Obituary of Russell Buell Hibbard

North Woodstock, CT - Russell Buell Hibbard, 86, of North Woodstock, CT, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 after a sudden illness. He was the middle son of the late Olive (Buell) and Clifford Hibbard. He was born May 7, 1928. He was predeceased by his brothers Carlton Hibbard and Stuart Hibbard. He leaves his nieces and nephews Loring, Bryant and his wife Cindy, Richard Hibbard, and Joann and Lisa Arsenault all of Grosvenordale. He also leaves his great nieces and nephews Courtney, Jarrod, Jay, Ryan, Nicole, Olivia and Demetri along with six great great nieces and nephews. In addition to his family, Russell also leaves his caregiver and friend Amanda Jackson. Russell was a graduate of Woodstock Academy's Class of 1946. He continued to work on the family farm for several years after high school, joining the United States Army in 1950. He proudly served his country in Munich, Germany until 1952. After returning home, he held various jobs, including 20 years at Belding Heminway as well as 15 years working for the State of Connecticut. Russell was a lifetime member of the North Woodstock Congregational Church; The National Grange as well as Senexet Grange; and the Connecticut State Employees Association. In March 2013, Russell received a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly honoring his 65 years of service to the Muddy Brook Fire Department. He was also a member of the Woodstock Agricultural Society and at the Woodstock Fair could be found in many of the various booths helping serve food, working the bingo tent, and in most recent years watching over the antique tractors. Russell’s quiet conversation and pleasant smile will certainly be missed by his family and friends. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held Saturday, May 9th at 12 noon at the Center Cemetery, Center Cemetery Road, Woodstock, followed by a 1:00 PM Memorial Service at the North Woodstock Congregational Church, Routes 169 & 198, Woodstock, followed by refreshments. Arrangements by Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam. Share a memory at www.smithandwalkerfh.com