It is with great sadness
that Russell passed away after a battle with cancer. He had spent the previous 25 years looking after his wife of 55 years -Carol who passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease in April of this year.

Dad was born in Londonderry, was a City of Derry Rugby player, singer, architect, conservationist and planner. Having graduated from Liverpool in Architecture he first worked at the London GLC helping work on the re-building of post-war London. He moved to Hertfordshire County Council in 1969, as planner and chief conservation officer but will be best known for his work with the Herts Building and Preservation Trust and starting Beams Ltd, a private company focused on the preservation and restoration of ancient buildings in Hertfordshire, and surrounding counties. Over its past 25 years BEAMS has helped in the preservation and restoration of barns, residential properties, historic high streets and even a windmill. He was passionate and generous giving people the best advice, for applying modern technologies and techniques to conservation and always being on hand to help. He continued his work until very recently. Beams continues its great work today.

Having grown up through the troubles of Northern Ireland he had an amazing openness and tolerance. He will be remembered not just for his professional dedication and work but his charm, sense of humour, and attitude that he could fix anything or any problem anytime time, day or night, rain or shine, from 12th century buildings to leaky roofs, lawn mowers, Scout Huts and of course , his beloved cars. Dad “Granda” will be sadly missed by his three younger brothers and one sister, his three children Mary, Emma and David and nine grandchildren.

Please click below to see a slideshow of photos: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOsdvBS3c5Y1keGgG4Ssb2Cm80PKnBC9taaItkAOYDJyrJ4Onr-IbeIvkOh7_QCDQ/photo/AF1QipNRWH0ZeXCsvuSchoA-jmQBOZ7XVfPup8w74lrg?key=djl6TFZhM0Z4RUswODZUdHBRTmZyblNIeVp5S0NR