Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

Hope - Ronald W. Russell, Sr., 81, died suddenly, surrounded by his family, Friday, April 2, 2010 at Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport.
Born in Rockland, October 7, 1928, he was the son of George, Sr. and Hannah Saunders Russell. Ronald was educated in Rockland Schools.
Leaving high school early to enlist in the U.S. Army, Ron served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged early to return home and care for his father and the family farm.
Over the years Ron has been employed in a variety of positions in order to care for his family. At one point he worked with the Knox County Sheriff's Office, the Rockland Fire Department, was a truck driver and fish cutter.
In the 1950's, Ron married Pauline Triani in Rockland. Together they raised four children. Following their separation, the majority of his career was spent as a millwright where he traveled to mills throughout Maine repairing the workings there.
On May 9, 1969 Ronald married Carolyn Ann Dennison in Hope. The couple has resided on the family farm in Hope their entire married life. Ron and Carolyn raised their youngest son William on this farm.
Following his retirement, Ron enjoyed dealing in antiques. He was also an accomplished wood worker. His family remembered the large Indian he carved that once served as a landmark and directional signal in Hope. They said he had carved pieces of art for each of them. At one point he enjoyed furniture making, and built the home his family still lives in today. His son remembered the time they spent together building his post and beam home. They said he had a gift for wood working and could build anything he saw.
Ron had a great since of humor, and will be remembered as a great storyteller. His stories were never told the same way twice, and one could never be sure what to believe. He also enjoyed gardening and always had a garden going what ever season in was. He usually gave away whatever he grew.
Ronald was predeceased by three sisters, Beverly Russell, Dot Yeaton and Louise Irving, and a brother George Russell. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Russell of Hope; his sons, Ronald Rusell, Jr. and his wife Karen of South Thomaston, William Russell of Hope; his daughters, Linda Seelye, Phyllis Russell both of Rockland; a sister Zilda Kaler of Camden; a step-son Bernard Kuhn of Florida; six grandchildren, Brianne, Jenna, Natalie, Chelsey, Magen, and Clayton; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A celebration of Ronald's life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 8, 2010 at Grace Bible Fellowship, 30 Sherer Lane, Rockland. The Reverend Mike Ferland will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Department of Veteran Affairs, 1 VA Center, Augusta, Maine 04330, ATTN: Voluntary Services.