THOMASTON — Russell E. Elwell, 64, died May 3, 2013, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, after an extended illness.

Born in Rockland Sept. 24, 1948, he was the son of Fredrick P. and Edna E. Gebhart Elwell.

Russ grew up in Tenants Harbor, in an area then known as Wildcat. There, he and his cousin, Bill Hickey, spent many hours outside using their imaginations to create everything from driftwood rafts to coaster wagons.

He attended local schools. When Georges Valley opened in 1963, Russ entered as a sophomore and graduated in 1966.

After graduating, Russ enrolled in an apprenticeship program at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where he was a blueprint welder on nuclear submarines. He was an extremely talented welder with a natural gift for metal work.

An expert mechanic, Russ had a love for automotives and a particular fascination with how to build fast cars. He ran B&E Speed Shop in Dover, N.H., where he sold racing car parts. He had a special passion for drag racing. One of his joys in life was owning a 1968 Chevrolet Nova, known as the "Tinker Toy." During his racing years, he won all but one weekend-race in his class.

He worked as a mechanic at Ellery T. Nelson's in Rockland and Alvah Harris's Garage in Tenants Harbor. Russ was also a fifth-generation lobsterman, fishing for a while before starting his job at Arthur D. Henry Crane Service in 1986. During his 25+ years with the company, Russ became an accomplished crane operator, traveling all over the state doing many jobs that required tremendous expertise. Russ was well known and respected for his excellent skill and knowledge.

Later on in life, Russ was finally able to buy the motorcycle he had always wanted. He purchased a Harley-Davidson, which he treated like a member of the family. Not having a garage at the time, Russ built a ramp to the front door of the house in order to park the bike in the dining room. The bike remained in the house for a season, even after Russ finished building his garage.

Russ became very involved with the Augusta Chapter of the Harley Owner's Group, known as A.H.O.G. Frequently volunteering his time, Russ always pitched in whenever another rider needed assistance or when a scheduled event was to happen. He held the position of activities officer for multiple years since 2005, most recently in 2013. Also a road captain, Russ both led and planned several rides for the chapter, which were always well attended as those who rode with him knew the rides would be memorable.

In recent years Russ renewed his love of cars and drag racing. He returned to his long time dream of building a street rod. He spent many hours going over every detail to ensure the project would be perfect and everything he envisioned. It was Russ' way or no way.

Russ loved spending time swapping stories and turning wrenches with fellow car enthusiasts Pete Bishop, Ralph Thompson, Gary Hatch, Duffy Hatch and Dwight Overlock.

During his battle with cancer, Russ received a great amount of support from close friend Gary Walker. He was there for Russ at every doctor's appointment, treatment session, operation, etc. Walker accompanied Russ on every step of the journey, and called him to check in every night.

Walker's words express best what many loved and will remember most about Russ: "Russell was a friend to all that he met. He would greet you with a twinkle in his eye and a firm handshake. He was quick with his wit, and his smile had a hint of mischievous intent to it. He was a good man and all that knew him were proud of the association."

Other than his parents, Russ was predeceased by his wife, Diane Henry, in 2001. He is survived by two daughters, Willow B. Henry-Elwell and Tara L. Elwell; his father-in-law, Arthur D. Henry; his mother-in-law, Charlene Anderson; his brother-in-law, Dwight Henry and his wife, Michelle, and their sons, Justin and Cameron; his sister-in-law, Susan Henry and her son, Nicholas Lemieux; and his sister-in-law, Allison Libby and her husband, Bill.

A celebration of Russ' life will be held Thursday, May 23, at 4 p.m. at Thomaston Baptist Church. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will officiate.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Thomaston Baptist Church, 112 Main Street, Thomaston, ME 04861.

To share a memory or story about Russ, visit his online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.