Elms, Russell Raymond, 92, Halifax, passed away, peacefully, on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Northwood Centre, Halifax. Born in Upper Big Tracadie, Guysborough County, on September 9, 1930, Russell was the son of Licentiate William John and Sadie (MacPhee) Elms.
Russell resided in Toronto for the majority of his adult life. Following his retirement from National Silicates in 1991, he returned to Upper Big Tracadie with his wife, Angela. Russell was an unassuming and kind man who was loved by all. His faith was most important in his life. He was a member of Tracadie United Baptist Church, attending every Sunday until he moved from the community in 2019. He has served as a past trustee and choir member, and was a member of the Men's Brotherhood, the Seniors Group, and the Outreach Program, where he took great pleasure in visiting the sick and shut-ins. In 2010, Russell received a Certificate of Recognition from the Layman's Council of the African United Baptist Association of N.S., for demonstrating outstanding leadership skills and longstanding Christian service and dedication to his local Men's Brotherhood group. In 2017, he was recognized by the Anniversary Committee and church members for his service and dedication to his home church.
Russell loved to sing hymns and was always eager to perform a solo at Sunday worship. He continued to sing his hymns at Northwood, to the delight of staff and fellow residents. His music therapist, Katelyn, accompanied him on guitar as he sang.
Russell was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He is survived by his great-nieces and great-nephew, Bette, Karen, and Tom (Linda) Skinner, Halifax; nieces and nephews, Johnny, Betty (Marc), Ricky (Carol), Jerry (Manon), Peggy (Pierre) Elms, Montreal, Wendy (Isaac), Brampton, Marilyn Medley, Dartmouth, Randy Ashe, Monastery; several great-great nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Besides his parents, Russell was predeceased by his wife, Angela "Petal"; sisters, Elsie, Helen and Bessie; niece, Pat Skinner, who was raised as his sister; brothers, Jim, Pastor Norman, John, Bill, Fred, George (his twin), and Ralph Howard, in infancy.
Visitation at Tracadie United Baptist Church, Tracadie, Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 12:00 noon until time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Clara Jordan presiding.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Northwood, 6 Centre, for the care and kindness provided to Uncle Russell over the past 2 years, and for their compassion in his final days. We would also like to thank Uncle Russell's friends, neigbours and community members for all of their help with transportation, errands, drives to church, meals, etc, over the years.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Burial will take place at Sunnyview Cemetery, Tracadie, in the spring. Memorial donations can be made to Tracadie United Baptist Church or a charity of your choice. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com.