A Gilead Good-bye

[We’ve already had a Silverback tribute to Carl Russell, but I thought the way he left us was equally noteworthy. A small group of friends and neighbors gathered at Earthwise Farm and made a solemn procession up the logging trail following the brace of oxen pulling the cart bearing the plain pine coffin that held his mortal remains. The box was made from boards milled from a tree on his land. The team wam was driven by daughter Tuilelaith and son Timber. Wife Lisa presided over all. Fond remembrances were shared. It was a perfect day. Everything fit within the landscape. And now so does Carl. SB SM]

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 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”.

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: Victoria, Christopher, Andy, Emma, Sarah, Erland, Jonathan and Bob Jr.  He was predeceased by his parents.

A celebration of his life and potluck reception will be held Saturday, June 25^th, 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.