ED BRUMBY

I HAVE JUST RECEIVED NEWS that Cec Russell passed on to the great Singsing last week.

He was a contemporary in Moresby in the late 1960s and stayed on, apart from a short return to Australia, until his passing.

He worked in the public solicitor's office for quite a few years and, in more recent times, was lecturing at the Administrative College.

He was, according to the brief report I received, marking exam papers when called away….

(He would say, of course, that exam marking could be a very hazardous exercise.)

I'd write a more complete obituary but, despite being a regular drinking and dinner partner of his back then, I know little about the detail of his life.

Many people will remember him for his considerable eccentricity, erudition and compassion.

He will be remembered for many things, not least of all his ridiculous wit and eccentricities and some will recall that he was the initiator of the inaugural Law Ball.