Obituary of Russell W. "Bud" Colbert

NORWOOD – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a loving husband and devoted father, Russell (Bud) W. Colbert, 88, a longtime resident of 452 Austin Ridge Road, Norwood. Family and friends may call at the Buck Funeral Home in Norwood on January 4, 2025 from 1:00-3:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 3:30 with Mother Kathryn Bowell presiding. Russell will be laid to rest in the Oswegatchie Memorial Park, Ogdensburg. Russell passed away peacefully Monday evening, December 30, 2024. Russell is survived by his wife Barbara of 46 years; a son, John Spotswood and his fiancé, Coleen Goss, Myrtle Beach, SC; a daughter, Sue (Spotswood) and her husband Douglas Schipper, Oswego; as well as his nieces and nephews, Jeff and Judith Rutkowski, Phyllis Markle, Nanette Rutkowski Nelson, Elizabeth (Betsy) Rutkowski, Janet Graven and many great nieces and nephews. Russell was pre-deceased by his parents and a sister Doris and her husband Nick Rutkowski. Russell was born in Cortland, NY on July 3, 1936, to the late Russell E. and Caroline Bingham Colbert, Russell grew up on his parents' dairy farm and graduated from Norwood-Norfolk Central School. After graduation, Russell entered the U.S. Army in 1957. He worked on his family farm, the Massena Seaway and then he worked many years at Reynolds Metal, Massena where he retired. He married Barbara J. Michaud Spotswood on September 11, 1978. In his free time, Russell enjoyed the outdoors, his Farmall tractor, and spending time with his friends and family. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His warm smile, and kind spirit touched the lives of all who crossed his path. Russell's family sends special thanks to his family and friends that became part of his support team, Sammy and Sharon Colbert, Charlie Colbert, Butch Morgan, Coleen Goss and many others that were there for him throughout his fight with Alzheimer's. Also, to the staff at the Canton-Potsdam hospital, Observation ward that took such wonderful care of him while fighting such a horrific disease. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Potsdam humane Society and memories and condolences may be shared online at http://www.buckfuneralhome.com. The Buck Funeral Home in Norwood is serving the family of Russell W. Colbert.