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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BEDELL, Russell Byron - With broken hearts and sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of our father, Russell Byron Bedell, with sons Dan and Sean at his side in Dartmouth General Hospital on Friday, July 31, 2020, just a month after his 90th birthday. Born June 30, 1930, in River De Chute, N.B., to the late Mary (Balch) and Vaughan Bedell, Russ was raised in Toronto before embarking on a successful 31-year career with the Canadian military starting in 1948 including five years with the Royal Canadian Navy on HMC Ships Magnificent, Huron and Micmac and on rescue craft at HMCS Shearwater. He later re-enlisted and served 26 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, first as an aero engine technician for CF-100 Canuck aircraft, then re-mustering to the Construction Engineering branch with postings to bases that included St-Jean, Que.; Borden, Uplands, North Bay and Rockcliffe, Ont.; Alert, N.W.T.; Chatham and St. Margaret’s, N.B.; Cold Lake, Alta.; and twice at Halifax. Following honourable discharge, he served 12 years as a civilian in Construction Engineering at HMC Dockyard in Halifax before full retirement in 1995. Russ was active in all communities he lived in, such as coaching youth hockey, helping build floats for parades and background sets for amateur theatre plays, flipping pancakes at church suppers, serving breakfast for the Dartmouth Boys and Girls Club and in retirement spending many hours working at the food bank. Russ and Doris fostered seven children in Chatham, N.B. Always an active member of his church, he was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus in St. Thomas More Parish. He served on many parish councils and with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and was a Minister of the Eucharist taking communion to the sick and homebound for many years. He worked on the St. Thomas More refugee committee, not only helping families get a new start in Canada but remaining a mentor and friend long after they settled in their new homes. He loved watching sports, especially the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays and Tom Brady and the Patriots win all those Super Bowls. Over the years he spent many hours watching family members at hockey rinks, football, rugby and soccer fields. He also enjoyed reading, gardening, playing cards and fishing. Although noted for his selfless community contributions, Russ will be remembered most for his unwavering love for his family. Russ was predeceased by the light and love of his life, his wife, Doris (Lewis) in 2017; his parents, Mary (Balch) and Vaughan Bedell; sisters, Joyce Allen and Jean Bedell; sister-in-law, Peggy Lewis Kell; brothers-in-law, Robert Lewis, Maynard Myers, Robert Allen and Bud Jacops; son-in-law, Robert Hussey; niece, Carole Lewis; and nephews, Christopher and David Lewis. He leaves to mourn his sister, Ann Jacops of Knoxville, Iowa; daughters, Juanita Hussey of Dartmouth; Brenda (Ken) Belanger of Truro; Jan (Tom) Jacob of Regina; Chris (Doug) Scanlan of Dartmouth; and sons, Dan (Lisa) Bedell, William Bedell, and Sean (Lisa) Bedell, all of Dartmouth; plus 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, with the 18th due any day. Russ will be lovingly remembered by sisters-in-law, Eileen Myers and Marilyn (Herb) Saldon of Dartmouth; Diane (Bob) Shufelt of Lower Sackville; brothers-in-law, Allan (Norma) Lewis of Musquodoboit Harbour; and Gary (Darcel) Lewis of Dartmouth. As well as many friends Russ made over the years, he has a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins who will always love and miss him. His family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by the doctors and nurses at Dartmouth General Hospital, and the VON nurses and Bayshore Home Health workers for his palliative care at home. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Dartmouth Funeral Home. In consideration of everyone’s safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and Russ’ wishes, there will be no visitation, with a private family interment. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Red Cross or other charity of your choice is appreciated.
Ships served in: HMCS SHEARWATER (crafts boats)
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