Robert M. Russell

Robert M. Russell, age 92, of Upper Arlington, Ohio, left for heaven to be with his wife, Ruth, on February 3, 2017. He was born on October 28, 1924, in Larchmont, New York, and a wonderfully full life followed. After his family left New York, Bob spent his teen years in Arizona, where he graduated from Tucson High School. Bob subsequently graduated from Occidental College in California and Harvard University's Officer Training School, and then entered the United States Navy during World War II. While serving on the islands in the Pacific Ocean, Bob developed his love for the sea that he passed along to the rest of his family. After the war ended, Bob attended Princeton Theological Seminary, and this is where his life really began. Bob met the love of his life, his wife Ruth Mackay; they were married in 1950, and subsequently spent 63 wonderful years together. After their marriage, Ruth and Bob went to Scotland where their first son, Bob, was born. After returning to the United States, they moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where their son Tim and daughter Laurie were born. Their next stop was New Haven, Connecticut and Yale University, and this is where their final son, Chris, was born. In 1964, Ruth and Bob left New Haven, CT for Columbus, Ohio, and this is where they made their home for the remainder of their lives. In Columbus, Bob was an integral part of campus ministry at The Ohio State University for the next 50 years. He was the Presbyterian campus pastor at The United Christian Center and then served as pastor of Northminster Presbyterian Church. During this time, Bob was a preacher, a teacher, and a friend to many, many people. His selfless efforts led The Columbus Citizen Journal to name Bob one of Columbus' "Men of the Year" in 1974. Although he held innumerable positions within numerous organizations, his greatest role was that of husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. To know Bob was to love him. He was kind to all, compassionate, loving, and unconditionally sincere. While he will be missed, he is now where he should be - in heaven with God and with his wife, Ruth. "Pops" and "Ma" were the consummate couple the very essence of love, the very essence of commitment, and the very essence of kindness. Preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Katherine Benzie Russell. They are survived by his four children Bob (Madison, CT); Tim (Jill) (Phoenix, AZ); Laurie (Steve) (Charlotte, NC); and Chris (Kati) (Columbus, OH), twelve grandchildren Rob, Matt, Kevin, Geoffrey, Kate, Erin, Christie, Steve, Gannon, Jordan, Austin, and Josh and ten great-grandchildren Callum, Megan, Madelyn, Preston, Price, Reese, Stella, Claire, Mac, and Mary Katherine. A service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the Broad Street Presbyterian Church, located at 760 E. Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to the service, his family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow. Private graveside service and interment, Alton Darby Cemetery, Alton, OH. Arrangements by SOUTHWICK-GOOD & FORTKAMP FUNERAL CHAPEL. www.southwickfuneral.com