Russell Quinn Hinton of Newport, VT passed away quietly surrounded by his family, Monday, February 3 at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington, VT.

Russell was born on July 29th,1958 the eldest son of Stanley Way and Mona Rita Bean. in Great Falls, Montana while his father was stationed there in the Air Force, later the family moved back home to Lancaster N.H. where Russell lived for the next decade. Fleeing an abusive marriage his mother took refuge at the farm of childhood sweetheart, Ellie Eugene Hinton in Westmore, VT. Mona and Ellie were married in 1969 and had three more boys. Ellie adopted Russell and his two siblings giving them the love and stability they so desperately needed.

Russell learned many valuable lessons and skills working on the farm but never developed a love for it. At age 19 he enlisted in the Navy and was trained as a Machinist's Mate, generating power for the four ships he was to serve on in the next 11 years. His first assignment was the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41) and he spent the next two years sailing out of Yokosuka, Japan. He grew up quickly becoming a valuable member of the huge crew required to staff such a mighty vessel. He found he loved the sea and the comradery of the other sailors making special friendships that would last a lifetime. He also embraced the lifestyle associated with sailors, alcohol and drug addictions would haunt him for years. He served on three other ships USS Connole (FF 1056), USS McKean (DD-784) and USS Harry E. Yarnell (DLG/CG-17) and also did a 'tour' as a Navy Recruiter in Boston, MA to appease his first wife. When he failed a drug test it was feared his Navy career would be over, but his stellar work performance otherwise saved him. He was given another chance and finished his career with an honorable discharge, and his first divorce, several years later.

Returning to Westmore, Vermont he found work generating power for a paper mill in Groveton NH where he met and married his second wife. His Navy lifestyle was still a factor and they divorced a few years later.

Single again and tired of the bar scene he reconnected with his childhood friend and asked for help-what was there to do that's enjoyable that doesn't include drinking? He told him about learning Western-style square dancing. Russell joined the North Country Swingers in Newport Vermont, and there met the love of his life, Noreen Carter Russell. They became square dance partners and then life partners, marrying September 25. 1992. Because of this partnership he was able to overcome the alcohol addiction for good.

Russell found a new job at The Ryegate Power Station in Ryegate VT just months before the wedding, helping to build and then run the wood-chip burning power plant as Equipment Operator and then Shift Supervisor for the next 30 years.

All was not roses however as his abusive childhood experiences and military service resulted in PTSD that was not diagnosed or treated for many years. Despite the mental anguish and struggles this caused, Russell was a hard worker and capable of creating and fixing almost everything. When his daughter Sonya was born, the small house wasn't quite big enough. With his own hands and help from Noreen and her 2 boys, they added on to the house, essentially doubling the living space. A few years later they built a two story two car garage. Russell, was the designer, carpenter, electrician, plumber, and roofer. He could do almost anything. He was his own mechanic and learned how to build and operate computers.

When his son Skyler was old enough to join the Boy Scouts, he threw himself wholeheartedly into helping with the troop, taking several leadership trainings and positions in the troop including a term as Scoutmaster. During his tenure he helped a record number of 5 boys earn their Eagle Badges, including his son Skyler. He was proud of the boys and the program and did all he could to help it succeed.

Russell was a dedicated family man.  It was nothing for Russell to work all night on a vehicle so that he could get to work the next day, as he gave a high value to providing for his family.  He also believed in giving his children experiences, taking family vacations with them to different parts of the country, an interest he learned while traveling in the Navy. Two years ago, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of circumnavigating the United States in a 7-week car trip which took them to see relatives and friends from Washington to California and Texas, to visit his birthplace in Great Falls Montana and his first ship the USS Miday (CV-41) now a floating museum in San Diego.

Russell was devoted to his community and making a positive difference, especially in the lives of children. After his retirement in 2020, he volunteered his time as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for children involved in the court system. Russell cared deeply about each child he served, seeing his own childhood experiences mirrored in theirs, and taking on extra cases so that no child would be left without an advocate. He approached the GAL work with compassion, dedication, kindness, and strength; earning both the respect and affection of judges and professionals alike, and the love of the children he worked with. Upon learning of Russell's passing, one judge stated, "He showed such compassion and caring for the children he worked with – it was a comfort to see him assigned to a case." He will be sorely missed.

His outspoken passionate nature was also evident in his involvement in the community through local groups such as the Masons and more recently the VFW and Quilts of Valor. He would also speak out about problems he saw in the local government through newspaper articles. He loved nothing better than to engage in lively discussions with those of differing opinions.

Russell was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Newport-Memphremagog Lodge #65 F&AM. He was an integral part of the monthly breakfasts, perfecting his sausage and gravy, baking homemade buttermilk biscuits and cooking his special recipes of pancakes and French toast. He was always ready to jump in and help where ever and whenever he was needed.

Recently he discovered there were Navy Reunions for Aisa sailors and for the individual ships he had served on. For the past three years he eagerly attended these reunions and Veteran's Week in Branson MO. He found comfort being with veterans who understand what it's like to serve their country, and made real progress towards healing and managing his PTSD.

Russell was a deeply sensitive man who wore his heart on his sleeve for the world to see. Perhaps his greatest gift was his desire to be available.  Whether it was going to a band concert for one of his brothers or a 24 hour road trip, Russell was good to go.  He was quick with a smile and had a laugh that filled the room.  His absence will be sorely felt.

Russell is survived by his wife Noreen of 33 years and their children. Alex Russell, Jesse Russell and his wife Julia, Sonya Hinton and her partner  Matt Vreeland, and Skyler Hinton. Grandchildren Liberty and Ivy, and their mother, Christine Russell  of Newport and Althea and Emmett Russell of Berlin, VT . He leaves behind his sister Teresa Potvin and husband David of Belfast, Maine and brothers Mark Hinton and wife Lisa of Brownington, Errol Hinton and wife Renee of Chelsea, Burton Hinton and partner Kellie of Burke, and Cory Hinton and wife Lauri of Greenwich, NY , and a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Russell was predeceased by his parents, Ellie and Mona Hinton of Westmore, VT and infant twin siblings.

There will be no services as Russell requested a big party and to be buried at sea. The United States Navy will be escorting him to his final resting place on a commissioned vessel out of Norfolk, VA where he was stationed for many years. The party will be located at his home on 137 Hill Street on the summer solstice, June 21 at 10AM. He will be honored by the US Navy and the Masonic brothers and by as many as can attend. Come and celebrate Russell's life with his friends and family.

Donations to the Memphremagog Lodge #65 F&AM, (41 Masonic Lane, Newport, VT) The VFW Post # 798 (141 Central Street , Newport, VT) or Quilts of Valor Foundation (c/o lynn.carrier@qovf.org ) may be given in remembrance of him, checks made payable to Quilts of Valor in care of Lynn Carter, P.O. Box 28, Jacksonville, VT  05342. The ultimate honor would be to consider becoming a Guardian ad Litem and carrying on the work he was so passionate about. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.