Jonathan RUSSELL Obituary

2025 and I have just discovered your passing. The final years at high school me at Marsden, you at Scots with the gang who went to Taupo to celebrate the end of school seems like only yesterday. So wish we had all kept in touch more. So sad. Love Michelle Lawrence.

Ahh Jonno so very sad to hear of your passing. You were a great customer who became a fantastic friend. All those games of golf and nights at your place in Island Bay! I will never forget you mate. Go well my friend, go well. Milan

JR, so sad to hear of your passing. I loved working with you at
Clems and you hired me at Saatchi's, for which I am very grateful. You were amazing when my Dad died. Your compassion and understanding has stayed with me the past 15 years. And I loved reading about your adventures in China. I will never forget your immense kindness. Sarah xx

Yes JR, I will truly miss you, and your kind, warm, creative spirit. I only wish we had been able to connect these past few months, after both coming back to New Zealandand many years away. From our first meeting at Saatchi's in Wellington in 2006, I knew I had a friend and a champion of ideas, genuine and real. I am so glad that, after your cross-country tour of America a few years later, you parked the venerable pickup truck Lew at The Studios of Key Westand we were able to share American Thanksgiving together. Ever since those early days, I've been honoured to call you my friend and colleague, and I have always looked forward to when we might meet again. My heart is filled with sadness that you are gone, but my thanksgivingmy deep appreciation for your creative leadership and place in my own lifewill go on and on.

I just feel in shock to be honest. JR was so important to me. I moved to NZ from the UK and JR was instrumental in making me feel welcome and at home. When I think of NZ greatness, I think of JR, who for me, embodied NZ. He was generous, kind, warm, empathetic, funny and a genuine Leader. He helped me as an entrepreneur start out on a venture and without him, it would not have been where it is. I always felt close to him, even if I did not see him often. He was, to me, a remarkable human being, who quietly got on with it, made a huge difference and touched so many people's lives. Words are hard in these circumstances, my heart felt sympathy goes out to the family. I hold him dear in my heart and my mind. When I'm stuck, I'll ask what the great JR would do, and I know it will never disappoint. Jake Pearce.

Missing you Jono. Love to your family. Tracey and Ross

No words are sufficient...truly grateful to have had you in my life for over 35 years. Will never forget you x

It is incredibly sad to hear of Jonathan's passing. He had been a friend of my family for 40 years, and many a good time was had. RIP mate.