The Earth as my canvas, Life is the easel, My being the brush, I paint my dreams. ~ C.B.R. '90
Carl B. Russell, 62, of Bethel Gilead, died unexpectedly in his sleep on Thursday morning, June 9, 2022 in the early hours of the morning at his home.
He was born February 1, 1960 in Marblehead, MA; the son of Charles B. & Mary (Brennan) Russell. Carl was raised in Norwich and Bethel, and graduated from Hanover High School and the University of Vermont. Carl lived all of his life on his family property in Bethel. He started Russell Forestry Services in 1986, specializing in ecological forestry and low impact timber harvest. He also owned and operated Earthwise Farm and Forest, an organic, regenerative, draft-animal powered farm, with his wife and children.
Carl was married to Lisa McCrory in Bethel Gilead on September 15, 2001. He was a co-founder of the Draft Animal-Power Network, past Board Member of Rural Vermont, and a Selectboard Member Chair for the town of Bethel. Carl enjoyed having deep conversations, living, loving, being with family, writing poetry, and working in the woods. As written by his daughter, Tuilelaith, "He was a humble warrior; someone who embodied love, courage and commitment in the purest and most encompassing ways ever witnessed".
A celebration of his life and potluck reception will be held Saturday, June 25th, starting at 1 pm on Carl and Lisa's pasture, located at the intersection of Macintosh Hill Rd and Gilead Brook Rd. All are welcome to attend.
A private green burial is taking place on Carl's farm, where he will be laid to rest in a pine box, milled from trees that he harvested, built with love by his family and friends, and being drawn to his final resting place by his team of oxen.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Draft Animal-Power Network. Address: PO Box 24, Greenwich, NY 12834 or https://www.draftanimalpower.org/donate-advertise
Online condolences may be left at www.dayfunerals.com. Arrangements are by Day Funeral Home in Randolph.
Photo of Carl B. Russell submitted by family
Survivors include his wife Lisa McCrory; daughter Tuilelaith Russell-McCrory; sons Timber Russell, Bazel Russell; his sister Martina Green; and some newly discovered siblings thanks to the magic of DNA testing: Bob Jr, Victoria, Christopher, Andy, Emma, Sarah, Erland, and Jonathan. He was predeceased by his parents.
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Died in Bethel Gilead, Vermont
A celebration of his life and potluck reception will be held Saturday, June 25th, starting at 1 pm on Carl and Lisa's pasture, located at the intersection of Macintosh Hill Rd and Gilead Brook Rd. All are welcome to attend.