Russell Leroy
Lynds – 88, Salmon
River, formerly of Belmont. With extreme sadness we announce that our
beloved father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, uncle, son and
friend, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Colchester East
Hants Health Centre, Truro, surrounded by family.
Dad was born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan, and shortly after
his birth, the family moved home to Belmont. Many years later, Dad
built our family home in Belmont and spent the rest of his life until
Mum passed away in April 2010. One year later, he moved in with his
daughter, Jan and son-in-law, Gordie in Princeton Heights, Salmon
River. Dad loved to garden and give gardening advice. He enjoyed music
in any form, especially "Old Time" fiddle
music.
In the 1950s, Russell was heavily involved with the
day-to-day operations of his in-law's farm, while he also worked at
Stanfield's as a sewing machine mechanic for many years. After he
retired from Brookfield Lumber at age 79, he continued working at
Pye's and Stuart's as a detailer and shuttle
driver.
My Dad could do anything Mum and I ever asked of him and
later on for his companion, Barb Dill. He and Mum (Avis), his wife of
56 years, attended many dances and after Mum passed away, he found
companionship and friendship with Barb Dill and they went to many
dances, music events and their favourite was having supper at
Wendy’s. (Junior Bacon Cheeseburger with a side dish of
onions!) Dad had his own Country and Western Band for 43 years (4 Plus
1); he so enjoyed organizing and playing (he was the drummer) at many
dances. In earlier years, he was a member of Wesley United Church and
Onslow Belmont Fire Brigade.
Horses were a huge part of Dad's life, and he always rode
horses bareback when he was a young fellow, and he owned many horses
over the years. He was always a very hard worker, and if
anyone needed anything done that required a strong man, they could
count on my Dad; he was always ready to help out.
Dad is survived by his forever loyal and loving only child,
Jan (Lynds) Parker; faithful son-in-law, Gordie Parker; cherished and
beloved granddaughter always, Tanya Parker (Chad McClellan) and six
months ago he was truly blessed with the birth of his only great
grandson, Renley Gordon McClellan, a true joy, who he loved so much;
he adored and checked on Renley every day since his birth. The days
Dad did not get to see Renley in person, he always wanted to see the
pictures and videos that our daughter would send. Russell is also
survived by many nieces and nephews.
We would like to acknowledge and thank Dad’s
companion, Barb Dill; your care, compassion and friendship shown to my
father for the last 12 years was absolutely wonderful. Dad is also
survived by his brother, Kenny Lynds (Shirley) and many International
grandchildren from Germany, Brazil, South Korea, Columbia, Mexico and
Italy over a 13 year period.
Along with his parents, Edward and Ruby (Bruce) Lynds, Dad
was predeceased by his wife, Avis (Staples) Lynds; brother, Bruce
Lynds (Eileen Lynds); parents-in-law, Alma and Arnold Staples. We
would like to give heartfelt thanks to Sherry Cornier and Chris
Hutchinson for their excellent and loving care of Dad, VON and nurses
Janet, Martha and Melissa in the Palliative Care Unit at
Colchester East Hants Health Centre.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall –
Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Russell’s
family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Sunday, May 28, 2023, and
funeral service 2 p.m., Monday, May 29, 2023. Reception will follow.
Family interment will be held at Belmont (Crossroads) Cemetery. If so
desired, donations in Russell’s memory to Friends of the
Garden Fund (Please make cheques payable to Dalhousie Faculty of
Agriculture) are welcomed. Public messages of condolence may be sent
to the family by viewing Russell’s obituary at:
www.mattatallvarnerfh.com