COMEAU, Russell (Russ), LCol, (Ret’d) RCOC
Russ, age 84, passed away on April 28th, 2017, in Dartmouth, N.S. Born on November 27th, 1932 in Weymouth, N.S. Russ will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Mary (Burke), and his three children Judy (Tim) Kohlsmith, Leduc, Alb., Dr. Christopher (Chrissy) Comeau, Ogdensburg, NY and James (Betty Ann) Comeau, Ottawa. He will also be dearly missed by his seven grandchildren; Anthony, Katie, Kristen, MacKenzie, Burke, Jesse and Dean and great grandchildren Nora, Elin and Corbin.
Russ joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1950, the RCAF in 1954, and in 1957 was promoted to flying officer serving as a navigator. In 1960 he began work at the Halifax Dockyard which led him to a career as a logistics specialist within the Department of Supply and Services Canada. Russ was the National President of the Royal Canadian Logistics Service Association. He was also a member of the Council of the Conference of Defence Associations. Also, he was a professional purchaser in the Purchasing Management Association of Canada. A proud moment for Russ was earning his BA in Public Administration from Dalhousie University in 1976.
Russ was one of the first life members of the St John’s, NL Crow’s Nest Officers’ Club. He was an ardent supporter and active with the Club’s out-of-town membership in Halifax for many years. He very much enjoyed his visits to the Club and was always an avid supporter of the Crow’s Nest Military Artifacts Association. Russ never forgot his true love of the sea and spent many a night in support of the Crow’s Nest Officers’ Club and many of the institutions that promote and support such military organizations. [This paragraph courtesy of Captain William Graham, as published in the Spring 2017 issue of the Crow’s Nest Officers’ Club newsletter, Scuttlebutt.]
Russ had many interests. In scouting he rose to the level of Queen Scout (its highest designation). He had a passion for the militia, and rose to the rank of Lt. Col, and commanded the 33 Halifax Service Battalion. He also loved sailing, and in retirement went on many an adventure on his sailboat, the Acadian Packet. As the name of his boat attests, he was very proud of his Acadian heritage, supporting and attending Acadian events.
Russ had a burning intellect and thirst for knowledge that influenced all that knew him. His generosity was large, his kindness boundless, and his love for life an inspiration. A great man has departed this world, but his spirit lives on in his family and friends.
Those who so desire may make a donation in memory of Russ to the Alzheimer’s Society of N.S. or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com (Dartmouth Chapel)
“The universe is unfolding as it should”.