Martin Byrne Russell

Martin B. Russell, 87 year old Worland resident, passed away on June 11, 2006 at the Washakie Medical Center.

Martin was born on March 19, 1919 in Brewer, Maine, the son of Dr. James P. and Mary (Harvell) Russell. Marty was 7 years old when his father drowned in a boating accident. His mother then moved he and his older brother to Boston, MA where she taught school and continued to raise her sons.

Marty graduated from English High School (the oldest school in the country at that time) in Boston. He then enrolled in pre-med classes at the college William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He left school after two years because his love was to be a farmer.

Martin married Mary Newnham Maxwell on April 21, 1942. Of this union of 56 years, three children were born. Mary preceded him in death in March of 1998.

After many years of farming and mechanics at his own businesses in Robbinston and Calais, ME, Martin returned to school at the age of 48 and graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree from Gorham State College in Gorham, ME. He taught Distributive Education in Dexter, Maine and attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO during the summers where he received his Master’s Degree in Education in 1971. Upon graduating, Marty accepted a teaching position at Casper College, where he taught the Plant Maintenance Program for Pacific Power and Light in Glenrock. He then proceeded to initiate the photography program at Casper College in 1974 which flourished into a full time program.

Marty and Mary retired back to Dexter, ME after teaching and retiring at Casper College for 18 years. In 1996 the couple moved to Worland to be closer to their daughter due to ill health.

Marty was instrumental in developing the Photo Club in Casper, WY and also the Viewfinder’s Photography Club in Worland. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved the mountains and being outdoors. He loved a challenge and always did his best at whatever he did. Marty never met a stranger and enjoyed meeting and visiting with people.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mary, and an older sister.

Marty is survived by his sons: Charles M. Russell of Boston, MA; James (Susan) Russell of Casper, WY; daughter: Mary Ellen (Jerry) Girard of Worland, WY; granddaughters: Cindy (Gary) Craft of Sheridan, WY, Stephanie Shafer of Casper, WY, Grandsons: Chris (Lisa) Wallace of Sheridan, WY and Scott Shafer of Casper, WY, Great-grandchildren: Jamie, Grady, and Levi; Brother: James Russell of Norwood, MA, Sister-in-law: Sallie (Roy) Comstock of Calais, ME; adopted granddaughter: Missy Law of Casper and several nieces and nephews.