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A. G. Russell Passed Away
- Thread starter WoodManGM
- Start date
Here's the obituary that was sent to A. G. Russell customers:
A.G. Russell, III passed away Friday, October 12, 2018 at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, AR. Born in Eudora, AR on August 27, 1933 to Andrew G. Russell, Jr. and Odessie Marter Russell, he graduated high school in Long Beach, California, served in the U.S. Army, and worked in various sales ventures in California before moving his young family to Northwest Arkansas in 1964. He attended the University of Arkansas in the mid 1960s where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife and business partner of 30 years, Goldie Russell, children A.G. Russell, IV (Ginger), Kay Russell, Susan Wharton (Wayne) all of Springdale, AR and son Thomas Russell of Durango, CO, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Odessa Parker and brother Willliam (Bill) Russell, both of Abilene, TX, several nieces and nephews, and scores of friends the world over.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 21, 2018. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Westfield Chapel in Springdale, AR. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Lakeview Baptist Church, Cave Springs, AR. Interment will be at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens, Rogers, AR. Pallbearers will be members of the staff of A. G. Russell Knives. Members of his family will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Arrangements by Westfield Chapel, Springdale, AR.
In lieu of flowers, based on A. G.'s wishes, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to one or more of the following:
-Emergency Fund, Veterans Resource and Information Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville-Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org)-Freedom Service Dogs of America (FreedomServiceDogs.org)-American Legion (Legion.org)-Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA.org)
An industry celebration of A. G.'s life is planned for mid-November. Details will be announced at a later date by e-mail, the company website and social media.
A.G. Russell, III passed away Friday, October 12, 2018 at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, AR. Born in Eudora, AR on August 27, 1933 to Andrew G. Russell, Jr. and Odessie Marter Russell, he graduated high school in Long Beach, California, served in the U.S. Army, and worked in various sales ventures in California before moving his young family to Northwest Arkansas in 1964. He attended the University of Arkansas in the mid 1960s where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife and business partner of 30 years, Goldie Russell, children A.G. Russell, IV (Ginger), Kay Russell, Susan Wharton (Wayne) all of Springdale, AR and son Thomas Russell of Durango, CO, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Odessa Parker and brother Willliam (Bill) Russell, both of Abilene, TX, several nieces and nephews, and scores of friends the world over.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 21, 2018. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Westfield Chapel in Springdale, AR. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Lakeview Baptist Church, Cave Springs, AR. Interment will be at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens, Rogers, AR. Pallbearers will be members of the staff of A. G. Russell Knives. Members of his family will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Arrangements by Westfield Chapel, Springdale, AR.
In lieu of flowers, based on A. G.'s wishes, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to one or more of the following:
-Emergency Fund, Veterans Resource and Information Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville-Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org)-Freedom Service Dogs of America (FreedomServiceDogs.org)-American Legion (Legion.org)-Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA.org)
An industry celebration of A. G.'s life is planned for mid-November. Details will be announced at a later date by e-mail, the company website and social media.
And here's a biography that came in the same email as the obituary above:
A.G. made his first knife at the age of nine in the family's blacksmith shop in Southeast Arkansas. A.G. Russell Knives, a presence in NW Arkansas since the mid-60s, began on the kitchen table of his farm near War Eagle Mill where he sold Arkansas sharpening stones through ads in gun magazines. Once pocketknives were added to his inventory, the names he collected from magazine sales enabled him to form the first mail-order knife company in the country.
A visionary, he traveled the U.S. from Florida to Alaska in the late 1960s where he met and befriended many knifemakers who became legends in handmade knives in America and around the world. At his encouragement, he along with twelve men met and conceived the Knifemakers Guild which came to be in the very early 1970s. A. G. was named Honorary President. This organization is still in existence today.
Promoting knifemakers and the knife industry was his passion for the rest of his life. The many, many industry achievements throughout his lifetime included being the first member of the Knife Digest Cutlery Hall of Fame. At that time the editor, William L. Cassidy, stated, "It's time to favor you with a bit of history and a bit of public celebration. The history in question is the history of America's 'knife boom' and the celebration is the grateful acknowledgement of the man who made it happen. People who know him will say that every month he freely spends his time, money, and energy promoting knives and knifemaking. Indeed, it is to Andy Russell that we owe the American Knifemakers Guild, the big annual knifemaking shows, the resurgence of knifemaking as a respected profession, and finally cutlery's new boost in popularity. Rest assured of one fact my friends, the credit is Russell's and his alone. A.G. Russell has done more for cutlery than any man living. Thanks, Andy."
From his father, a survivor of the March Out of Bataan, A.G. gleaned a strong sense of patriotism and responsibility. He was an Army brat who was raised to be proud of who he was as an American and believed that he was special because of it. In 2004, he began a program to support the troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Care packages, as a part of his "War on Troop Boredom", included a pocket size copy of the U.S. Constitution, a knife, paperback books, magazines, field tweezers, CDs, DVDs, and bandages, among other things were sent to troops serving in those areas. Accepting donations from his customers and industry friends, this successful outreach program impacted thousands of our men and women serving in those areas. He was especially proud to hear from many soldiers who were thankful to be remembered while away from their families serving our country.
Often referred to as the grandfather and elder statesman of the knife industry, one of A. G.'s most favorite things to do was work with customers in the store, particularly young children. A natural salesman, he could be found, most days and almost every Saturday, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. behind the counter, educating customers, telling stories and showing off his newest designs. He was known to carry no less than six knives on his person at any given time.
He was a force in the lives he touched. There will never be another friend to the cutlery industry as passionate or honest as he was. As a friend once stated, 'A.G. has forgotten more about knives than any other person will ever learn about them.' He leaves a remarkable legacy. He will be missed.
A. G. was preceded in death by sister Dorothy Patricia Russell, who passed at five years of age, his mother Odessie Russell, his father A.G. Russell, Jr. and step-mother Kitty Russell, brother-in-law, Robert (Bob) Parker and multiple uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Honorary Pallbearers: Bill Russell, A.G. Russell IV, Thomas Russell, Andrew Russell V, David Russell, Russell LaFarlette, Robert LaFarlette, Cullen Wharton
A.G. made his first knife at the age of nine in the family's blacksmith shop in Southeast Arkansas. A.G. Russell Knives, a presence in NW Arkansas since the mid-60s, began on the kitchen table of his farm near War Eagle Mill where he sold Arkansas sharpening stones through ads in gun magazines. Once pocketknives were added to his inventory, the names he collected from magazine sales enabled him to form the first mail-order knife company in the country.
A visionary, he traveled the U.S. from Florida to Alaska in the late 1960s where he met and befriended many knifemakers who became legends in handmade knives in America and around the world. At his encouragement, he along with twelve men met and conceived the Knifemakers Guild which came to be in the very early 1970s. A. G. was named Honorary President. This organization is still in existence today.
Promoting knifemakers and the knife industry was his passion for the rest of his life. The many, many industry achievements throughout his lifetime included being the first member of the Knife Digest Cutlery Hall of Fame. At that time the editor, William L. Cassidy, stated, "It's time to favor you with a bit of history and a bit of public celebration. The history in question is the history of America's 'knife boom' and the celebration is the grateful acknowledgement of the man who made it happen. People who know him will say that every month he freely spends his time, money, and energy promoting knives and knifemaking. Indeed, it is to Andy Russell that we owe the American Knifemakers Guild, the big annual knifemaking shows, the resurgence of knifemaking as a respected profession, and finally cutlery's new boost in popularity. Rest assured of one fact my friends, the credit is Russell's and his alone. A.G. Russell has done more for cutlery than any man living. Thanks, Andy."
From his father, a survivor of the March Out of Bataan, A.G. gleaned a strong sense of patriotism and responsibility. He was an Army brat who was raised to be proud of who he was as an American and believed that he was special because of it. In 2004, he began a program to support the troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Care packages, as a part of his "War on Troop Boredom", included a pocket size copy of the U.S. Constitution, a knife, paperback books, magazines, field tweezers, CDs, DVDs, and bandages, among other things were sent to troops serving in those areas. Accepting donations from his customers and industry friends, this successful outreach program impacted thousands of our men and women serving in those areas. He was especially proud to hear from many soldiers who were thankful to be remembered while away from their families serving our country.
Often referred to as the grandfather and elder statesman of the knife industry, one of A. G.'s most favorite things to do was work with customers in the store, particularly young children. A natural salesman, he could be found, most days and almost every Saturday, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. behind the counter, educating customers, telling stories and showing off his newest designs. He was known to carry no less than six knives on his person at any given time.
He was a force in the lives he touched. There will never be another friend to the cutlery industry as passionate or honest as he was. As a friend once stated, 'A.G. has forgotten more about knives than any other person will ever learn about them.' He leaves a remarkable legacy. He will be missed.
A. G. was preceded in death by sister Dorothy Patricia Russell, who passed at five years of age, his mother Odessie Russell, his father A.G. Russell, Jr. and step-mother Kitty Russell, brother-in-law, Robert (Bob) Parker and multiple uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Honorary Pallbearers: Bill Russell, A.G. Russell IV, Thomas Russell, Andrew Russell V, David Russell, Russell LaFarlette, Robert LaFarlette, Cullen Wharton
knowtracks
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2006
- Messages
- 3,880
Sorry to hear this! A Great loss for the knife community.
Smoke and Prayers up from Montana....God's speed A.G.
Dave
Smoke and Prayers up from Montana....God's speed A.G.
Dave
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2012
- Messages
- 9,286
Rest in peace and thank you for all that you did for the knife community!
AFAustin
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2004
- Messages
- 2,490
A.G. was the greatest of knife men and an inspiration to everyone who loves knives. He was such a pioneer, such an innovator, and he always insisted on topnotch quality. If a knife had his name on it, you could hardly go wrong. The knives he had made in Japan in the 1980s and 90s are some of my all time favorites. And in more recent times, he took the lead in showing that very high quality knives could be made in China. He was always in the vanguard.
His catalogs themselves are collector's items. Just reading through them, you felt like A.G. was right there talking to you about this knife or that, how he designed it, why he likes it, etc. It was almost a personal experience.
Every now and then I'd email him a question, or PM him here, and he always answered. The last time was about 6 weeks ago, and I told him one day I was going to make the pilgrimage up to his store and hoped to shake his hand. I guess I'm a little late but I still hope to go, maybe tell Goldie what he meant to me and to so many.
Rest in Peace, A.G. Your legend is forever.
Andrew
His catalogs themselves are collector's items. Just reading through them, you felt like A.G. was right there talking to you about this knife or that, how he designed it, why he likes it, etc. It was almost a personal experience.
Every now and then I'd email him a question, or PM him here, and he always answered. The last time was about 6 weeks ago, and I told him one day I was going to make the pilgrimage up to his store and hoped to shake his hand. I guess I'm a little late but I still hope to go, maybe tell Goldie what he meant to me and to so many.
Rest in Peace, A.G. Your legend is forever.
Andrew
A.G. was the greatest of knife men and an inspiration to everyone who loves knives. He was such a pioneer, such an innovator, and he always insisted on topnotch quality. If a knife had his name on it, you could hardly go wrong. The knives he had made in Japan in the 1980s and 90s are some of my all time favorites. And in more recent times, he took the lead in showing that very high quality knives could be made in China. He was always in the vanguard.
His catalogs themselves are collector's items. Just reading through them, you felt like A.G. was right there talking to you about this knife or that, how he designed it, why he likes it, etc. It was almost a personal experience.
Every now and then I'd email him a question, or PM him here, and he always answered. The last time was about 6 weeks ago, and I told him one day I was going to make the pilgrimage up to his store and hoped to shake his hand. I guess I'm a little late but I still hope to go, maybe tell Goldie what he meant to me and to so many.
Rest in Peace, A.G. Your legend is forever.
Andrew
How do you like the smooth white bone Doctor's Knife on the lower left? I've been thinking about picking one of those up. Especially now, since it was one of A. G.'s last designs.
Railsplitter
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2010
- Messages
- 7,898
I have one in Stag but I'll let Andrew answer that since you addressed him. I just wanted to add that the Smooth White Bone Doctor's knives are expected to be back in stock mid November.
I'd be more than happy to hear your eval of the Stag version. They seem to have those in stock.
AFAustin
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2004
- Messages
- 2,490
It's a great little knife and typical A.G. high quality. It's amazing how long a main blade A.G. managed to fit into the 3" frame. And the "stop pin" to prevent blade rap is yet another excellent A.G. innovation. Rick can also give you a knowledgeable impression from his viewpoint.
But it's hard to just discuss the technical aspects of a knife right about now. We have lost a true giant of a knife man, fellas.
Andrew
Here's the text of an informational email sent to A. G. Russell customers by A. G.'s widow:
October 31, 2018
A.G.'s family, our staff family here at A.G. Russell Knives and I want to express our sincere thanks for the many, many expressions of sorrow we have received from around the world on A.G.'s passing. We have received hundreds of e-mails from those of you who receive these messages each week and I am seeing where many have shared the information and their expressions of loss through social media. Thank you.
At 2:00 p.m. CST on November 17, 2018, we will honor A.G. with a celebration of his life, his contribution to the knife industry, his love of his country and his everlasting support of our military personnel, at the Embassy Suites in Rogers, Arkansas.
It was just 10 years ago this past summer that we celebrated his 75th birthday and his 44 years in the knife business at this same hotel. That event was followed with 5 additional years of the A.G. Russell Knife Event, a wonderful time for all of us and for many of you who attended, some all six years and perhaps some just one year. We still have requests from customers, knifemakers and friends to hold those shows again.
Former team members of A.G. Russell Knives, knifemakers, customers and friends have already indicated that they will be in attendance. We hope you will make plans to attend or make some plan to participate.
with all our thanks,
Goldie Russell, President
A.G. Russell Knives, Inc.
October 31, 2018
A.G.'s family, our staff family here at A.G. Russell Knives and I want to express our sincere thanks for the many, many expressions of sorrow we have received from around the world on A.G.'s passing. We have received hundreds of e-mails from those of you who receive these messages each week and I am seeing where many have shared the information and their expressions of loss through social media. Thank you.
At 2:00 p.m. CST on November 17, 2018, we will honor A.G. with a celebration of his life, his contribution to the knife industry, his love of his country and his everlasting support of our military personnel, at the Embassy Suites in Rogers, Arkansas.
It was just 10 years ago this past summer that we celebrated his 75th birthday and his 44 years in the knife business at this same hotel. That event was followed with 5 additional years of the A.G. Russell Knife Event, a wonderful time for all of us and for many of you who attended, some all six years and perhaps some just one year. We still have requests from customers, knifemakers and friends to hold those shows again.
Former team members of A.G. Russell Knives, knifemakers, customers and friends have already indicated that they will be in attendance. We hope you will make plans to attend or make some plan to participate.
with all our thanks,
Goldie Russell, President
A.G. Russell Knives, Inc.
