Founder of Gorge conservation group dies at 76
by Wade Nkrumah, The Oregonian
Friday September 19, 2008, 6:08 PM



Nancy Neighbor Russell, who co-founded Friends of Columbia Gorge, died this afternoon at age 76.

Russell was Portland-raised and a life-long Oregonian who loved to hike and had a strong affection for wildflowers.


Nancy Russell at Multnomah Falls, in an undated photograph.She was surrounded with family at her Southwest Portland home when she passed away about 2 p.m. She had been diagnosed several years ago with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Sally Russell Russenberger, a daughter who lives in Bend, said her mother had a contagious can-do spirit.

"I've run into so many who are committed to making the world a better place -- environmental issues, social issues -- and the one thing that consistently people will says is, how inspirational mom and her work has been to them," Russenberger said.

"Certainly, as her daughter," Russenberger added, "again and again, you look at something and you say, 'Oh that's such a good idea.' ... And mom is really the person who, in so many people, I think, has instilled ... 'It's possible.'"

Survivors include three daughters, Russenberger, of Bend; Wendy Gerlach of Portland; and Alison Russell; a son, Aubrey, of Portland; a brother, Robert B. Neighbor, of Portland; a sister, Betsy Neighbor Smith, of Portland; and seven grandchildren. Russell was preceded in death by husband, Bruce.

A public memorial service will be Oct. 5 at the Portland Art Museum.

-- Wade Nkrumah; wadenkrumah@news.oregonian.com