Bretton D. Russell '56

Bretton Donnan Russell, 86, died Jan. 17, 2026, at his home in Madison, N.H. Brett was born June 10, 1939, in Portland, Maine, to Dorothy Donnan Russell and Edward Stewart Russell.

The Russell family moved to Fryeburg, Maine, when Brett was in fourth grade. His love of skiing began at an early age. A graduate of the Class of 1956, Brett was deeply engaged in Fryeburg Academy life, participating in 11 seasons of athletics, including tennis, baseball, football and skiing, and was also active in the drama program.

An exceptional and versatile skier, he made history in 1956 by winning Fryeburg Academy’s first state Class B Championship title and was awarded the Ski Meister Trophy. He was also a two-time state champion in ski jumping.

Brett earned a bachelor of arts in history from the University of Maine, where he was a four-year member of the ski team, four-year Ski Meister, and served as captain. He began his career in education at Kents Hill School before returning to Fryeburg Academy as a history teacher and coach.

During his tenure at FA, he coached the Maine State Junior Alpine Team, leading his athletes to three state championships and two prep school titles, while serving as a mentor and role model to countless students.

After leaving the classroom, Brett spent 34 years in the ski and recreation industry, continuing his lifelong connection to outdoor education and athletics. He was co-owner of The Starting Gate Ski Shop at Cranmore Mountain in North Conway.

Brett’s commitment to Fryeburg Academy remained constant throughout his career. He served as a trustee of the academy, co-chaired the Phoenix Project following the 2005 fire, and was a founding member of the Hall of Excellence Committee. His broader community leadership includes service on the board of directors of Jen’s Friends and as president of the North Conway Country Club.

In early January 2026, Brett was informed he would be a recipient of the 2026 Conrad K. Eastman ’48 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Brett and Leslie Nichols Russell were parents to three daughters: Jessica, Kristen and Hilary, who remember their dad for instilling a love for skiing and sharing his zest for life.

On Jan. 1, 1984, Brett married Cindy Derse, who brought three children into the blended family. Brett accepted Peter, Christine and Sara, freely giving his love and understanding to them as they became young adults.

In Brett’s final years, he was confined to a wheelchair. Throughout, Brett’s family supported him along with help from Visiting Nurses of Carroll County, and private caregivers including stepdaughter Sara and two grandsons, AJ and Tyler Worcester.

Brett will be remembered by his family and friends for his determination — some would say stubbornness; his strong feelings about the world and his community and his sense of humor with a propensity for telling long and involved stories each with its own surprise and humorous ending.

Brett is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cindy Rhoades Derse Russell; brother, Ned Russell; daughters Jessica Russell Battoni and husband, Filippo Battoni, and daughters, Allison and Camilla Battoni; Kristen Russell McDermott and husband, Dave McDermott; Hilary Russell and husband, Rene Treiser, and children, Sylva and Eyob Treiser; Sara Derse Horan and husband, Mark Horan, and sons, AJ and Tyler Worcester; Peter Derse and wife, Kim Kaminski Derse, and daughter Stephanie Derse Lang-Link and husband, Travis, and their children, Allyson and Alexander; and son, Matt Derse and wife, Abbey and Christine Derse Macneil, and children Nicholas, Megan and Duncan Macneil.

A celebration of Brett’s life will be held in the spring at the North Conway Country Club where he was a member and served on the board of directors.

To honor Brett, please consider contributing to any of the organizations mentioned, as well as embracing a friend, giving special love to your family, becoming a volunteer in the community, and in Brett’s words: “Don’t forget to vote!”