FABER - Russell Percy Robertson Jr., 73, of Faber, Virginia, died May 17, 2013, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Russell was born in Newport News, Virginia and grew up there actively participating in the Boy Scouts and The First Baptist Church. He attended Warwick High School until 1955 when he was appointed by Representative Edward Robeson to be a page in the United States House of Representatives. He served as a page for two terms and then rose to serve one more term as page to the honorable Sam Rayburn of Texas, then Speaker of The House of Representatives. He was graduated from The Capitol Page School in 1958. Russell loved politics and continued in this field graduating from The University of Richmond with a degree in political science in 1962. At the university he was active in student affairs and was elected class president in his junior year. He then attended and was graduated from The School of Law at The University of Virginia. Russell was assistant city attorney for the city of Newport News until he left to attend Naval Officers Candidate School and then to serve in action in the United States Navy during the Vietnam conflict. After leaving the Navy, Russell managed a successful campaign in 1970 for Congressman James McDermott of Washington during his first run for public office to become a member of the Washington state legislature. His remaining career was in the private practice law, most recently in Nelson County, Virginia. A memorial service will be held in Newport News on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 2 p.m. at The North Riverside Baptist Church on Selden Road. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Cemetery on Warwick Boulevard. Russell is survived by a sister, Joanne Robertson Respess of Rancho Sante Fe, California. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that a memorial gift be made to The American Heart/ American Stroke Association or a favorite charity .
Published in the Daily Press (Newport News, Virginia) on Thursday May 23, 2013 p8