Russell H. Morgan passed away peacefully at his home in Woodstock on August 4, after a long battle with cancer.

Born the third child of Malcolm and Veronica (Gramling) Morgan on November 6, 1956, Russell proved athletic and adventurous in early life.  He graduated from WUHS in 1974 and from UVM with a bachelor's degree in business studies.  He departed on his motorcycle for the powder snow and good weather of Aspen Colorado for a period, then followed his father into the Banking industry for a very short stint. Not thriving in conformity, he returned to Woodstock for a career as a fine carpenter.

He had a hand in building or restoring many of the beautiful homes in the area, both on his own and for other contractors. Later he maintained a Cadre of older friends and clients who relied on Russell to keep their houses in shape, make any changes, or just lend some expertise in building and design.

He also had a passion for photography and took voluminous studies of nature and architecture which he printed in his own darkroom at home.  Stemming from this, he also moonlighted at 60 Minute Photo in the village, developing vacation snaps and wedding photos, and repairing many questionable exposures.

A true sportsman, he enjoyed fly fishing for wild trout and was a longtime trout Unlimited member.  He also supported numerous conservation charities like the Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund. Skiing was his avocation, and his Downhill technique was beautiful. A student of the European style, as espoused by the famous Suicide Six Ski School in the 1960's, some of his runs Out West were legendary.

He is survived by his Brothers Jerome and Dan (Karen) Morgan of Woodstock and his sister Diana Hamilton of Essex. Russell was predeceased by his parents Micky and Roni, and by a brother-in-law, Pat Hamilton.

At his request, there will be no funeral service, but his ashes will be buried in the Taftsville Cemetery near many generations of relatives.  In lieu of flowers, send a donation to your favorite animal shelter in memory of Russ, who never met a dog he didn't like and vice versa.