With great sadness, we announce the passing of our organization’s founder, and for many years Executive Director Dr. Robert Russell – known to cartoonists around the world as “Bro”.
The family of Dr. Robert Russell have confirmed that he died this morning. The current President of our Board of Directors, Joel Pett and Past President Matt Wuerker responded to the news:
“The CARTOONISTS RIGHTS family is saddened to note the passing of our founder, guru, and friend, Robert Russell. ‘Bro’, as he liked to be called, died at 10:00 am on Sunday, September 13 of heart failure at Fair Oaks Hospital in Virginia, after some months of delicate health. Dr. Russell believed strongly that the right to free speech was key to defending freedom and democracy. His work defending cartoonists around the world was based in the belief that in many countries cartoonists were often on the front lines in the fight for freedom of the press. Over the past quarter-century, a host of cartoonists from every corner of the globe have directly benefited from his passion to defend those rights. From helping cartoonists as they fought their case in court, or as they stood up to threats and intimidation, to the many forced to seek refuge for speaking truth to power, Dr. Russell leaves a lasting legacy. Bro was good-humored, kind-hearted, and of generous spirit and we will all miss him as we proudly carry on the work in his honor. When plans for a memorial service are set, we will pass them along.”
Our Executive Director Terry Anderson added:
“In his prime, Bro was a fierce and doughty defender of free speech at the sharp end of the struggle for human rights, placing himself in harm’s way countless times. And when his time in the field ended, he could still be relied upon to speak up whenever any of the cartoonists he cherished so dearly where under threat. I’m deeply sorry we didn’t have more time, and know there are many friends around the world who will be stricken by this news. Certainly we all are here. Our love and condolences are sent to those who were closest to him.”
A full appreciation of Bro Russell will follow in due course.
UPDATE: the Russell family have posted an obituary at Legacy.com however they have requested that well-wishers send no flowers and instead make a donation to CARTOONISTS RIGHTS.
