It is with great sadness that the family of Russell Allen Stiles of Fredericton, announce his death on Monday, January 24, 2011 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital after a lengthy illness. Survived by his loving wife, Willena (Weatherby), daughter Maureen of Ottawa, sons Brendan of Calgary, Ken of Ottawa and Keith of Fredericton, step-daughter Linda (Edwin) Willms of Brooks, AB, grandsons Alan and Matthew (Asia) Hodgkinson of Ottawa , granddaughter Eileen (Steven) Fifield of Victoria, BC, step-granddaughters Holly (Trevor) Balderson and Lorie Staz of Calgary and great-grandson, Brody Hodgkinson of Ottawa. Predeceased by his father, Cecil (Middlesex, NB) and mother, Lydia Bleakney, (Stewiacke, NS), and sister, Lorraine Steves (late Gerald). Russell is also survived by sisters Shirley (late Walter) Spencer of Riverview, NB, Myrtle (late George) Power of Salisbury, NB, and brother Stanley (Joan) of Linden, NS, and many nieces and nephews. Born in Moncton, NB, on August 13, 1928, Russell joined the Sea Cadets while attending Moncton High School and, upon reaching the required age of 17 ½ years, joined The Royal Canadian Navy in March 1946. Russell served on three Tribal Class Destroyers, qualified as an anti-aircraft gunner and then served on the aircraft carriers HMCS Warrior and HMCS Magnificent. Russell qualified for Petty Officer in 1950 and took his discharge in March 1951. Upon his return to Moncton, he worked for the Canadian National Railway and then became a salesman in 1954 with The Singer Sewing Machine Company, and in 1956 was transferred to Fredericton as manager. In 1961 he founded Brunswick Catering Ltd. In addition to being Fredericton's first mobile catering service, the company catered to numerous weddings and social functions for many years throughout the city and surrounding areas, Brunswick Catering also operated the cafeteria at the head offices of the N.B. Power Commission. During his career, Russell was responsible in 1980 for forming the Fredericton branch of The Canadian Food Services Executive Association, and he received a Certified Food Executive Degree from the Association. Russell retired from the food industry in 1995 but continued to work as a consultant with the Business Development Bank for many years. He was a Life Member and Past President of Marysville Branch #15 of The Royal Canadian Legion and received the Legion's highest award, The Meritorious Service medal. Russell was also a Life member of The Fredericton City Club. Russell's idea of a good time was always being involved with a special project, usually of his own making. He loved to fish, hunt and golf with his many friends. He enjoyed boating, doing crafts and making wood carvings, and loved to give the finished products of his artistic endeavours to friends and family.
The family will receive condolences at Bishop's Funeral Home, 540 Woodstock Road, Fredericton, on Friday, January 28, 2011 from 12 Noon until 2:00 PM. A service celebrating Russell's life will be held from Bishop's Funeral Home Chapel immediately following the visitation at 2:00 PM. Rev. Dr. Norman Whitney will officiate. A Legion Tribute Service will be held during the funeral service. Honorary Pallbearers are Clair Hawkins, Joe Doiron, Don Nixon, Don Dinsmore, Bud Hartley, Bill White, Merv Burchill, Hazen Thomas, Richard Pedersen, Ralph Norrad, Tom Scholte, Gerrard Marche and Murray Davidson. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Palliative Care Unit of DECH or to a charity of the donor's choice are most appreciated. The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to Dr. Grant, Dr. Tom Barry, Chaplain Roger Richardson, Extramural and all the wonderful nurses of the Palliative Care Unit, DECH, for their unwavering care and support during his lengthy illness. Online condolences and the sharing of memories may be expressed through www.bishopsfuneralhome.com