Russell Stetson Wing, age 81, of 5 Grove Road, Phippsburg, Maine, and Palm Harbor, Fla., died in Palm Harbor, Fla., from a head injury on Monday, March 2, 2015, at Suncoast Hospice.
Born on June 20, 1933, to Rubert and Sadie “Mimi” Wing in Greene, Maine, Russ graduated from Gorham High School in Gorham, Maine, class of 1952, apprenticed for four years as a draftsman at Saco-Lowell in Biddeford, Maine, and then joined the Jet Set at General Electric in Hooksett, N.H., designing tools to fix aircraft engines until he retired in 1992.
A lifetime member of the Elks, Russ loved to bowl, play golf, and take pictures of sunsets. He had a talent with both poker and dowsing for water. Although he enjoyed a robust lifestyle, he comported a quiet dignity and could turn the tide of opinion by posing just one question. Russ had a way of letting his children know what was expected and right without confrontation or criticism. His work ethic and generosity were a model for his children and grandchildren, whom he adored. He had a dry sense of humor and a calm demeanor, which earned him the nickname of “Mr. Perfect.”
He is survived by his wife Gerry of 30 years, sister Janice Weed and husband Norman, son Michael Wing and wife Judi of Milford, daughter Sarah Wing and partner Jon Gagne of Belmont, daughter Amy Wing of Laconia, stepdaughter Kimberly Decker Knight and husband Alex of Billerica, Mass., stepson Doug Decker and wife Jen of Rochester, stepson Keith Decker and wife Denise of Manchester, and grandchildren and stepgrandchildren: Josh Gagne, Madde Gagne, Matthew Kuehn, Molly Wing, Ben Knight, Eric Knight, Megan Knight, Taryn Decker, Amara Decker, Kelsey Decker, great-grandchild Malachi Kuehn, and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his first wife, Nancy Davis Wing of North Street, Laconia, siblings Randall Wing, Rita Smith, and Rena Sawyer, all from Gorham, Maine.
A celebration of Russ’ life will be held on Sunday, June 21 at his home in Small Point, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Phippsburg Fire Department at Phippsburg Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 83, Phippsburg, ME 04562.
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