Pastor Russell L. Patrick II, 65, of Ledyard died Saturday, October 8, 2016 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley “Laughing Woman” M. Patrick.
He was born on February 23, 1951 in Pittsfield MA, the son of Russell L. and Yvonne Patrick Sr. He was a tribal member of OJIBWE Indian of White Earth Reservation. Russell was also adopted into the Crow Nation in Montana. He attended Lafayette School in Brooklyn and studied for his pastorship with Pastor Rucker of the Missionary Church of Groton. He served in prison ministry through preaching and music. He taught at the Youth Challenge College, and has been a pastor with All Nation Christian Fellowship at the Mashantucket Pequot Spiritual Center for the past 12 years.
Russell was a talented musician who was accomplished in the guitar, flute, banjo and bag pipe. He sang all over the world with his wife, Laughing Woman. He received the Native American Music Award (NAMA) in 2003 for best Country and Contemporary Composer.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his two step-children “Morning Dove” LaRosa and Ralph “Tall Pine” Abbott and two grandchildren Daniel “Quiet Bear” LaRosa Quash Abbott and Nicole “Dancing Butterfly” LaRosa. He is also survived by his siblings Lynn Patrick, Michael Patrick, and Robin Patrick and many nieces and nephews, all of Bethlehem PA, as well as extended family in California, New York, Minnesota and White Earth Reservation.
Besides his parents, he is also predeceased by his sister Paula Patrick and two brothers Gary Patrick and Pastor Paul Patrick of Pennsylvania.
The family would like to thank Hospice and the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital Staff. God bless them especially Dr. Verma.
Russell’s family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, October 15, from 9 to 11am at the Mashantucket Pequot Spiritual Center, 938 Shewville Road, Mashantucket. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00am at the Spiritual Center with burial immediately following in the Spiritual Burial Ground.
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