Russell William Saunders

In memory of Russell William Saunders, a man whose charisma, joy, and human warmth left an indelible mark on the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Today, we honor 17 years of shared marriage—a journey built on deep love, mutual devotion, and unconditional commitment. Throughout our story together, Russell was distinguished by his unique and captivating personality, capable of lighting up any room just by stepping into it. His sense of humor, his genuine smile, and the heartfelt kindness with which he treated others are the memories that remain intact and shining bright today.

The last six years of his life presented one of the most difficult trials. During that time, he was bedridden under my dedicated, constant, and loving care. Although his body grew weak, the love that united us never wavered. Every day of care was not only an act of devotion, but the purest testimony of what it means to honor a lifelong vow: to cherish, protect, and love in sickness and in health.

Today, we remember Russell not by the quiet limitations of his final years, but by the fullness with which he lived, the laughter he shared, and the unforgettable moments he built by our side. His legacy is that of a charismatic man, deeply loved, and forever remembered with immense gratitude and respect.

May he rest in peace, Russell William Saunders. His memory will live forever in the heart of the one who was his devoted partner in life.

With all my love and devotion,

Ana Delsy Cruz de Saunders

Russell William Saunders was not just a name; he was a sanctuary, an example of integrity, and the certainty that I would always have someone in my corner. You taught me the value of respect, responsibility, and keeping my head high in the face of adversity. Your patience, your way of listening without judgment, and the steadfastness of your principles shaped the person I am today.

I am deeply grateful for every conversation, every piece of advice, and every moment we shared. You knew how to fill my life with security and warmth, proving that true family is built on presence, dedication, and the sincere desire to see one another grow and be happy.

Your legacy does not stop at words, but lives on in the actions through which you touched my life. You left behind a massive void, but also an infinite gratitude for having had the blessing of calling you my father.

With all my love, respect, and eternal memory,

I travelled with Russ to Plymouth England for the 40th rememberance of the Kootenay disaster.
Russ was instrumental in the arrangements and reminded me of that day when the disaster occurred.
I am grateful for his efforts.
Fair winds and calm seas
Rest in Peace

I always saw my "Unka" Russell as larger than life: He had engaged in so many diverse business interests, travelled to such a great many places, and was extremely prolific creatively.

He was highly encouraging of my academic and career pursuits, a valued male role model to have in my corner – when he wasn't good-naturedly teasing me, that is! We talked often about collaborating on writing and editorial projects, and I'm sad we never did get that chance.

In thinking about the richness of his life, I acknowledge my loving, resilient Aunt Marilyn for quietly but mightily holding down the fort so that he could pursue his passions. The hope that he can now reunite with her provides comfort.

Sincerest condolences to my cousins and all who cared about him.

My dad was never one to sit still.

If he had an idea, the rest of us were usually along for the ride—whether we knew it when we woke up that morning or not. Before long we’d be off visiting one of his brothers or sisters, sailing in Mahone Bay, or chasing whatever new adventure had caught his attention.

He loved to create. He was a carver, a whittler, a painter, and skilled in many of the fine arts. He could paint a room in record time or carve faces from ordinary logs because, as he’d say, *“There’s already something in there. I’m just uncovering it”* Our home was rarely without animals—dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, geese—and when my own children came for summer visits, there was always another project underway or another animal to meet.

Music, however, was not one of his gifts. He tried—he really did—but it never quite came together the way he hoped. That never stopped him from joining in, especially at church. He fancied himself a bit of a leader and performer, and it didn’t take long before he was speaking or leading songs, regardless of timing or tune. Confidence was never in short supply.

Because he was always looking for something new, our family experienced things many people never do. His work with Indigenous communities took us to northern Ontario and Quebec, where I watched geese being cooked over an open fire in a teepee, drove on ice roads, flew in tiny bush planes, and saw a way of life I never would have known otherwise.

We also moved. A lot. Twenty-two times before I turned eighteen. Looking back, I know how difficult that was for a child. But I also learned how quickly my mother could turn an unfamiliar house into a home, how to adapt, how to be independent, and that life doesn’t always wait until you’re ready. Somewhere along the way I also learned to duck when the boom swung across a schooner.

In many ways, that life shaped me more than I understood at the time. I am good at letting go, moving on, cutting ties when I need to, forging my own path, and making decisions without looking back for too long. I think that comes from growing up in a world that was always changing—where you learned to pack up, adjust, and keep going.

Our relationship became complicated in later years, and distance found its way between us. Life is rarely as simple as we wish it had been. But recently I was able to talk with him and tell him I appreciated that he did the best he could with what he had. That conversation brought a sense of peace I didn’t always expect to find.

As I reflect now, I realize that two things can be true at the same time. Some parts of my childhood were hard, and some parts were extraordinary.

I am who I am because of both my mother and my father. They each shaped me in different ways.My dad gave me a life full of stories, unexpected adventures, resilience, curiosity, and the reminder that sometimes the best memories begin with someone simply deciding, “Let’s go!”

For that, and for all the memories in between, I’m grateful.

To The Saunders Family, We are sending our heartfelt condolences to you at this time.
It is hard to recall just one memory that’s important because we have so many. I remember as a young child coming back to your place on the Dory Road in Mahoney Bay. That was an experience. Your mom and dad made a wonderful team and we shared so many memories together: the amazing sand sculptures at Rissers Beach, the wood carvings that he made for our family and so many others, and the laughs we shared together.
He will be forever cherished our memories. We are so thankful for the times we’ve shared together. 💕
We love you all!!

My earliest memories of Russell were of when we lived on Banshee Avenue in Shearwater PMQs and Russell as a single unmarried sailor lived at Warrior Block on the Base. He often babysat us in the evenings when my parents went out together or when Dad was at sea. Many times while babysitting us we would ask him to draw. I found it amazing how fluidly he could make the pencil move to create pictures effortlessly. It was obvious to me even then that he had artistic talent.
The day of Marilyn and Russell’s wedding in the Shearwater Chapel everyone came back to our house to celebrate them. I remember my friends and I calling to Russell through the open window to kiss his Bride. Russell gave Marilyn a theatrical kiss and we clapped delightedly for this.
One winter, while still living on the Base, Russell carved an igloo out of the frozen snow for us. I was shocked that he could make a snow fort unlike any others in our neighborhood.
Also during this time he had bought a funny looking little grey car that had a canvas like convertible top. He drove us throughout Married Quarters while we waved and shouted to our friends on each street, knowing they were wishing that they had a fun uncle like ours.
I’m still in awe of the Clearland house with all the carved finishings throughout. It reminded me of the Scandinavian storybook homes of their Gnomes. It even had the cupboard bed in the wall ! Such imaginative talent Russell had in his head and his hands.
I’m sorry that his strokes prevented him from returning to Nova Scotia these last 6+ years. I hope he had fond memories of his former life while living away from us here.
Russell won’t be forgotten while we remember those good times.

Sleep well, Russell. ❤️

I would like to offer my condolences to Tammi and Russell's family. My dad and Russell sailed on HMCS Kootenay in 1969. I met Russell in 2009 and he had hoped to reconnect with my dad but sadly my dad passed in 2006. Now I am saddened to hear of his passing. Fair winds and following seas Russell.

Marylou and I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences.

Russell was an early supporter of my then-young business, and I had the good fortune to engage with his fertile and creative mind on many occasions. From innovative hull designs to floating houses, and much in between, his imagination and ingenuity knew few boundaries.

Over the years we met the artist, writer, inventor, storyteller, and with each conversation one gained another glimpse into an ever curious mind.

We will remember him as a seeker of knowledge who was always willing to explore new ideas and innovative ways of tackling a challenge. His life reminds us that we should never be afraid to try something new or embrace a different way of thinking.

May he rest in peace.

Uncle Russ was always working on some project or another and I recall him sharing stories on many of them over the years. I even lived some of them, my favorite that open schooner we would sail around Mahone Bay with occasional stops for fishing. Those days have left strongly imprinted memories of a youth well spent with a large and loving family. I sadly recall the day we learned that he and dad were on the Kootenay when she exploded into a ball of hell on water. I recently read a book outlining the events that played out over those days at sea. The references to Uncle Russ speak to the love he shared with his brother— dad. I’m not sure if either of them ever recovered from that disaster and their strength to continue through life’s journey despite their pain has earned my deepest respect. I’ll miss Uncle Russ deeply and share my condolences with his children and grandchildren.

Peter, Cindy, Tammy and families, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences over the passing of your father, Russell. He was an interesting and engaging individual. Uncle Russell and Aunt Marilyn were always so warm and kind when we visited them on our annual trips to Nova Scotia. Later when we lived on a farm in Nova Scotia, your visits to us were always enjoyable and much appreciated. We got to know you, our cousins which was great. My Dad and Uncle Russell told us many stories of their childhoods and upbringing, which invariably included their other siblings. And there would always be a few jokes tossed into any conversation to keep it humorous. I was always interested in hearing Uncle Russell’s stories of when he was a young sailor, and later our conversations turned to when he built boats and ships. Uncle Russell has moved on and is now amongst some family members and loved ones. He will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in Peace Russell.

I am so sorry to hear about Russell passing, I have many fond memories of visiting Marylin, Russ and family. He was very interesting, with lots of stories to tell. Hold close your treasured memories, with Heartfelt Sympathy.
Love Edith

I remember Uncle Russell as a man of very diverse interests. He was always entertaining and treated me with love. He is reunited with so many of his siblings and family, gives me solace.

So appreciated having him as my / our dear Uncle. It was always a joy to talk to him and learn from him He was one who encouraged us to move and said "You can doit" . May he rest til the resurrection

So incredibly sorry for the loss of your dad. He was such an incredible Uncle growing up. I’m glad I got to see him during one of his visits home.

Poppy❤️