- It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Russell F. West on March 7, 2022, at his home in Lockhartville.
Russell was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be fondly missed. A friend to many, he was a quiet man with the spirit of a warrior. He taught his children to love nature and history, to stand tall, never back down and to work hard.
He loved nature and all wild things. Russell was at peace in the woods, usually seen wearing a tattered orange jacket or a plaid shirt, surrounded by nature's creatures. He was a woodsman well into his late eighties. Although strong, he had a soft side for his grandchildren, his yellow dog, Sassy, and for fox pups playing in his field. Many times, he gently cradled a lost or injured bird in his hands and returned it to safety. He carried a sickly old cat to its bed for many years.
Russell loved to tell stories of days gone by, and could tell hunting stories for hours while fixing guns, chainsaws, or anything that moved. He was an avid hunter and liked to use his antique musket to supply a rabbit to complement the turkey dinner at Christmas. One memorable year, the rabbit was seasoned with turnip seed that had been accidentally mixed with the shot. The wadding from the old gun also caught the surrounding bushes on fire, so the rabbit was somewhat pre-cooked before he brought it home! He was pleased to have a granddaughter challenge him to a shooting match at the firing range.
The sound of a chainsaw, the smell of sawdust or freshly mowed hay, the sight of a tractor or a woodpile bring thoughts of Russell to mind. We remember a "good" Christmas tree he once brought home (he had previously run over with his tractor!)
Russell loved telling his grandchildren stories or taking them for a ride on his tractor. He had great time roasting marshmallows at the beach while listening to his granddaughters sing. Playing with his young grandsons, whether running a foot race or hunting imaginary bears with a stick "gun" he provided, was a great source of joy to them both!
In his younger years, Russell had a Studebaker car and enjoyed drag racing with his friends, once landing the car in a well. He pulled tug-of-war on many teams for many years, until he was in his forties. Russell's first steady job was at Maritime Life Assurance Co. in Halifax, where he worked as an accountant. While living in Halifax, he joined the reserves and was on the boxing team of the Princess Louise Fusiliers. Later he moved to Winnipeg to work for Osler, Hammond & Nanton Insurance Company as an accountant. He was also a member of a boxing team in there, winning the 1957 Manitoba Amateur Boxing Association middle weight title.
Russell eventually returned to Nova Scotia and was employed at Minas Basin Pulp & Power Company for 34 years as a paper quality inspector. He led a busy life and was well loved and respected. He will be missed greatly!
He was predeceased by his parents, Asahel and Marjorie (Hutchinson) West, and a brother in infancy.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 2 pm in Lindsay's Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Debra Mosher officiating.
Interment to follow at Riverbank Cemetery, Hantsport, N.S.
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1932 - 2022 (89 years)
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