‘He knew how to live big and bold’
Robert Russell eulogised for his entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy
Published:Thursday | January 9, 2025 | 5:51 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
It was an occasion mixed with laughter, music, and tears as relatives, friends, business associates, government officials, and entertainment stakeholders bade farewell to renowned businessman Robert Anthony ‘Ducksie’ Russell, CD, JP, yesterday.
Russell, one of the founders of Jamaica’s premier music festival Reggae Sumfest and the owner of Montego Bay’s popular Pier One restaurant and entertainment venue, died on December 11 last year at the age of 76, following a long period of illness.
During his thanksgiving service at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St James, yesterday, several moving tributes hailed one of Jamaica’s beloved sons.
Son Robin Russell had difficulty controlling his emotions as he recalled his father’s outgoing and energetic personality. He shared how the senior Russell defied his own mortality by leaving his hospital bed to attend a function with Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness shortly before he passed away.
“It was a month before he died, and he had some antibiotics which were not working, so we took him to Hospiten, and they said it was a serious virus, and we checked him in the hospital on Wednesday,” Robin recounted.
“On Thursday, I got a call about 5:00 p.m, and he said, ‘Are you going to the prime minister’s [event] this evening?’ and I said yes, and he said, ‘I will see you there’. Lo and behold, who was there but ‘Russ’, sitting down eating lamb chops.”
Robin continued: “The only way he knew how to live was big and bold. There was never a task too big for him, and he never took no for an answer. He built relationships, and he created memories. He believed true friends were better than pocket money.”
‘BEST FRIENDS’
Former Prime Minister Orette Bruce Golding, a long-time friend of the senior Russell, likewise struggled to maintain his composure as he reflected on the friendly support Russell gave him over the years.
“Robert was one of the best friends that I have ever had. At his 75th birthday celebration, I made the point that many of us will go to our graves never knowing who our real friends are. Thankfully, I do not have that dilemma … when I have been through hell and powder-house, fire, and brimstone, Robert was always there,” said Golding.
“He would always be very clear in his advice: ‘Keep your head focused, be very clear in what you are doing, and call me if you need me’.”
Golding told members of Russell’s family: “Grieve as you must, and if the tears come visiting, do not turn them away. But leave room for the celebration you must give for his life, a life that touched so many other lives.”
TRIBUTES FROM MANY
Prime Minister Holness also paid tribute. As did several political and entertainment representatives, including Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett and former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, who both heralded Russell as an icon who helped to build Jamaica.
Other high-profile attendees at the funeral were Entertainment Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith, National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang, Member of Parliament for St James Southern Homer Davis, Jamaica Labour Party Chairman Robert Montague, Downsound Entertainment’s CEO Joe Bogdanovich, and several other dignitaries.
Born in Kingston in 1948, Robert Anthony ‘Ducksie’ Russell attended Calabar High School and St George’s College.
Russell, who first made a name for himself in the entertainment industry – music and film - established the Pier One venue in 1986 and later became a founding member of the Summerfest Production team, which created Reggae Sumfest 1993, a staple event hosted in Montego Bay.
In the 1990s, he also got involved in the Jazz and Blues Festival, another annual show in Montego Bay.
He served as chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company [TPDCo] between 2007 and 2011 and was awarded the Order of Distinction in the Commander Class by the Government of Jamaica in 2017.
Russell is survived by his widow Beverley, five children, grandchildren, a brother, and a sister.