Obituary for Peter D. Russell
FORT EDWARD
Peter D. Russell, 82, passed away Friday, February 1, 2019 at the Southwestern Medical Center in Bennington, VT.
Born February 5, 1936 in New York City, he was the son of the late Dale Russell and Alice (Rojcewicz) Loughlin.
Peter attended Cobleskill University and Michigan State University where he studied soil conservation. It has been said that Pete could grow grass on concrete.
On February 7, 1954, he married Phyllis (McCullough) Russell spending 62 years together. They traveled throughout the United States, including driving the Alaskan Alcan (his daughters always in tow!). Peter fulfilled a lifelong dream of sailing “wherever he wanted” including sailing his beloved Naramata down the ICW to Key West, Florida. Prior to setting sail, he studied with the United States Coast Guard to obtain his Captains License. His wife Phyllis stated that “He saved her life everyday” navigating them both safely through the ocean waters…
Peter was a painter/contractor for many years. If you were his daughter, daughter’s boyfriend, a relative, a relative’s friend, or a friend of a friend you most likely worked for Peter. Pete painted everything from the old Crown Point bridge to the copper dome at Bolton School.
Never to sit idle, Peter built a reputation and a golf course (Pole Valley Player’s Club) in the retirement years of his life. His turkey feathered hat and his tenacious personality were known throughout the area.
Many people will miss his announced and unannounced Sunday morning visits. As busy as Peter was, he never missed his daughters or grandchildren’s sporting events.
Pete is predeceased by his parents, wife, special cousin, Jim Wilson, and his 1969 GMC Truck (Old Green).
Left to cherish his memory are his children; Michelle Russell (Andy Weihmiller), Valerie Strainer, Bobbi Whatley (Joel), and Renee Forbes (Steve), his grandchildren; Todd Mallory (Carrie), Jeff Strainer (Liz), Kevin Strainer, Dylan Whatley, and Mason Forbes, and his great-grandchildren; Justin Mallory (Reaghan), Emma and Kaelyn Strainer, Brooke Strainer, and Vanessa and Lauren Whatley.
Friends may call from 9am-12pm on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. A funeral service will follow the calling hours at 12pm. A celebration of life will be at the Idle Hour Club (30 Rogers Island Drive, Fort Edward) immediately following the services.
Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In honor of Peters’ love of the land and environment please plant a flower, bush or tree in his memory and watch it flourish….
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Danforth Adult home and Southwestern Vermont Medical Center for their support in caring for Peter.
To leave online condolences please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.
Peter D. Russell, 82, passed away Friday, February 1, 2019 at the Southwestern Medical Center in Bennington, VT.
Born February 5, 1936 in New York City, he was the son of the late Dale Russell and Alice (Rojcewicz) Loughlin.
Peter attended Cobleskill University and Michigan State University where he studied soil conservation. It has been said that Pete could grow grass on concrete.
On February 7, 1954, he married Phyllis (McCullough) Russell spending 62 years together. They traveled throughout the United States, including driving the Alaskan Alcan (his daughters always in tow!). Peter fulfilled a lifelong dream of sailing “wherever he wanted” including sailing his beloved Naramata down the ICW to Key West, Florida. Prior to setting sail, he studied with the United States Coast Guard to obtain his Captains License. His wife Phyllis stated that “He saved her life everyday” navigating them both safely through the ocean waters…
Peter was a painter/contractor for many years. If you were his daughter, daughter’s boyfriend, a relative, a relative’s friend, or a friend of a friend you most likely worked for Peter. Pete painted everything from the old Crown Point bridge to the copper dome at Bolton School.
Never to sit idle, Peter built a reputation and a golf course (Pole Valley Player’s Club) in the retirement years of his life. His turkey feathered hat and his tenacious personality were known throughout the area.
Many people will miss his announced and unannounced Sunday morning visits. As busy as Peter was, he never missed his daughters or grandchildren’s sporting events.
Pete is predeceased by his parents, wife, special cousin, Jim Wilson, and his 1969 GMC Truck (Old Green).
Left to cherish his memory are his children; Michelle Russell (Andy Weihmiller), Valerie Strainer, Bobbi Whatley (Joel), and Renee Forbes (Steve), his grandchildren; Todd Mallory (Carrie), Jeff Strainer (Liz), Kevin Strainer, Dylan Whatley, and Mason Forbes, and his great-grandchildren; Justin Mallory (Reaghan), Emma and Kaelyn Strainer, Brooke Strainer, and Vanessa and Lauren Whatley.
Friends may call from 9am-12pm on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. A funeral service will follow the calling hours at 12pm. A celebration of life will be at the Idle Hour Club (30 Rogers Island Drive, Fort Edward) immediately following the services.
Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In honor of Peters’ love of the land and environment please plant a flower, bush or tree in his memory and watch it flourish….
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Danforth Adult home and Southwestern Vermont Medical Center for their support in caring for Peter.
To leave online condolences please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.