In Loving Memory
Carl Brennan Russell
(February 1, 1960 - June 9, 2022)
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Bethel Gilead, VT
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 in the early hours of Thursday, June 9, 2022.
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He was born February 1, 1960 in Marblehead, Massachusetts; 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, where he earned a degree in Forestry.
Carl lived all of his life on his family property in Bethel, VT. He started Russell Forestry Services in 1986, specializing in ecological forestry and low impact timber harvest using draft horses and oxen on his farm, and consulting for many private land owners who appreciated is unique approach to Forest Management.
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He also operated Earthwise Farm and Forest, an organic, regenerative, draft-animal powered farm that he started with his wife, Lisa, in 2003.
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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 the White River Partnership, and a past 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”.
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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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A private green burial took place on Carl & Lisa's farm where Carl was laid to rest, on June 15th, in a pine box, milled from trees that he harvested, built with love by his family and friends, and drawn to his final resting place by his team of oxen.
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A Celebration of Carl's life was held on Saturday, 6/25/22 under a large tent in Carl & Lisa’s pasture on the Gilead Brook Road. The service was filled with stories of Carl’s life which included much laughter, music, some tears, and do much love. A potluck meal was shared and some wandered up to Carl's final resting place (about a mile's walk on the property)
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