Obituary of Martin Russell Schaffhauser

It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we announce the sudden loss of Martin Russell Schaffhauser. Martin died by suicide on March 7th, 2024. He was 47 years old.  

He will be forever missed by his partner of 23 years, Christa Schaffhauser (Gillis), his children, Morgan and Kael, his father Kurt, his siblings Iona and Kyle (Laura), step-sister Alexis (Vito), step-father Mil, aunties, cousins and many nieces and nephews.

Martin was born on May 10th, 1976, to Kurt Schaffhauser and the late Maggie Russell in Hereford, UK.  He spent the first decade of his life playing in the streams and bracken of the Black Mountains in Wales.  In 1985 he emigrated to Boulder, Colorado with his Shambhala Buddhist mother and siblings.  With the Rockies in his backyard he played among the trees and stony outcrops. Two short years later they moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia. He spent the rest of his childhood playing outside. He always found solace in nature.

As a young adult searching for his place in the world he lived in Vancouver,  Wales and Kathmandu. In Wales he was seeking a deeper connection with family. In Kathmandu he delved into Buddhism studying with lamas and monks. This was the beginning of a  lifelong dedication to spirituality and healthy mind/body lifestyles. He had a want and drive to be well and find peace within himself. 

Martin found home back in Halifax. He met and married Christa. He was Papa to Morgan June, from the moment he met her at age 2.  A few years later Kael Russell, his “little man” was born.  He continued to find calm in nature at their lakeside home.  There he was at ease listening to music with the breeze blowing through the open windows. “Farty Marty” loved playing in the water with his kids and  nieces and nephews or manning the BBQ surrounded by friends and family. When his mother’s health declined he and his family opened their doors and hearts to her. Martin’s mother was in their loving care until she passed.  He was utterly devoted to his family.

When not resting at home, he loved to travel to the far reaches of the world with his family. Together they zip lined in Costa Rica, swam in the Caribbean, island hopped in Thailand, spun prayer wheels in Nepal and went to music festivals in Montreal.  He found in adventure he could be bold.  He also honed his professional skills, as a successful painter and business owner.  He continued to find release in exercise and spirituality.

The big, tall, bearded, tattooed man with an infectious laugh and smile, is remembered for his pure heart and gentle spirit that touched everyone he encountered.  May he rest in eternal peace, knowing that his legacy of kindness, acceptance and love will endure.  
 

Oh, please don’t go-we’ll eat you up-we love you so!
Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are

A celebration of life will be held at the Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 2-5 p.m.