Russell Doern

Russell John "Russ" Doern (October 20, 1935 – February 19, 1987) was a Manitoba politician. He served as a cabinet minister in the New Democratic government of Edward Schreyer (1969–1977), but left the New Democratic Party in 1984.

He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of Karl John Doern and Ruby Henne, and was educated there and at the University of Manitoba. In 1955, he came second in the shot put and discus at the Junior Canadian Track and Field Competitions. He taught English and history at high schools in Winnipeg from 1959 to 1966. In the early 1960s, Doern became involved in the province's New Democratic Party organization.

Doern was first elected to the Manitoba legislature in the provincial election of 1966, for the northeastern Winnipeg riding of Elmwood. using a gun he had borrowed from a friend a few days earlier. Doern had stopped taking anti-depressant medication by this time, and was by all accounts distraught by the fact that he had little chance to return to political life.

Electoral record (partial)