Russell Gallant
Lieu de naissance : Sydney
Date de naissance : 28 octobre 1958
Date de décès : 3 septembre 2017
It is with broken hearts that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of our dear husband, father, poppy, brother, uncle, comrade and friend, Russell Gallant, 58, of Englishtown. Russell passed away on Sunday September 3, 2017 at the An Cala unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Sydney, on October 28, 1958, he was the son of the late Russell Bernard ‘Duke’ Gallant.
He is survived by his mother, Anna Mary (McMullin) Gallant, Harbourstone Enhanced Care Facility; his beloved wife, Marlene (MacDonald), Englishtown, and adoring daughters, Melissa (Jason Dakai), Sydney and Nicole Rose, Sydney River; grandsons, Ryker Emmitt Russell Dakai and Sawyer Gallant Dakai; sisters, Lynne (Lorne) O’Neill, Howie Centre and Laura (Paul) Addicott, Halifax; brother, William (Bill) (Connie), New Victoria, and father-in-law, Nick MacDonald (Harbourstone Enhanced Care). Also surviving are his in-laws, Debbie (Paul) Doyle, Pipers Cove, Carmel (John) Gallant, St. Anne’s, Andrew (Shannon) MacDonald, Sydney River, Robert (Giorgios) MacDonald, Brussels and Mary Helen (Philip) Thompson, Toronto. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
From the age of 18, Russell worked with Breton Ability Centre (formerly Braemore Home) and the Sydney Garrison with the Cape Breton Highlanders, Sydney. He retired from Breton Ability Centre in 2014 after 38 years of service and was most recently serving as Commanding Officer of the Cape Breton Highlanders with 21 years of service. Throughout his career, Russell had made a lasting impact on many of his co-workers in both areas of his professional life. He was considered a valuable contributor and will ultimately be remembered as a proud man with utmost integrity and respect.
In his private life, Russell enjoyed playing gentlemen’s hockey during the winter months and recently took up snowmobiling with his daughter Nicole. He never had to be asked twice to play a round of golf and when not playing it, he was watching it on the Sports channel.
He was also a volunteer with Special Olympics for 25 years and devoted many hours in coaching athlete’s to be all the aspired to be. Russell was a jack of all trades and could put his hand to any project at home, or at any home, and you could rest easy knowing it would be a job well done. He was a strong man in his beliefs and had a keen sense of duty to his family and to the troops he led. The
way he lived his life is a testament to those who had the good fortune of knowing him. His spirit will live on in our hearts for eternity.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of SW Chant & Son Funeral Home, Alexandra Street, Sydney, NS. Viewing will take place on Wednesday, September 6 from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral Mass will take place at St Joseph’s Church, 82 Pierce Street, North Sydney on Thursday, September 7 at 2 p.m. with Father Patrick O’Neil and Father Donald MacGillivary officiating.
A gathering of family and friends will be held immediately following the service at the Church.
All who have been moved by Russell’s presence in their lives are also touched by sorrow at his passing. Our thanks are extended to the doctors and specialist services at both the An Cala unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax.
Words of comfort can be forwarded to www.chantfuneralhome.ca.
Family flowers only.
Donations in Russell’s name can be made to the Regional Hospital Patient Care Fund or the SPCA.
Rest easy Colonel. Siol na fear ferail!
