Tuesday, October 11, 2016
I offer my deepest condolences to Katherine and the Morrison family over the loss of Russell. I first met Russell and Katherine five years ago when I became the Chief Librarian at the University of Toronto and learned of their efforts to transform the lives of University of Toronto students by creating stunning spaces for students to work and to learn. Russell told me at that first meeting and often reminded me later that “it is about the students.” He believed that providing inspiring and comfortable space for students to learn and to engage in research would make a difference to them for the rest of their lives. As a result of his and Katherine’s vision and their passion for students, we have some of the best library space for students in all of Canada, space that is used by thousands of students every day just as Russell hoped. Current and future generations of students owe Russell and Katherine a deep debt of gratitude. Working with Russell to realize his vision for students has been a great honour and privilege. I always learned from him in every conversation and came away inspired. He was smart, funny and incredibly knowledgeable, and he will be deeply missed.
