For Posterity's Sake A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
WILCOX, Harold Russell (Russ) - age 88, died Wednesday, December 4, 2019, in North-wood's Ivany Place in Bedford. Russ is survived by his wife, Liz; and children, Dave (Deb), Larry, Barb (Andrew), and Andy (Jacqui). He also leaves behind grandchildren, Lauren, Emma, Jonathan, Ryan, Jacob, Samantha, Wesley, Sabrina, Alexa, Norah, Gabby. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Stan; and also his brother, Murray (Barb) who passed away in early September this year. Russ was born in Regina, Sask., in 1931. His long naval career began at the age of 19, when he enrolled in the Naval Reserve at the Royal Road Military College, and then two years later transferred to the Regular Force. After completing training at the Royal Naval College in England, he was posted to HMCS Micmac with a promotion to Lieutenant in 1956. After serving as Flag Lieutenant to the Flag Officer Atlantic Coast, he was selected for exchange duties with the Royal Navy, and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1963. He served as Executive Officer of HMCS Assiniboine between 1968 and 1970. In 1974 he was promoted to the rank of Commander, and in 1977 was transferred to the Supreme Allied Commander in Norfolk. He returned to Halifax in 1981 and retired from the Regular Force. He returned to active duty in 1982 to act as planning coordinator for the 75th Anniversary of the Naval Service of Canada, and on completion in 1985 he retired for the second time. Russ was an active member of his church, fulfilling many roles of the parish guild over the years. He was also very dedicated to the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust, and the preservation of HMCS Sackville. A service will be held in St. Augustine's Anglican Church (290 Purcell's Cove Rd.) on Thursday, December 12th at 11 a.m., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust. (https://hmcssackville.ca/) (Halifax Chronicle Herald 07 Dec 2019)
Ships served in: HMCS ROYAL ROADS (through HMCS MALAHAT) under the 1951-52 UNTD Program HMCS MICMAC -Served in Micmac in 1955 as Torpedo Anti-submarine Officer and Communications Officer HMCS ALGONQUIN - Served in Algonquin in 1958 as Staff of Commander Canadian Escort Squadron One as Squadron CommO HMCS HAIDA - Served in Haida in 1960 as Staff of Commander Canadian Escort Squadron One as Squadron CommO HMCS NOOTKA - Served in Nootka in 1960 as Staff of Commander Canadian Escort Squadron One as Squadron CommO HMS SEA EAGLE HMS TENBY HMCS ANNAPOLIS - Served in Annapolis in 1966 as Staff Officer Communications and as Flag Lieutenant to Commander Canadian Fleet HMCS MARGAREE - Served in Margaree in 1966 as Staff Officer Communications Plans and Operations and as Flag Lieutenant to Commander Canadian Fleet HMCS CAPE SCOTT - Served in Cape Scott in 1966 as Staff Officer Communications and as Flag Lieutenant to Commander Canadian Fleet HMCS BONAVENTURE - Served in Bonaventure in 1967 HMCS ASSINIBOINE - Served in Assiniboine in 1968-1970 as XO
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