Camden — Clifton J. "Cliff" Russell passed on Sept. 17, 2016, away at the age of 91, after a very brief stay at Sussman House in Rockport.

Cliff was born March 19, 1925, in Cambridge, Vt.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Helen (Hall) Russell; his sister, Elizabeth Ayers of Connecticut; a stepson, Dana (Virginia) Marriner of Augusta/West Gardner; his stepdaughters, Candice (Tobey) Crane of Ketchum, Idaho, and Cheryl (Stephen) Beveridge of Camden; along with five children in Vermont; 10 grandchildren and their spouses; 21 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Leon Russell; his mother, Agnes (Jackman) Russell; his brother, David; and his stepson, Wayne Marriner.

Cliff served in the Navy during World War II, in the South Pacific, until being discharged Feb. 5, 1946. Cliff was a certified ski instructor, working in both Stowe, Vt., and Camden. He was a certified welder by trade, working in Connecticut and at various locations in Maine. Following his welding career, Cliff and his wife, Helen, operated a store/restaurant in Liberty until 1980, where many people enjoyed his cooking and his gift of gab.

Hunting and fishing were passions of his. Being the outdoorsman he was, his favorite occupation was working as a golf course groundskeeper. Cliff finished his career by working many years at Megunticook Golf Club, retiring at the age of 89. He was so proud of the club that his family gave him the title "Unofficial Greeting Ambassador" of the club.

He was always someone with a kind and warm greeting for those he met. Cliff will be missed by all who knew him.

Services and a celebration of life will be held on Friday, Sept. 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Rockport Masonic Center, where Cliff was a member, located on Main Street (near Simonton Corner) in Rockport. There will be a brief Masonic service and eulogy, followed by a reception. All are welcome.

Contributions in lieu of flowers can be sent to either the Sussman House of Maine Health Care at Home, 40 Anchor Drive, Rockport, ME 04856 or Hospice at 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841.