Dr. Russell N. Abbott, 87

Dr. Russell Abbott

Dr. Russell Abbott

OWLS HEAD — Dr. Russell N. Abbott, 87, a longtime resident of Rockland and Owls Head, passed away quietly on March 25, 2013, after a long illness.

Russell was born on May 4, 1925, in Hartford, Conn., and raised in West Medford, Mass., where he graduated from Medford High School. He graduated from Michigan State College in 1947 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with honors.

Russell married Doris Hampton, March 22, 1947, in Portage, Pa. Following graduation, Russ and Doris moved to Bangor, where Russ completed a residency in veterinary medicine before moving to Ash Point and then Rockland where he established the Rockland Animal Hospital, which he operated for over 38 years. His practice became more specialized as the field of veterinary medicine became more sophisticated and by the 1970s he specialized in veterinary ophthalmology, writing several major papers for publication in this emerging field.

He was a career-long member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Maine Veterinary Medical Association where he chaired the Education Committee for 17 years and was awarded the J.F. Witter Award for Outstanding Accomplishments.

During his years in the area, Russ was active in the Lions Club, the Maine Seafood (Lobster) Festival and the Rockland/SAD 5 School Board.

Russ was a devoted Christian and he and Doris were instrumental in the spiritual growth of the Owls Head Baptist Church. After retiring from veterinary medicine, he became an ordained American Baptist minister and served as a relief pastor for churches along the coast and throughout the islands. He was active in Macedonian Ministries and was selected to represent the United States at a worldwide Macedonian Ministries assembly in Great Britain. Russ spent countless hours each day studying the Bible and taught many Sunday school classes and Bible studies over the years. Later in life, Russ became a member of the West Rockport Baptist Church and enjoyed lively theological discussions with Pastor English.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Doris (Hampton) Abbott in 2004.

He is survived by his son, Randall Abbott of Fiskdale, Mass.; his daughters, Sharlene Abbott Schwalbenberg of Brownfield and Suzanne Philbrook of Owls Head; eight grandchildren; and twin great-grandsons.

Visitation was held on Friday, March 29, 2013, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of Russ’ life was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday. A reception followed at 104 Limerock, adjacent to the funeral home. To read a full obituary or share a memory with Russ’ family, please visit his Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com

In lieu of flowers and in appreciation of the loving care given by the Cushing Homestead staff, donations may be made to: The Cushing Homestead, Activity Fund, Homeshare, Inc., P.O. Box 389, South Thomaston, ME 04858.