Russell Henry Gilbert, 87, passed away Tuesday evening January 10, 2012 in Rutland with his children by his side. Russell was a beloved man to all who knew him.
Russell was born on Maplewood Farm in Woodstock on August 15,1924. He was the second child of Persis (Wilfore) and Clinton Gilbert. He was raised on a farm in Prosper and after attending schools in Woodstock, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During World War II, he became a code clerk and was stationed in Versailles, France. As the war wound down he was assigned to SHEAF in Paris and also served with OMGUS in Berlin, Germany. While in France, Russell met and married Hélène Chapuis, his first love, and their daughter Martine was born in Versailles in 1945. Russell was predeceased by his wife Hélène in 1947. After his return to America, Russell met Alice "Polly" Hewitt of Pomfret and they were married in 1949. They bought their first farm in West Hartford and as they grew as a family and a farm, they made the decision to move to Blythedale Farm. Russell made his home and farm a unique place because he and Polly welcomed family, friends and visitors from both near and far throughout nearly five decades in Springfield. Russell and Polly lived on the farm together until her death in 1999. Two years later, he moved to Wallingford to be closer to family.
He made Wallingford his home and cultivated many friendships as he immersed himself in the community through playing Whist and frequenting the Victorian Inn. Russell's grandchildren were a source of great pride and love for him. His home was always a place for them to visit with their friends after school for a Grandpa-quality snack, namely, Oreos. In the summertime, swimming in the pool was also a great pastime for grandchildren and many others.
Russell remained a vibrant presence to his family and friends until his final days. He delighted in telling stories from the past to all and never stopped recalling new ones to share. He thoroughly enjoyed gardening both in and out of the house. His sense of humor was endless and he was great at delivering a practical joke. He also enjoyed a friendly competition whether it was over a game of Scrabble or debating whose tomatoes were going to ripen the fastest. Everyone who had the opportunity to know Russell, whether for a weekend or a lifetime, was enriched from the experience.
In addition to being predeceased by Hélène and Polly, Russell was predeceased by his parents, and a sister, Hilda Estey. He is survived by his brother Norman, who lives in Alamagordo, NM, many nieces and nephews including Barbara Estey and Norma Estey-Katz of Springfield. Russell leaves behind 6 children: Martine Gaggione and her husband Alain of Bouchemaine, France; Martin Gilbert and his wife Susan of Azle, TX; Tom Gilbert and his wife Jackie McCuin of Weathersfield; Shelley Watts and her husband Charles of Wallingford; Robin Gilbert and her wife Celeste of Bethel; and Susan Gilbert of Wallingford. Russell is survived by 14 grandchildren: Tiphaine Gaggione, Soizic Pean, Clotilde Blanchard, Maëlle Gaggione, Corentin Gaggione, Caleb and Nathanael Gilbert, Clint Gilbert, Erin McCuin, Jonathan and Cameron Watts, Emilie and Sophie Boulette and Julius Gilbert. Russell is also survived by 9 great grandchildren: Liam and Youna Pean, Ashley, Amy and Allison Gilbert, Antonin and Alexis Blanchard, Albin Gaggione and Noam Martin.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock and memorial services for Russell will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Woodstock at 1 p.m. Monday, January 16. Burial will be at a later date at Prosper Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that callers bring stories and memories to share.