Russell Kanady
Jul 21, 1936 -
Dec 31, 2025
In Loving Memory of Russell Boyd Kanady
Surrounded by his loving family, Russell peacefully departed this world on Dec. 31, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska, at the age of 89. Russell was a devoted/loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His life was marked by adventure, kindness and unwavering love.
Russell was born on July 21, 1936, in San Diego, Calif., to Charlie and Helen Kanady. He attended Grossmont High School, where he met his soulmate, NancyAnn Kanady. NancyAnn and Russell Kanady were married on June 12, 1957, in the family's Granit House in Lakeside, Calif.; they were married for 67 years. Russell joined the Army in 1957, and he and Nancy moved to Fort Lewis in Tacoma. After the Army, they moved back to San Diego, where Nancy gave birth to Timothy Kanady in 1959, and Randall Kanady in 1960. The San Diego years were spent raising a family and many weekends were spent camping, fishing, trap shooting and socializing with the Lakeside Sportsman Club.
In 1972, Russell's dream of exploring Alaska became a reality. In summer 1972, the Kanady family drove up the Alcan Highway to Anchorage in a Chevy 3/4 ton camper and Blazer. Russell enjoyed many Alaska adventures, from exploring Prince William Sound, flying around Alaska in his Maule M5, floating many Alaska rivers and many hunting and fishing trips. After Tim and Randy went to collage, Russ and Nancy moved to Homer, Alaska, buying their home on West Hill Road with the million dollar view. The Homer years included family adventures exploring Kachemak Bay in the families Bayliner, catching lots of King crab, salmon, halibut and clamming
In the early 1980s, Russell and Nancy started spending time in Maui, Hawaii, during the winter. This quickly turned into them moving to Maui full-time in 1985. Living in Maui for Russell and Nancy was the end of the rainbow. Russ and Nancy started up Dolphin Realty in 1987, which became a very successful business built on Russell's sharp mind and tireless work ethic. They lived in several beautiful homes on the island, from beachfront Kihei to the hills of Kula, and welcomed countless friends and family over the years.
Russell enjoyed traveling the world. He explored nearly every continent—Africa, Australia, China, South America, Europe and North America—leaving only Antarctica untouched. He loved discovering new places, always curious to meet different people and learn about their culture.
To his family, Russell was more than a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather – he was a teacher of life's most important lessons. Through his words and actions, he showed us the meaning of honesty, humility, perseverance and unconditional love.
Russell is survived by his sister, Velmalyn Magill; sons, Tim Kanady (Lynn) and Randy Kanady (Judy); grandchildren, Shane (Jenna), Paige (Justin), Rachelle (Zac) and Mackenzie (Spencer); and great-grandchildren, Charlie, Bo, Harper, Brooks, Wyatt, Quincy, Banks and Jett. Russell's beloved spouse NancyAnn preceded Russell in death.
