James Russell Yates, known to all by Russell, 88 years, a resident of Kennebunk died November 10, 2014 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House with his family by his side.

He was born in Biddeford, Maine on January 6, 1926, the son of William A. Yates and Angie Hill Yates. Russell lived in Kennebunk all of his life. He graduated from Kennebunk High School, class of 1944, and joined the Army Air Force in September, 1943. Russell was part of the 910th Air Engineering Squadron in Italy. He was discharged as a CPL at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Russell returned to help run the family hotel, The Sagamore, later known as The Sea Spray, during the summers while attending college in Portland, Maine and the University of Miami, in Florida. He married Barbara Evans in 1951. He belonged to the Reserve Police Department in Kennebunk and worked on the town charter. He served on the Budget Board and
recorded town meetings for several years. He was a member of two Masonic bodies. He became the High Priest RAC for two years as well as Past Master and Secretary of York Lodge.
Russell worked for the U.S. Postal Service until his first retirement. He then worked maintenance at Host Marriott for another 19 years.

He was talented at fixing most anything for friends and family. He enjoyed canoeing and cross-country skiing. His passions were traveling and taking cruises with Barbara, his wife.

Russell is survived by his wife, Barbara of 63 years. He leaves three sons, Steve and his wife, Alice, Bill, and Jay and his wife, Eileen, one daughter, Susan and her husband, Jim. He also leaves 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 2-5PM at the Dorothy Stevens Center, 80 Thompson Road, West Kennebunk.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, Maine 04074 in Russell Yates' honor.

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk.
www.bibberfuneral.com