Russell Ernest Thistlewood

Russell Ernest Thistlewood, 55

OTISFIELD - Russell Ernest Thistlewood, 55, of Bell Hill Road, died peacefully at Stephens Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family on Sept. 25, 2005.

Born in Portland, he was one of six children of Russell C. and Arlene Giroux Thistlewood. \ In 1968 he graduated from Portland High School. As a letterman he set many records in track and field.

Russell enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in 1968 and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War where he received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle. While enlisted Russell received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon.

Russell was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 197. Russell worked for the United States Postal Service in Biddeford until he retired.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and riding his ATV.

Russell and his wife Shirley Allen Thistlewood have been together 25 years, where they lived in Gorham. In 1999 Russell and Shirley moved to Otisfield to enjoy retirement in a country setting.

Russell shared a love for all sorts of animals and was especially fond of his dog, Shadow.

Russell was predeceased by his mother, Arlene in 1997.

Surviving are his father, Russell Thistlewood of Colorado; wife ,Shirley Thistlewood of Otisfield, three children, Russell Thistlewood of Hollis, Steven Thistlewood and wife Stacy of Limington, and daughter, Jennifer and husband John Swain of South Portland; brother, Brian Thistlewood and wife Monica of Auburn; sister, Vicky Lee of Georgia; brother, Michael Thistlewood and wife Catherine of Colorado; sister, Maria Huet of Florida; and sister, Robin Thistlewood of Colorado. Russell was also blessed with three grandchildren, Deven and Abigail Thistlewood of Limington, and Nicholas Swain of South Portland.

Russell was deeply loved and cherished and will forever be missed by family and friends.

A visiting hour will be held Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Dolby & Dorr Funeral Chapel, 76 State Street, Gorham, from 12-1 p.m. where a funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Eastern Cemetery, Main Street, Gorham.

The family would like to express our thanks to the caring staff at the Stephens Memorial Hospital for their extraordinarily compassionate care and support in our time of need.

Russell Ernest Thistlewood