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Jack was born John
Leonard Russell in Paddington in 1914 to Elizabeth and George
Russell. He joined cigarette manufacturers WD&HO Wills, probably leaving school at 14 to do so. Well known later as the taxi driving Chairman of ODRTS (1964 – 1969), Jack learned to drive before road tests actually came in and with his yearly bonus from Wills, would buy a new motorbike each year. At the outbreak of WW2, Jack joined the 6th battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and served as a sergeant in North Africa. This is where he won the Military Medal while on reconnaissance patrols. With the help of the British Legion, he trained to become a London taxi driver and became involved with the LTDA at Edgware Road and ODRTS at Pentonville Road. He became Chairman of ODRTS for five years and at about this time also joined the Masons in Cannons Lodge, making many friends and becoming Master of the lodge in 1989. In the 1930s, he met and married Doris Vickery. They had a daughter, Valerie, who later helped Jack on his work with various charities. In the 1970s, Doris passed away and to help Jack over his loneliness, he joined the Friends of Northwick Park Hospital. It was there he met Barbara and they spent over 30 years together until her death last year. It was also at that hospital where Jack sadly passed away. Jack also helped set up and run with his friend John, a school for training drivers in the Knowledge of London. In addition, he was also very involved in the running of the Taxi Driver of the Year Competition. After Barbara passed away, Jack began to feel lonely and at an age of almost 94, he went to a care home in Pinner where he spent some happy times with caring staff and very friendly housemates. These consisted of several lovely ladies who became known as Jack’s Harem! They would sit in the summerhouse with him while he read the newspaper to them. They couldn’t all see as well as Jack. Jack met a lot of people in his life and something of his cheerful personality must have rubbed off onto them. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and family. Jacks sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and John Fuller With the death of Jack Russell, we have lost not just a hero, but |
JACK RUSSELL OBITUARIES 1914- 2008 |
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also a gentleman. I first met Jack at a meeting
of the British Legion Cab Drivers section in Paddington Street
W1. It would be the first of many such meetings I had with him. We had been invited to form a committee with Jack as Chairman, to assist in bettering the name of the London taxi trade. It was called the Joe Polski Charity, but was later changed to the Taxi Driver of the Year Charity. It began with a show at the Southbank and continues to run events to this day. When Jack retired, I took over. Jack was also the Chairman of Dial-a-Cab’s parent company, ODRTS, for five years and even into his nineties, still took an interest in the fortunes of the Society via Call Sign. He would be very upset if his copy didn’t arrive in the post each month! So goodbye to the man who in addition to being a true gentleman, was also awarded the Military Medal for events in WW2. May he rest in peace… Bill Tyzack BEM (C06) I
began cabbing in 1949 and Jack Russell was one of the first
cabmen I met through the auspices of the British Legion Cab
Drivers section. To me, Jack was always a fair-minded and
upstanding man. To hear of his passing has greatly upset both my
wife Martha and myself. Many, both in and out of the taxi trade,
will miss him. Sam Harris (Ex S95J) I knew Jack for many years; he was always immaculate and a
perfect gentleman who represented to me the best traditions of
being British. I have often wondered if it was because of Jack
that the ODRTS was frequently referred to as 'The Gentleman's
Circuit'? We as a trade have lost a truly great gentleman.
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I was deeply saddened to hear
of the passing of Jack Russell. I had known Jack over many
years and indeed when I was first elected to the Board all those
years ago, he was Chairman. He welcomed me with the utmost
courtesy and cordiality. I came to respect him and his utmost
dedication to the Society. In those days, the remuneration was very poor; £6.50 per day no matter how many hours were spent on behalf of the Society. Many of us were badly hit in our pockets and many an elected member quit because they could not afford to stay. Jack never wavered in his dedication. The Society in those days was living from hand to mouth. What very few people knew was that at one time there were insufficient funds to pay the staff and drivers for their credit work. The bank was reluctant to advance an overdraft to meet our needs. What did Jack do? He went to see the Bank Manager and put his house on the line as collateral to get the overdraft. How many people would do that! Very few I suspect and what’s more, he never told anyone about what he had done. There was very little kudos in being a Board member in those days, only responsibility and hassle. Jack had many a tough time in his life but he always took it on the chin. Over the years Jack never lost interest in the Society he cared for and he was also involved in the trade charities. I could go on about other aspects to his life, but I suspect others may want to contribute. I can only say it was an honour to have known him and I send my deepest sympathy to his family. Rest in Peace… Aubrey Siteman (Ex C07 and Chairman 1992 – 1996) |
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