The ABS mourns the recent passing of Honorary Life Member Keith Russell.

Keith and Annie have been long-term members of the ABS and both served on the Committee at various times. Keith joined the ABS in 2000, and then joined the Committee in 2006 was Vice-President in 2007-2008, took a couple of years off, then re-joined the Committee in 2011 and continued on until 2020.  Keith was a stalwart of the BPPP ground-support team for many years, particularly in teaming up with Rob Kerr to administer the flying program.  

Keith’s family have arranged a farewell gathering for family and close friends at Mooroopna this Sunday and the ABS is not aware of any additional formal funeral details.  Subject to weather, some members are considering planning a formation flight over Mooroopna on Sunday - contact Jock Folan for information on whether this will go ahead or not if you would like to participate.

Keith obtained his PPL in 1965 and purchased his own Beechcraft DCC, a C33 Debonair and then proceeded to run out the remaining engine time of 830 hours in 3.5 years. And this Debonair with all of Keith’s speed mods had a TAS of 185 knots. Keith flew DCC for about 20 years, during that time Keith also purchased an A36 Beechcraft Bonanza.  Keith and Anne flew DDC as part of their business, to ABS fly aways around Australia and for their weekly commute from Shepparton to their shack at Mallacoota.  For the last decade or so of his flying, Keith flew a Cirrus but continued to make an enormous contribution to the ABS.  Keith and Annie were made ABS Honorary Life Members in 2022. 

Peter and Debbi Janssen recall that they first met Keith in 2008 when he helped organise a safari to WA which was the first one they went on as new ABS members. He was always the gentleman and so welcoming to new members. His usual greeting was a smile and a kiss on both cheeks and repeat.  He could easily be recognised in his shorts, checked shirts, navy jumper and polished boots as these were his usual attire.  Keith always had  wonderful stories to tell, just a genuine person who started his education in Shepparton and was determined to make the ice world easier.  He became known as The Iceman. He was a great businessman who passed a lot of information onto Peter by being a great mentor and advisor, both in business and flying knowledge, as well as about 10 years together on the ABS committee where Keith's knowledge was invaluable especially to Peter when it came to the BPPP.

They went on many flyaways together and once he turned 80 and stopped flying. Keith & Anne (K2 & Annie in the middle) both travelled with Peter and Debbi on flying adventures around Australia in our Baron, including Birdsville, Bamurru Plains, Faraway Bay, Darwin and Haggerstone Island and fishing adventures at Mallacoota, getting upset at Peter one time as he caught the most fish. Keith was an avid golfer, a bit partial to Shaw & Smith and also loved Cher and we have spent nights singing to her, loudly! He had a couple of ironic catch phrases which were “Never felt better in my life” and “Wouldn’t be dead for quids or even two Bob” which he used to say regularly and these showed the strength of his character. We will miss his sense of humour, humility and kindness. Clear left Keith.

Current ABS President Dave Porter also reflected on Keith: I met Keith through Peter Janssen at the 2015 and 2017 Avalon airshows. Keith was manning the Australian Beechcraft Society’s show tent. They had some nice examples of Beechcraft there to check out. I sat in the tent seeking shade from the sun and chatting with Keith over the next few hours about all things Beechcraft. I found him to be a magnificent ambassador for the ABS and flying in general, and he helped me to understand what aircraft would best fit my mission - Keith's advice was exactly what I needed to hear. Tracey and I haven’t regretted one moment since joining the ABS and its Committee with which Keith and Annie were heavily involved. Over the last few years I developed a friendship with Keith as he did with many people due to his infectious outlook to life.  We have been away to a few BPPP’s, AGMs and flyaways since that airshow and have enjoyed Keith and Annie’s company on all of those events. 

On behalf of the ABS, Tracey and myself, we will miss Keith greatly and offer our heartfelt condolences to Annie and his family.