Russell V. BrownNEW CONCORD: Russell V. Brown, 73, passed away while in the presence of his family on Wednesday, December 28th while in the care of the Beckett House and Genesis Hospice in New Concord, Ohio. He was born on November 1, 1943 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Russell G. C. and Marjorie (Smith) Brown. Mr. Brown was a graduate of DeVilbiss High School and of Ohio Wesleyan University. He earned both the Masters and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He taught Spanish for four years at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and in 2007 he retired after a thirty-two year career at Muskingum University, where he taught Spanish and humanities and, in addition, served the university as chair of the Department of Modern Languages, as Registrar, and as Director of Graduate Studies. In 1982 he helped launch the university's international business major, and in 1996 was instrumental in founding the exchange program with the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Toledo, Spain. In 2003 he was named the recipient of the Cora I. Orr Faculty Service award, and, in 2006, International Educator of the year.Mr. Brown was reared in the Hampton Park Christian Church in Toledo, and was an active member and elder of College Drive Presbyterian Church in New Concord, where he sang for many years in the choir, and taught the "Kitchen Class." Professionally, he was a member of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, the Ohio Modern Language Teachers Association, the Cervantes Society of America, and the Cofradía de Investigadores of Toledo, Spain. He was active in the Association of Two Toledos in its efforts to promote sister-city ties between Toledo, Ohio, and Toledo, Spain. In retirement he served on the board of the John and Annie Glenn Foundation, as a "living history" interpreter at the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site in New Concord, and as a volunteer at the National Road / Zane Grey Museum in Norwich. A lifelong music lover, he participated in many community choral organizations and was especially proud of his affiliation with the Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra, Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds, and the Muskingum University chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.Russell is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Dominguez , of the Bronx, New York; his son, Gregory, who moved back to New Concord from Madison, Wisconsin, to care for his ailing father; and his grandchildren, Frank and Lara Dominguez, of the Bronx, NY; as well as his brother, Stewart (Judy Miller), of Winchester, Virginia. Mr. Brown approached friendship with the skill and dedication of an artist. Through his final days, he never stopped making new friends. Nurturing strong bonds across miles and over decades, he leaves behind too many close friends to name. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased in 2010 by his wife, Karen, whom he married on August 13, 1966.Friends and family are welcome to attend calling hours for Russell, which will be held on Friday, January 6th at the Farus Funeral Home of New Concord from 4 to 7PM. Services will be held at the College Drive Presbyterian Church on Saturday the 7th at 11AM, burial will follow at the New Concord Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of the Beckett House and Genesis Hospice for the excellent care given to Russell. They ask that memorial contributions be made to College Drive Presbyterian Church, 2 W High St, New Concord, OH 43762, to Muskingum University, 163 Stormont St, New Concord, OH 43762, to Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, 10600 Old State Road Evansville, IN 47711, or to the Association of Two Toledos, please contact [email protected] to do so. www.farusfh.com