Reverend Russell Leon
Harding – 93, Bible
Hill, passed away peacefully, with his loving family at his side, on
Thursday afternoon, July 15, 2021, at Colchester East Hants Health
Centre, Truro. Born in Little Harbour, Shelburne County, he was a son
of the late Harold and Honora (Thorburn) Harding.
Russell attended school in Little Harbour and in the mid-40s,
he started fishing commercially; he and his brother, Harry, fished
together for 16 years. In 1956, he and Paula were married and started
their family, being blessed with two children, Arthur and Cynthia. He
was a member of Little Harbour United Church where he served as an
Elder and Sunday school teacher.
In 1966, Russell came ashore and he and his family moved to
Halifax so he could attend Pine Hill Divinity College, obtaining his
Bachelor of Theology and becoming an ordained minister in 1970 with
The United Church of Canada. He served pastoral charges in
Northumberland (NS), Scotsburn (NS), Chipman (NB), Crossfield (AB),
North Bedeque (PEI) and Sheet Harbour (NS).
He retired in 1993 and moved to Bible Hill and continued to
serve pastoral charge appointments in Maitland, Upper Londonderry and
Rawdon. In response to the shut-down of the cod fishery, he was also
involved in the establishment of Coastal Communities Network and
served as First Vice President for ten years representing Maritime
Conference. Russell also served his ministry in various other ways,
offering his knowledge and support to many worthwhile initiatives and
committees.
Russell is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Paula
(Telfer); son, Arthur Harding (Marian Fulton), Hantsport;
grandchildren, Ashley Harding (Kaitlin Fraser), Riverport; Evan
Harding, Vancouver, British Columbia; great granddaughter, Lily
Gibson; “bonus granddaughters”, Jennifer (Joey) LeBlanc, and
their children, Kyle and Corrilyn, Beaver Bank; Terri (Shaun)
Crockett, and their children, Andrew and Mary, Ontario; sister, Mabel
Harding-Arnold (Peter Arnold), Alameda, California. Along with his
parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Cynthia “Cindy”
(Fraser) MacIntosh; brothers, Harry (Eva) Harding, Ralph
Harding.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall –
Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Russell’s
family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
(Please use the front double doors of the funeral home, wear a mask,
register and practice physical distancing.)
Funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 21,
2021, at St. David’s United Church, corner of Pictou Road
and St. David’s Avenue, Bible Hill, April Hart officiating.
(Due to Covid-19 restrictions, seating is limited and
you must pre-register to attend the funeral service by calling
902-893-3177; thank you for your cooperation and
understanding. Webcasting of the funeral
service will begin at 1:55 p.m., Wednesday, July 21, 2021 and will
remain on this site for some time.) Interment at a
later date in Woodlawn Cemetery, Little Harbour, Shelburne
County.
Family flowers only, please. If so desired, donations in
Russell’s memory to St. David’s United Church or
Canadian Cancer Society are welcomed.
Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by
viewing Russell’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send
A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Reverend Russell Leon Harding 1928 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia