Mr. Russell Fish, 71, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, son, and friend to many. He has left a void that will never be filled.
He was born in Nassawadox on June 30, 1952, to the late Walter Russell Fish and Elodie C. Fish.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joan; his daughter Stephanie Montross and her husband, Chris; granddog, Seal; and his mom, Elodie Fish.
Besides his father he was predeceased by his brother, Doug, and his grandparents. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Linda Jones and husband, Marc, and their family; and by an aunt, an uncle, and cousins.
Russell loved his Chincoteague Island home. He was an avid boater, hunter, and fisherman enjoying nothing more than being on the water. He worked as a clam boat captain for many years. He was a duck hunting guide, raised aquaculture clams, and was a talented decoy carver.
He worked as a contractor at NASA Wallops Island for 27 years. After retiring he ran tours for Daisey Island Cruises. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and on the board of the Museum of Chincoteague, where he taught carving classes.
A service was held at Christ United Methodist Church on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Christ United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 687, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336 or the Museum of Chincoteague Island, 7125 Maddox Blvd., Chincoteague Island, VA 23336.
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. on Chincoteague Island. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com Our boat captain is sailing in better seas today.
