Russell W. Boothroyd

Russell Walter Boothroyd, age 73 , of Old Voluntown Road, Exeter, RI passed away suddenly Sunday, April 7th after having struggled with the effects of Multiple Sclerosis for more than thirty years. Russ had resided at West View Nursing and Rehab, West Warwick, RI for the past three and a half years under the wonderful care of the staff there. Russell leaves his loving wife and partner of more than thirty-five years, Sheila M. (Grady) Reynolds-Boothroyd.

Russell was born in Abington, Penn and was the son of the late Edith (Cottrell) Boothroyd and Wilson W. Boothroyd.

The family later moved to Buffalo, NY and then to Concord, Ma. where Russ graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School. He then went on to graduate from Babson College, Wellesly, Ma.

As a young boy most summers were spent in RI on Harbor Island sailing on Point Judith Pond and outings to the family homestead in West Kingston visiting with cousins and getting calves ready to go to the fair. He excelled with the Boy Scouts and his most proud achievement was to join with the Minutemen Council on their 25-day expedition by bus to Philmont National Scout Ranch and Explorer Base at Cimarron, New Mexico.

He began his career in the Marine Trades as a professional diver doing recovery, salvage and repair work and was also an Underwater Scuba Instructor. Spent some time in Padanaram, Ma building boats at the Concordia Boat Yard. Then for fifteen years he joined with his father and brother Steve in building and then co-managing the Silver Spring Cove Marina in Wakefield, RI. Russ continued in the marine trade working for Seaport Communications and Johnson's Boatyard. Russell worked for many years as a part-time South Kingstown Reserve Police Officer and also ran a home manufacturing business "Better Bullets".

In his thirties Russ's life dream came true when he was able to get a horse of his own. Russ and "Nicky" went on to form a bond of twenty-seven years. Nicky and Russ went on to enjoy trail riding and many historical re-enactment events. He was an active member of the Quoketaug Rangers Historical Re-enactment Club of Stonington, Ct. Russ, Sheila and the family also enjoyed many years of participating in the yearly encampments of the "Original New England Primitive Rendezvous" all over New England and upstate New York. Russ developed an extensive Colonial/US flag collection, and he was invited to set up the wonderful display at many historical events.

Russ never had any children of his own, but once taking on the role of stepfather he was ready to take on any challenge put before him. He loved taking on any project coming his way. He helped Grant and Sonya build prize winning spaghetti bridges for the high school competition. Led classes on braiding lead ropes and calf halters with the 4H. Took part in outings with the Girl Scouts and built scenery and props for school productions.

After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis he created and managed "MS Refugees" a website dedicated to supporting people with the disease. He kept on top of treatments and new innovations in MS. The site had the ability to help people with difficulties and questions with experts coming on board for advice. Russ really found his calling, making many friends and working many hours on the site. As he became weaker and unable to keep up the site morphed into a Face book group allowing people to stay in touch with the friends made on the site. Russ was an avid writer and as he was confined to bed for the last three plus years of his life, he was able to keep busy writing stories. He was active on a fan fiction site, and he also wrote poetry and many stories about his life adventures.

Russ was a past member of West Greenwich Horsemen's Association. He was also a life member of South County Rod and Gun Club and a life member of the NRA

Russell was the loving stepfather of LeGrand G Reynolds II (Shannon) of Winchester, Ma and Sonya M Taly of Cumberland, RI. He also leaves Sheila's stepchildren Michael G Reynolds (Mary Ann) of North Kingstown, RI, Michele LeVasseur (Marc) of Richmond, RI, and Laura Lee Benoit (David) of Warwick, RI.

Russell was the brother of Judith Burnett (William) of Carlisle, PA, Stephen Boothroyd (Marilyn) of Watertown, NY and the Late Joanne Kennedy.

He also leaves many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly called him "Grand-Pa Russ".

The family will hold a Celebration of Life, Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 1pm at the Richmond Grange, 680 Usquepaugh Rd. ( Rt 138), West Kingston,RI,02892

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Russ's name to the MS Dream Center, 300 Toll Gate Rd, Suite 104,Warwick,RI, 02886, or to your favorite organization.