Obituary published in Amherst, N.S., describes family of six who died in trailer fire
The obituary of a Nova Scotia family who died in a fire in a travel trailer a week ago is providing further details about the mother, father and four young children.
The information published by a funeral home in Amherst, N.S., says funeral arrangements are underway for Robert Jorge (R.J.) Sears, 30; Michelle Elaine Robertson, 28, and their children -- 11-year-old Madison Anne-Marie Sears, eight-year-old Robert (Ryder) Sears, four-year-old Jaxson Robertson and three-year-old Collin Justin (C.J.) Sears.
The Office of the Fire Marshal issued a release on Friday indicating the fire on Sept. 12 in remote Millvale, N.S., was small but smouldered and created smoke and fumes that led to the death of all six in the Passport Ultra Lite trailer.
Robert (Tony) Sears, R.J.'s father, said in an interview Saturday a private service will be arranged based on public health rules for COVID-19, with options still being considered for the best time and place to allow family and friends to attend.
He said the family has been grateful for the outpouring of support, which has included donations to help cover funeral costs and other expenses and has come from their home community of Amherst and across Canada.
Robert Jorge Sears, who goes by R.J., is described in the obituary as the loving companion of Michelle; father of Madison, Ryder and C.J., and stepfather to Jaxson.
"He was a hard worker who loved hunting, especially at his grandfather's camp, fishing and enjoyed sports. Above all, he was a dedicated father who always made the children his top priority," it said.
The obituary says Robertson was a graduate of the nursing program at the Nova Scotia Community College and had recently started working at Gables Lodge.
"She knew what it meant to be a friend and was loved by all. However, the role she excelled at was being a mother and she adored her children," it adds.
The obituary notes the nicknames of each child, describing the oldest girl as "Chatty Maddy," a Grade 6 student who enjoyed animals, drawing, sports and beanies.
It describes "Spider Ryder" as a Grade 3 student at Cumberland North Academy, who was "a little shy," but was constantly active and doing cartwheels.
The second youngest, "Action Jaxson," is described as being excited to be entering pre-primary school and "wise for someone his age," who could often be found dancing to his favourite tunes and playing with his motorbikes.
The obituary says three-year-old C.J. may have been the smallest, but he already was attempting to be a "big boy". "He looked up to, tried his best to keep up with, and would often be his big brothers' shadow," it says.
The family will be buried together in the Amherst Cemetery.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 18, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Friday that Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.