Springfield, Vt. —
Russ was born in Yonkers, N.Y., to the late Russell and Bertha (Hayden) Shopland. He grew up in the Bronx, N.Y. and attended Concordia Junior College in Bronxville, N.Y., where he met the love of his life, Lindsay Schmidt. He was a graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., and Drew University, Madison, N.J., where he completed his Doctor of Ministry degree. Russ was ordained as a Lutheran Pastor in 1968. He served as Pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Enfield, N.H., from 1968 to 1980 and Church of the Savior, Lutheran, in Paramus, N.J., from 1980 to 2006, when he retired.
Russ and Lindsay were married in 1964 and were blessed with three children. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, who loved nothing more than to make other people happy. His family enjoyed listening to him laugh as he watched “Christmas Vacation” time after time. He had many “happy places,” including the White Mountains and Crystal Lake. He was always generous with his time, his advice, and his gifts.
Russ was predeceased by his parents, his brother Alfred, and his sister Bertha. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lindsay; daughter Lindsay Shopland and granddaughter Carolyn of Bar Harbor, Maine; son Russell Shopland, daughter-in-law Amy (Champoux), and grandchildren Emily, Russell, and Ethan of East Hardwick, Vt.; daughter Karen (Shopland) MacMillan, son-in-law Ian, and grandchildren Sarah, Joshua, and Hannah of Hampden Township, N.J.; and sister Dr. Patricia Shopland of Marshfield, Mass.
A celebration of his life and journey home will be held at Community Lutheran Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, followed by interment at Oak Grove Cemetery and a reception at La Salette, all in Enfield.
Russ’s family expresses their sincere appreciation for exceptional care and support to Dr. Chandramouli, Vicky, and Kathy; Dr. Chaidarun and Kim; the staff at Dartmouth Hitchcock Wound Care Center; Bayada nurses Tim and Katrina; and all of his caregivers at Springfield Hospital.
On-line condolences can be expressed at www.rickerfuneralhome.com. Donations in his memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929) or the Native American Heritage Association (P.O. Box 512, Rapid City, SD 57709).