By Tim Badgley
In earlier days Fran Russell sits inside the arms of her beloved husband Bill Russell. (Photo courtesy Russell family) |
More than 450 friends and family gathered at the home of B.J. Russell and Lori Crook in Round Pond to celebrate the lives of Fran and Bill Russell at an outdoor party given in
their honor and memory July 26.
Their passing was within 18 days of the other. Bill died June 20 and Fran July 8.
The Russell’s son, B.J. said there would be no organized program at the event or speeches made but simply a party to bring the community together to celebrate his
parents’ lives.
More than one person at the party said, “The entire village showed up.” Many more said that Fran and Bill would have loved being at the party.
“My grandparents were pretty fun and so is this party,” granddaughter Leigh Russell of Portland said. “I think they’d be bummed at not being here.”
Leigh said her family is very close, which is a reflection of the relationship her grandparents shared. Leigh said she repeatedly heard people tell her and members
of her family, “I can’t believe they’re so in love!”
Daughter-in-law Lori Crook said that many people mentioned Bill’s big smile and the warm way in which he greeted them at the King Ro Market in the center of Round
Pond.
After opening King Ro Manor as a home for veterans in 1966, Bill and Fran opened the King Ro Market next door in 1971. Twenty years later they sold the market to
their son B.J. In spite of the sale, Bill still rose early every morning to brew the coffee that would be ready when he opened the doors at 6 a.m.
“Bill opened the store seven days a week,” Crook said. “After he sold the store to B.J. he only missed one day when he and Fran were away on a trip.”
Virtually everyone at the party shared their fond memories of Fran and Bill.
While many remembered greeting Bill at the store, just as many told Lori Fran was the first person they met after moving to Round Pond. According to Crook, as soon
as new neighbors moved to the village, Fran would pay a visit with something freshly baked from her kitchen to warmly welcome them to the community.
Again and again during the party people told stories of the Russells’ generosity and spirit of giving to others in the community. While enjoying the lavish buffet
and open bar, either sitting at tables under the 20 by 40 foot tent, or standing on the back lawn surrounded by the meticulous garden tended by Crook, guests shared countless
memories of how Bill and Fran had helped them over the years.
Bill served as a volunteer fireman and chaired the Round Pond Village Improvement Society for a quarter-century. Fran founded The Helping Hands and served as its
president at the start in 1969.
Carol Wahle of Round Pond joined The Helping Hands after moving to the village in the mid-1980s. “She was sweet,” Wahle said. “At Christmas we made all of these huge
food baskets for the elderly who were shut-in.”
Wahle said The Helping Hands held two annual bean suppers at the Oddfellows Hall in Round Pond each summer and hosted the annual village-wide yard sale and auction
to raise funds to aid those in need.
Toward the end of Bill’s life, Sara MacCorkle, who together with her husband Leon are the new owners of Padebco Custom Boats in Round Pond, brought him flowers. She
was surprised when Bill welcomed her to his bedside and flashed her his unflagging smile.
“He was perky and happy, which was not what I expected,” Sara said. “We talked a little bit and he was just happy and very, very nice.”
Sara and Leon have found that same kind of friendliness in other Round Pond residents they have met. Leon said that while they still have a lot of people to get to
know yet, everyone they have met is “just awesome.”
Sara said that the party reflected that same friendly sense of community. “This is not about a funeral,” Sara said. “It’s about a community where you see everybody.
Everyone from the village is here.”
The Russells’ daughter Jill Daviero of South Portland said that as she drove in, she was amazed at the droves of people streaming out of their homes, down their
driveways and onto the road to walk to this party.
“They were both just great parents and good people,” Daviero said. “I want to celebrate their lives as everybody did today because they were such incredible people.
Everyone wanted to be a part of this celebration.”
