Mr Russell Calder

13 December 19334 May 2024

CALDER, Russell: Passed away at Earnest Rutherford Retirement Village on Saturday May 4 2024. 
Loved husband of the late Beryl , loved father and father-in-law of Gordon & Margot , David & Jenny , Barry & Helen. Treasured Grandfather to Scott & Catlin, Kate & Alistair, David & Debbie, Nick & Diana , Alice & Jono , Joe & Robyn & Great Grandfather  to Alex , Elsie, Flynn, Archie, Kara, Rose, Olive, Hugo , Freya & Rupert. 
Our sincere thanks to all the  staff at Ernest Rutherford Rest Home for their love and care of our Dad. 
A celebration of life for Russell will be held at the Shone and Shirley Funeral Home 164 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson at 1.30pm on Thursday 9th May followed by a private cremation. Messages can be sent to 164 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson 7011 or online at www.shoneandshirley.com/tributes

Funeral service held at Shone & Shirley Funeral Directors

Tributes

In loving memory of Russell, affectionately known to a few of us as Grandad, a man whose presence illuminated our lives with warmth, laughter, and boundless generosity. Fond memories of Grandad are woven into the fabric of our lives, from the joyous moments shared around the table during Christmas lunches where the "lucky money cake" always brought smiles, even as he humorously always seemed to claim the unlucky button for himself, to his failed attempts at teaching a young man the “Spoons” as an instrument. Alas, it continues; another generation of Calders that is “musically challenged”. But his patience and gentle guidance in his endeavour remain etched in my heart, as does the memory of our hand-in-hand walks up Nana and his long and steep driveway, a testament to his steadfast love and care. Grandad possessed qualities that inspired admiration and respect in all who knew him. His unwavering sense of humour, coupled with his selfless nature, lit up every room he entered. No more so than by his timeless response to the question of his favourite whisky, reminding us that there's no such thing as bad whisky. Cheers to you, Grandad. Whether mastering the art of bowls or tackling the golf course, with 'persistence', Grandad approached life with determination and a twinkle in his eye, proudly displaying his Hole-in-one balls, even if I never quite caught a glimpse of him ever getting close to sinking one. As we honour Grandad's memory, let us cherish the legacy he leaves behind. He would want to be remembered for his boundless positivity, his infectious humour, and, above all, his profound love, loyalty, and devotion to his family and friends. May his spirit live on in our hearts, a guiding light of love and joy, forever cherished and deeply missed. Cheers and rest in peace, Grandad Russell, knowing your love and laughter will echo through generations to come.

Nicholas
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