Roderick Russell — Halifax

Roderick Otis Russell – 95, of Halifax, formerly of Kentville, passed away peacefully, Monday, October 2, 2017 in Parkstone Enhanced Care, Halifax. Born on December 19, 1921 in Halifax, he was a son of the late Frank and Lillian (Vidito) Russell, of Kentville. He was a veteran of the Second World War, having joined the Duke of York Royal Canadian Hussars on June 19, 1941 and was discharged on January 19, 1946. He was part of the invasion force that landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944 and survived many of the battles in Normandy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 142 and the Normandy Veterans, Branch No. 58. Rod received the 2012 Century of Service Veteran’s Honorary Medallion and in 2015, the rank of Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour. He worked for 32 years in the oil industry after his army discharge. He loved playing golf, curling and bowling. Survived by daughters, Lynda Baiden, Sheila Hillier and Heather Snair; granddaughters, Jennifer Baiden, Natalie Hillier, Shawna Snair and Lisa Snair; grandson, Craig Hillier; great grandsons, Nathaniel Baiden, Noah Baiden, Christian Baiden, Matthew Johnston and Kaz Hillier; great granddaughters, Kiely Hillier, Kaiah Hillier and Kendall Hillier; brothers, Murdoch (Gertie) Russell and Burton Russell; sister, June (Ron) Fiddick; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Mary; sisters, Marion, Sylvia (Borden) Carter, Joyce (Samuel) Caldwell, Leona Russell and Marguerite (Philippe) LeBlanc; brothers, Garth (Rita) Russell, Leo (Gertie) Russell, Shirley (Florence) Russell and Courtney Russell; sons-in-law, Thomas Hillier and Gregory Snair. Cremation has taken place. There was no visitation, by request. A graveside service was held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2017 in the Elm Grove Cemetery, Steam Mill, Reverend Ivan Norton officiating. A reception followed in the reception room of the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in memory may be made to the Fairview Legion Poppy Trust Fund or the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank the staff of Parkstone Enhanced Care, where Rod has been a resident for six and one half years. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line inquiries and condolences may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.