Gerald Russell Walker

Born in Digby, Russell was the son of the late Gerald and Marion (Frost) Walker. Growing up, Russell was the eldest son of six children. As a young man, he worked with his brothers in their father’s fish processing plant (now owned by Russell’s nephew Brian Walker) in Waterford and then as a fish cutter in Centreville, NS. While in grade 12 at Digby Regional High School in 1966, deciding on what career to pursue, Russell applied for the RCMP while also applying for a job as an Electrical Draftsman at the Halifax Dockyard. With significant drafting knowledge, he accepted the offer of the position as a Draftsman. He was then accepted to the RCMP but declined the offer.

Living in Halifax, Russell then met the love of his life, Cheryl, whom he married in June 1968. He switched career gears and completed his teaching certificate and began teaching Industrial Arts at Clayton Park Junior High school, where he was for his teaching career of almost 30 years. As a favorite teacher – referred to as Walker or Walks - amongst all the students and staff, Russell coached the boy’s hockey team for over three decades, spending most Thursday mornings and Friday nights at the Centennial Arena.

In 1974, Russell first became a father to Jason and then later, in 1978 to Laurel. Russell was devoted to his family, his church and to his community. He and Cheryl worked hard to build a loving home filled with family vacations, swimming in the pool in the backyard, summers at the family cottage on the Mira River, family trips to Little River in Digby and giving back to the community by volunteering.

First elected to Halifax Council in 1994, Russell proudly served seven terms before he retired in 2020. He also served as Deputy Mayor in 2005 and 2006. Over the years, Russell served on numerous committees and boards (outside of the ones he served on as Councillor) including Centennial Arena, Canada Games Centre and Bella Rose Theatre, to name a few.

In late 2019, Russell’s wife, Cheryl, of 51 years passed away. A handful of months later, Russell was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He initially went through major surgery and months of chemo, achieving a level of recovery that allowed him to live a relatively normal life – continuing his work on various committees and community projects for three years before the fight began again. Even when the cancer returned in 2023, Russell made it known that he didn’t follow any rules nor would he follow any averages for his diagnosis and that this was just a bump in the road. He completed radiation, which worked, and then more rounds of chemo before taking a break so that he could have the best quality of time with his family and do some travelling.

Although he loved his church, work and community and was a devoted family man, father and father-in-law, Russell above all adored – and lived for - his three grandsons, Luke, Emerson and Jordan, who called him their best friend and Bampie. After Cheryl died, Russell was delighted to welcome Emerson and then Jordan into his boys club with Luke. Russell loved to see the boys grow, hear their stories of successes, and play whatever games they wanted to play. The boys also knew who to go to for anything they wished for and that their Bampie would always be there for them. Taking family vacations for a week to the beaches of PEI became a summer tradition. Before going Russell would search for weeks to find the perfect treasure chests to fill with trinkets and goodies that he then buried on the beach. Bampie then made a treasure map for the boys to find their special treasures – left by ‘pirates’, of course.

Russell was a long-time member of Fairview United Church where he served his community as Beaver and Scout Leader and on various committees throughout his time there. As Chair of Trustees at Fairview with his deep ties in Halifax, Russell used his knowledge and wisdom most recently to help lead Fairview through the complex world of redevelopment as Fairview recently became Hillside United Church after amalgamating with Rockingham United. His care and love for his church community ran deep and he was never afraid of change.

Russell is survived by his children, son Jason (Michelle) and daughter Laurel, and his three best friends, his grandsons Luke and Jordan Walker and Emerson Walker, sisters Sylvia Collier, Sheila Munns and Marilyn Walker, brothers Allen (Zora) Walker and Gordon (Aubea) Walker, aunt Barb Walker, brother-in-law Leslie Beanlands, sister-in-law Dorita Wadden and nieces and nephews too numerous to note. Russell is also survived by many friends whose love and devotion blurred the lines between friendship and family.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of J.A. Snow Funeral Home, Halifax. A celebration of Russell’s life will be held on Saturday April 5, 2025 at 2 pm at Hillside United Church, 12 Flamingo Drive, Halifax. Rev. Angela MacLean officiating with reception to follow in the church hall. The service will also be live-streamed online at www.youtube.com/@HillsideAV and click on Live. Family flowers only. Private family burial at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the ‘Russell Walker Community Fund’ that will allow Russell’s commitment to the good of his community to continue and may be mailed to: Hillside United Church, 12 Flamingo Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 1S5.

More information will be made available about the Russell Walker Community Fund in the near future.