Bernard 'Russell' Marshall
Born In: Sydney
Passed in: Potlotek
Passed on: November 3rd, 2014
Bernard 'Russell' Marshall, 66, of Potlotek, passed away on Nov. 3, 2014, surrounded by his loving family at the QE II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Thomas (Tumajij) Alexander and Pauline Marie (Battiste) Marshall.
Russell was a strong advocate for Mi’kmaw culture, language, and self-determination. He was a proud community member which was made evident by his love for his community as a band councillor. One of his passions was his love for sports. This love motivated him to co-found the two major sporting events for Mi’kmaw youth: The Wally Bernard Memorial Hockey Tournament and the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Summer Games (formerly known as the Indian Summer Games). Above all, Russell was a devoted family man as a loving husband, eldest sibling of 11, a dad to five and a papa to many.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Carol Marshall; children, Thomas 'Alexji’j' (Carole Anne), John Darryl (Rose), Laurie (Ian), James 'Rodney' and Scott; all of Potlotek; grandchildren, Samantha, Jocelyn, Dallas, Russell, Kennady, Haven, Tessa, Reece, Joady, Nolan, Kiana, Devon and Jayla; great-grandchildren, Kaydence, Keyra and Ariah; brothers, Alexander (Margie), Clifford, Lindsay (Florence) and Maynard (Jeannette); sisters, Nora (Peter), Rosemary, Bernadette, and Sharon (Lester); godchildren, Robert Lewis, Robert 'Rocket' Marshall, Jennifer “Fred” Marshall, Justin Johnson, David Marshall, Uisdean Sutherland, and Winston Marshall.
He was predeceased by his son, Bernard Russell Jr.; paternal grandparents, Alexander and Rose (Googoo); maternal grandparents, Stephen and Mary (Basque) Battiste; brothers, James, Gary 'Koli' and Stephen 'Stevo'; sisters, Norbertta and Elizabeth and godchild Gerry Marshall.
Visitation will take place in his home at 16 Chapel Island Rd., in Potlotek on Thursday from 3-5 p.m. for family; public visitation to follow until time of Mass of Christian Farewell Service to be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church in Barra Head with Fr. Dennis Lamey officiating. Burial to follow in the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery in Barra Head. Meal and Salite to follow the committal at the Potlotek Community Hall.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home in Arichat.
To send words of comfort to the family or to light a candle in memory of Russell, please visit www.chboudreau.com.
