck’s back, just let it go!”

Wherever he went, John thrived in being involved in the community whether volunteering on political campaigns or attending Liberal Party meetings, participating at the Royal Canadian Legion committee pursuits, or the Scotties curling tournaments or as a 45-year member of the Knights of Columbus working on many projects.

John enjoyed fishing, golfing, curling, playing ice hockey, floor hockey, tennis, volleyball, playing pool and even took up Pickle ball at 80 years of age. He was an avid Montreal Canadians hockey fan and loved to cheer them on.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, June 4^th, 2026 at 1:00pm at St. Mary’s Church, 6 McMillan Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta. Luncheon to follow at church Hall.  A private family Internment will be held afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your local Food Bank or a charity of your choice.

Funeral mass can be viewed online at: https://www.stmarysparishreddeer.ca/livestream

• Date : 2026-05-12
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home and Celebration Centre