Howard Bingham "Bing" Russell

1935 - 2013

Russell, Howard Bingham "Bing" Passed away on Friday October 25, 2013 at the age of 78 years, the result of complications from cardiac arrest. Husband to Kay (Ritzman). Father to Ward, Charles, J.D. and Kate Ferguson (John). Grandfather to Lorden Russell, Sarah and Collin Ferguson. Proceeded in death by his parents Howard Somes Russell and Nellie Elizabeth Bingham. Survived by other relatives, friends and former colleagues. Bing was born in Superior, WI on October 5, 1935 and was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison where he received his BS and MS degree in Finance and Economics in 5 years. He began his lifelong financial career in the Trust department of Chase Manhattan Bank on Wall Street, New York City in 1959. During this time he joined the New York National Guard and received his 2nd Lieutenant Commission from the New York State Military Academy in 1960. In January 1961, he enrolled in the officers training program at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Upon completion in April, he joined the investment firm Bingham-Sheldon in Milwaukee, and transferred to the 32nd Division of the Wisconsin National Guard. In October 1961 his career was interrupted during the Berlin Crisis by the call-up of the guard to Ft. Lewis Washington. Upon his return to Milwaukee in 1962, Bing rejoined the investment firm Bingham-Sheldon in Milwaukee. In 1965 the principal of the firm merged with Robert W Baird, where Bing remained until his recent retirement as Senior Vice President. Bing's number one passion in life was his life work within the financial industry. He truly enjoyed the thrill of the daily financial market nuances. Bing was an automobile enthusiast, an avid bird hunter, snowmobiler, Packer and Badger fan, tennis, squash and golf player. He enjoyed old movies, especially military, music from the big band era, history, science and travel. A memorial gathering is planned for Wednesday, October 30th at the University Club, 924 East Mason Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 from 4-6PM. Bing will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues and clients.