The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF RUSSELL GRAY
______
HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Friday, February 26, 2021
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of a humble, loyal, and dedicated public servant, Russell Mason Gray of Sterling, Connecticut, who passed unexpectedly, at age 76, on January 12, 2021.
A resident and the First Selectman of the town of Sterling, Connecticut for 16 years, Russell prioritized the wellbeing of Sterling and its citizens above all else. Before being called to public service, Russell and his wife Sue dedicated themselves to their family dairy farm, and Russell, at his core was a farmer, with strong ties to his land. These ties created a natural transition to his election as First Selectman in 2005.
Russell's steadfast leadership helped Sterling, a small community of less than 4,000 people, navigate the challenges of being a rural municipality. From building four new bridges in town and constantly inspecting roads--to facilitating the construction of the new Sterling Community School and moving the town offices and Library to the former Sterling Memorial School in Oneco--Russell was proactive in securing an efficient but accessible municipal infrastructure for the town of Sterling. Alongside his commitment to Sterling, Russell was Chairman of the Windham County Soil and Water Conservation District, President of the Windham County Farm Bureau, Advisor to Killingly High School Vo-Ag, Director of Patrons Mutual Insurance Company, President of the CT State Grange, County and Ekonk Community Granges, and Chairman of the Northeast Council of Governments. These commitments reflect only a portion of Russell's legacy and display not only Russell's dedication to Sterling but to all the towns in Windham County.
Russell's love for his town and the people in his community is known to all he encountered. His fellow selectman Lincoln Cooper once said,
``He was stubborn and loyal--he loved this town. He was a self-made man whose stubbornness led him to make good decisions for Sterling.'' His former administrative assistant, Joyce Gustavson, emphasized that for Russell--``it was family first, then Sterling.'' Everyone who worked close with Russell saw the passion in his daily work at the town hall and his willingness to go above and beyond for every resident. Losing Russell leaves a deep void in eastern Connecticut.
Madam Speaker, knowing of Russell's devotion to the people of eastern Connecticut and Sterling and how diligently he served until his last breath, I can attest that his career represents the best of public service. I hope the chamber will join me in expressing the deepest condolences on behalf of the House of Representatives to the Gray family--his wife Sue; His children Rebecca, Mason, Deborah: and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. I hope this testament to Russell's life serves as an acknowledgement of the immeasurable debt of gratitude owed to him by the American people.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 37
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