Russell Paul Denis Obituary (1957 - 2015)

Russell P Denis, 58 of Embden, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday September 15, 2015 in Norridgewock, Maine. He was born May 29, 1957 in Troy, PA, the son of Joseph O. Denis Jr. and Kathleen Valliere Ouilette. Russell graduated from Madison High School in the Class of 1975; he then attended and received his bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Maine at Orono. He worked for the State of Maine as a wildlife biologist in the fisheries division; and worked in the paper mill in Old Town for several years before he went to work at the family business Z.D. Wire Products Incorporated in Norridgewock for over 30 years, becoming owner in 2013. Russell was an animal damage control officer for many years as well. Russell was past member of the Maine Trappers Association, former president of the local chapter and Trapper of the Year, and a member of the Skowhegan/ Madison Fraternal Order of the Elks. He used to coach little league and farm league and he was a scout leader for both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He was an avid trapper, hunter, and fisherman. He did lots of hiking in his younger years hiking the Appalachian Trails in Maine and New Hampshire. He also participated in a program that the Maine Trappers Association offered to train younger people on animal conservation. Russell loved being with his family, being in the outdoors and helping others; never expecting anything in return. Besides his wife Penny Denis of Embden, he leaves his three children; Danielle Denis and her husband Kevin Dubois of Madison, Paul Denis and his wife Bryanna of Bowdoinham, Marc Denis of Scottsville, VA, two step-children; Derek Kyes and his wife Erika of Savannah, GA, Timothy Kyes and his wife Mary of Reading, MA, three grandchildren; Sydney, Xzavior, Owen; his mother and step-father Katie and Lew Ouilette of E. Madison, his step mother, Sue Denis of Foley, AL, his brother Craig Denis and his wife Laurie of Athens, one sister Lynn Rodney of E. Madison, two step brothers Nick Ouilette of Bellingham, WA, Dean Ouilette and his wife Donna of Bellingham, WA, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Joseph O. Denis Jr. A memorial service will be held on Sunday September 20, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Skowhegan Federated Church, Island Ave., Skowhegan, Maine with the Rev. Mark Tanner officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. Donations may be made in Russell’s memory to the Crisis and Counseling Centers, P.O. Box 558 Augusta, Maine 04332 or go to www.crisisandcounseling.org