Russell L. Nisbet Jr., of Nobleboro, died in peace at Miles Memorial Hospital on Feb. 7 after a long, valiant battle with Central Nervous System Lymphoma. Russ was born in Gardiner on Dec. 6, 1946 to Russell L. Nisbet Sr. and Glenda (Rice) Nisbet.
During the summer months as a young boy, Russ stayed with his grandparents on Pemaquid Trail and lobstered out of his skiff as a member of the “mosquito fleet” in Pemaquid Harbor.
Russ was raised in Hallowell and was a 1965 graduate of Hall Dale High School. During his school years, he played football and earned the status of co-captain in his senior year. He earned a football scholarship to William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa but his Maine roots were too deep and after a couple years, he returned home.
In 1968 he enlisted in the Navy and served honorably for four years on the Aircraft Carrier USS Independence. When he returned home, he went to work for Central Power Company; Norman Brackett on the F/V Candy B out of New Harbor, and he eventually ventured out on his own and purchased his first lobster boat. He was officially in business – the business he loved. Russ fished from that time on from the Pemaquid Harbor Coop until he was forced to retire due to his illness a few years ago.
Russ loved and enjoyed his children, grandchildren, pets and the serenity of the outdoors. Despite his cancer diagnosis, he defied all odds for a few years and was able to maintain his love of fishing and gardening.
Russ is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jennifer (Holmes) Nisbet; brother, Orville (Sandy) Nisbet and wife Laurie of Lincolnville; sister-in-law, Carolyn Holmes of Damariscotta; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Raymond and Martha Oelschlegel of Port Charlotte, Fla.; cousin and dear friend, Janet and Wayne Spiller of Chamberlain; children, Lewis Cameron and wife Michelle of Nobleboro, Gary Nisbet of Waldoboro, James Nisbet and wife Laurie of Whitefield, and Marjorie Smith and husband Shon of Wiscasset; eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews and dear friends. His journey would not have been possible without all these good people in his life.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund will be set up in his memory at Medomak Valley High School, Waldoboro, for students who would like to pursue a career in Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or Maine Marine Patrol. Please make contributions to RSU/MSAD 40 Central Office, c/o Karla Miller, Business Manager, P.O. Box 701, Union, ME 04862.
At Russ’s request, there will be no service and a burial at sea will be arranged with the family for sometime in the spring.
Arrangements are being made by Direct Cremation of Maine, Belfast.
