Obituary of Russell Stanley Collier

85, Spryfield. The family of Russell S. Collier are saddened to announce his peaceful passing on June 25, 2018 with his wife Vivian at his side. Born in Diamond Cove, NL, he was the youngest son of the late Martin and Mary Elizabeth (Munden) Collier.

Russell spent much of his youth in Rose Blanche, Newfoundland before joining the Canadian Navy at the age of 18 in March 1951. He served the Navy for 26 years as a Sonarman attaining the rank of Petty Officer 1^st class before retiring in August 1976. He then began a second career as a senior maintenance person at the Halifax Civic Hospital for the next 20 years. In retirement Russell was an active bowler and was always available as the “community handyman” regularly giving of his time and expertise helping family, neighbors and friends when needed. He was very active with the Emmanuel Anglican Church in Spryfield for many years.

Russell is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Vivian (Billard); their children, Sharon Umlah (Kevin) and Janice Robar (Myles), both of Halifax, David Collier (Alania Beaver), Williamswood and Paula Brian (Mark), Madison Mississippi; sisters, Ruth Ridgley, Seabright, and Lillian Hatcher, St. John’s, NL; grandchildren, Aaron Umlah (Adrienne MacLean), Sarah Umlah, Adam (Holly) and David (Julia) Robar, Meghan Thorne (Rob), Shea Collier (Hailey), Grace and Matthew Brian; great grandchildren, Aliyah Gray, Heidie and Edward Umlah, Charlie Collier, Maxim Marchand and Adria Thorne. Russell was predeceased by brothers, Charles, Martin, Jim, Reginald and Garfield; sisters, Hilda, Irene, Hannah, Ida and Edna.

The family would like to extend a thankyou to the staff of Melville Gardens 4^th floor for their care and attention these last few years.

Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax, where visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 25 from 12-2 PM, followed by a Memorial Service in the funeral home chapel at 2 PM, with a reception to follow. Donations in memory of Russell may be made to Emmanuel Anglican Church, Spryfield or a charity of choice.