This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RonColby41 Surnames: Colby, Cushing, Stoll, Blake Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.colby/1202/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Russell Martin Colby III COLBY, RUSSELL MARTIN III - 58, of Gardiner, Feb. 15, 2009. Celebration of life, Russell & Barbie's home, Gardiner, Aug. 8. Burial, Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. Gathering, 1-4 p.m., Feb. 28, home of Wendy & Tom Caron, 19 Turkey Hill Dr., Boothbay Harbor. =============================================== Russell Martin Colby III (Feb 19, 1950 - Feb 15, 2009) Russell Martin Colby III, 58 GARDINER -- Russell Martin Colby III, 58, of 323 Old Gardiner Rd., Gardiner, passed away peacefully of cancer on Feb. 15, 2009, at Togus, surrounded by his loving wife, Barbara; his son, Rhett; and many of his friends and family having said their good-byes. Russell was a free spirit loved by all. He touched so many lives in such a positive way. Russell loved being at his 'farm,' where he and Barbara shared their love of their gardens with Looka (his dog) and Annie (their cat), and enjoying the wild birds, flowers and all God's creatures. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, gardening, riding his 'Harley;' collecting a little bit of everyone and everything he knew; and his precious moments with his wife, son, brother, sister and many, many buddies. His journeys on his bike make us smile because he loved that time and the happiness it brought him and all around him. A Viet Nam Veteran proud of serving his country, he served in the Army as PFC beginning on Dec. 29, 1969, returning home Jan. 28, 1971. We are all at peace knowing he's at rest. Russell attended South Portland High School. He was an artist, carpenter, collector, a Historian and an advisor. His wisdom has helped the growth of all he knew. He was predeceased by his mom, Geneva Cushing Colby, his dad, Russell Martin Colby Jr.; and his sister, Wendy Colby Stoll. He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara Blake Colby of Gardiner; his son, Russell Martin Colby IV; his grandsons, Slade Colby and Ryder Colby of Pensacola, Fla.; his sister Judy Colby Jordan of Boothbay Harbor and Peaks Island, his brother, William Cushing Colby and his wife Susan Lord Colby; nieces, Christine Colby and Jessica Colby of South Portland, Wendy Caron of Boothbay Harbor, Kimberley Millican of Sunrise, Fla., and Cindy Nelly/Alcorn of Gainesville, Fla., his nephew Charles Stoll; aunt Marjorie Cushing Churchill of South Portland, aunt Ruth Greene of Bath; and several great-nieces, cousins and nephews. At Russell's request there will be no funeral or visiting hours. There will be a 'Celebration of Life' at Russell and Barbie's home in Gardiner on Aug. 8, 2009. All are welcome. Russell will be laid to rest at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta. There will be a 'gathering' of friends and family from 2-4 p.m. on Feb. 28, at the home of Wendy and Tom Caron, 19 Turkey Hill Dr., Boothbay Harbor. Bring your love, memories and pictures to share. You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Colby family by visiting Russell's guest book at www.mem.com. Russell Martin Colby III ============================ Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.