Russell Harold Smith

SMITH, Russell H. - The congregation of Stairs Memorial Church is saddened to announce the passing of Russell Smith, who at over 101 years of age was our oldest member and passionate supporter. Russell passed away in the Veteran’s Memorial Building, Camp Hill on November 30, 2016. Born in Halifax on March 4, 1915, Russell was the son of the late James and Mary (Carnie) Smith, of Dartmouth. During his early years Russell was a supervisor with Plymouth Cordage Dartmouth. In WWII he served for four years in the Canadian Army, three overseas as a Sergeant attached to the Canadian Training School. After the war Russell joined Clayton Developments Ltd., where he was Project Manager, Realty Broker and Manager of their condominium holdings in Metro, where he was often referred to as Mr. Clayton Park. Upon retirement, in 1981, Russell became Executive Officer of the Nova Scotia Home Builder’s Association, and Chairman of the Executive Offices Council of the Canadian Home Builder’s Association, in Ottawa. During his career, he served as President of the Industrial Management Club of Halifax, Chairman of the Halifax Board of Trade Civic Affairs Committee and Vice-President of the Maritime Personnel Association. Always active in community affairs Russell served for fifteen years with the Dartmouth Housing Authority and eight years with the Dartmouth Homemakers Association. He was also a member of the Somme Branch #31 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

During the thirties and forties Russell was very involved with sporting activities in Dartmouth. In 1932 he was the President of the first mixed bowling league, created by Stairs Memorial United Church. It was active for sixty years. His most enjoyable achievement in sports was as Manager of the North Star Softball Team. This brought many young people together during the great depression of the thirties. In 1937 he was President of the Stairs Tennis Club, and in 1947, President of the Dartmouth Boys’ Club. During that period Dartmouth did not have a hockey arena. The sport had to be promoted out of the Shirley Street Arena in Halifax. The Club also provided boxing and basketball venues in the Air Force Building in North Dartmouth. Russell was an Elder at Stairs Memorial United Church for sixty years. He served on most boards and committees, was Superintendant of the Sunday school and continued his involvement with Christian Education for many years. Russell was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Richard and Gerald, several nieces and nephews and his lovely wife, Mildred, to whom he was happily married for sixty-three years.

Personal notes from Russell, “My Father taught me this: Remember the youth of the church. They require your support and guidance. Through them the Church will remain strong.” And, “To all the nurses and caregivers of Veteran’s 4 West, I give my sincere thanks for your outstanding kindness and compassion during my stay at Camp Hill. Yours is a profession to be proud of. My experiences with Veteran’s Affairs and Capital Health employees were very precious and rewarding.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 7, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street Dartmouth. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 8, at 2 pm, at Stairs Memorial United Church, 44 Hester Street, Dartmouth, with internment at a later date. On December 19, at 1:30 PM, Russell will be among the veterans honored at a special Service in the Chapel of the Veteran’s Memorial Building, Camp Hill, 5955 Veteran’s Memorial Lane. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stairs Memorial United Church, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be viewed or sent to:www.mattatallfuneralhome.com