Obituary of Russell "Russ" Varner

VARNER, Russell Gordon "Russ" — 69. It is with great sadness that the family of Russ Varner announce that he passed away on January 11, 2010, as the result of complications from a heart surgery. Born in Malagash, he was a son of the late Leah (Matthews) and Paul Varner. Russ suffered a huge loss in May 2005 when his wife and best friend, Edna Helen Varner "Dolly," passed away. Russ worked part-time in his retirement for Maphal Developments, driving the senior's bus, gardening and more recently at Melville Professional Center doing building maintenance. He was employed for the majority of his career with the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) and retired as the Manager of the Spryfield Liquor Store. Russ was an avid hockey enthusiast and sold 50/50 tickets for many years at the Forum for the Halifax Lions and various teams. He also played on many bowling leagues with his wife over the years. Russ was a former member of the Horseshoe Club in Spryfield. The Varner's are a musical family and Russ was no exception. He was a member of the Barbershop singers when he was younger and enjoyed playing several instruments. He lived much of his adult life in Spryfield; he loved his community and his neighbours. Russ's neighbours were much like a second family to him; spending time together, sharing meals and looking out for him. Russ is survived by his daughter, Heidi Brooks (Kevin); brothers, Loran (Florence), Clinton (Beverly) and Richard; sisters, Hazel Cooke (Bernie), Faye Hartlen (Ken); grandchildren, Helen, Matthew and Andrew; brother and sisters-in-law, Donna and Dennis Coolen and Allan and Pam Carpenter as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Earl, Raymond (Muriel), Carl (Doreen) and Buddy, and sisters, Ruth Russell (Ken) and Shirley Cameron (Ed). Russ had the biggest, softest heart and will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Visitation will be Thursday, January 14, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in J. Albert Walker Funeral Home, 149 Herring Cove Rd. A service will be held on Friday, January 15, in the chapel at the funeral home at 10 a.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia (423-7530 ext. 3301) or the Cardiovascular ICU Fund, QEII Foundation (473-7932). Condolences may be sent to family by visiting: www.walkerfh.com. A special thank you to Dr. Hirsch and his residents; nurses, Bev Siepierski, Robert Burke, and Cardiovascular Booking, Karen Ferreira.