Auckland Library Heritage Trust acknowledges the death of Emeritus Professor Russell Stone ONZM at the age of 103. Russell's long contribution as trustee spanned the years 1996 to 2019. Upon his retirement from the Trust (Russell was emphatic that this time, finally, he was determined to step down and would be allowed to or else...), trustees and library staff celebrated Russell's years of dedicated service. The photo above shows Russell cutting his cake as Jane Wild and Colin Davis look on.
ALHT commissioned a piece of calligraphy which the trustees presented to Russell as a farewell gift. It read:
We, the current members of the Auckland Library Heritage Trust, wish to express our sincere gratitude to Russell Cyril James Stone for the 24 years that he has served as a Trustee from 1996 to 2019.
We acknowledge his contribution as the leading authority on the history of Auckland and biographer of many notable Aucklanders, his role as Professor and Professor Emeritus at Auckland University and the expertise he has always generously shared with the cultural and heritage sector of Auckland.
Russell is particularly to be admired for his lifelong passion for researching and writing about Auckland’s history. Aucklanders have benefited enormously from his meticulous research, his many scholarly and highly readable books and articles and the very enjoyable talks he has given over the years.
Russell has guided the Trust on the many aspects of the Sir George Grey Special Collections that relate to Auckland’s history, with integrity, wisdom, good humour and calm composure. His vast knowledge of the story of Auckland has always made his advice to the Trust impeccable.
We have been proud to be Russell’s friends and colleagues.
In her obituary on behalf of the University of Auckland, Emeritus Professor Linda Bryder recalls Russell as 'a scholar and a gentleman' and 'a pioneer of local and urban history,' indeed 'the Father of Auckland history.' Russell was a personal friend and valued colleague to Linda over many years, and she notes that his death 'is a sad loss not only to his friends and family but to the wider community in Auckland and New Zealand.'
Read Linda's obituary here.
Through the trustees who knew Russell well, ALHT kept in touch with Russell until his death and at each meeting trustees shared updates on his latest interests and bon mots. We express our sincere condolences to Russell's family and are grateful for all that Russell achieved in his remarkable life.
