AMHERST, NS – The obituary of a Nova Scotia family who died in a fire in a trailer a week ago provides further details on the mother, father and four young children.

Information released by a funeral home in Amherst, Nova Scotia indicates that funeral arrangements are underway for Robert Jorge (RJ) Sears, 30; Michelle Elaine Robertson, 28, and their children – Madison Anne-Marie Sears, 11, Robert (Ryder) Sears, eight, Jaxson Robertson, four, and Collin Justin (CJ) Sears.

The Office of the Fire Marshal issued a statement Friday saying the September 12 fire in remote Millvale, Nova Scotia was small but smoldering and created smoke and fumes that resulted in the deaths of the six people in the Passport Ultra Lite trailer.

Robert (Tony) Sears, RJ’s father, said in an interview on Saturday that a private service would be organized 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 was grateful for the outpouring of support, which included donations to help cover funeral and other expenses and came from their home community of Amherst and across Canada.

Robert Jorge Sears, who goes by RJ, is described in the obituary as Michelle’s loving companion; father of Madison, Ryder and CJ, and stepfather of Jaxson.

“He was a hard worker who loved hunting, especially in his grandfather’s camp, fishing and loved sports. Above all, he was a dedicated father who always made children his top priority. “, did he declare.

The obituary indicates that Robertson was a graduate of the Nova Scotia Community College nursing program and had recently started working at Gables Lodge.

“She knew what it meant to be a friend and was loved by everyone. However, the role she excelled in was being a mother and she adored her children,” he adds.

The obituary notes each child’s nicknames, describing the eldest daughter as “Chatty Maddy,” a 6th grade student who loved animals, drawing, sports and beanies.

He describes “Spider Ryder” as a grade 3 student at Cumberland North Academy who was “a little shy” but was constantly active and cartwheeling.

The second youngest, “Action Jaxson”, is described as being enthusiastic about entering kindergarten and “wise for someone his age”, who can often be found dancing. on his favorite tunes and playing with his motorcycles.

The obituary says three-year-old CJ may have been the shortest but was already trying to be a “big boy.” “He admired, did his best to follow and was often the shadow of his big brothers,” he says.

The family will be buried together in Amherst cemetery.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 18, 2021.

The Canadian Press