Russell A. Cline, certified mechanic in Kenyon’s maintenance department, died unexpectedly on Jan. 12, 2023. He was 62 and a resident of Gambier.
Born in Mount Vernon on Aug. 23, 1960, to Dwight and Beverly Jean (Veatch) Cline, he graduated from Mount Vernon High School and held an associate’s degree in auto tech and certification as an Automotive Service Excellence Master Certified Mechanic. Cline’s expertise in vehicular maintenance extended to an interest in motorcycles, and he also enjoyed a wide range of other hobbies, from shooting, fishing and hiking to cooking, history and chess.
A Kenyon employee since 1996, Cline maintained the College’s fleet of several dozen vehicles and was also tasked with the maintenance and repair of grounds and athletic equipment. In 2021, Cline was recognized for his quarter-century of work at Kenyon during the College’s annual years-of-service ceremony.
Manager of Technical Trades David Boughter praised Cline for his wide range of knowledge both inside and outside of the garage. “He had a wealth of knowledge and amazing factual information on auto or truck issues, new or historical,” Boughter said. “Russell was current with all news and issues, from the weather to world news.”
Boughter also remembered a generous spirit and understated wit. “Russell had an outstanding quality: he never talked bad or put anyone down,” Boughter said. “His sense of humor could come out of nowhere and be the perfect ice breaker for tough situations. His calm, even-tempered personality was easy and a joy to talk to.”
Ward Stover, painter, shared a lighthearted moment. “Russell’s choice of music was a channel that played ’80s-’90s songs. I asked him about one particular song that was playing,” Stover said. “Tools in hand, unlit Swisher in his mouth, a normally staid Russell did a little ‘moon walk’ with a smile. The funniest thing I had ever seen Russell do.”
Grounds Manager Steve Vaden, recently retired from the College, recalled a man dedicated to high standards and attention to detail. “Russell cared about safety and would pull a vehicle or a piece of equipment out of service if he felt it was unsafe,” Vaden said. “Working on vehicles and grounds equipment is difficult because of the differences of systems, but he was able to find a way to keep everything running.”
Manager of Finance Office Operations Barbara Hamm noted that Cline was also willing to lend a hand when fellow employees ran into trouble with their own vehicles. “Many years ago I had an issue with my car not starting. It was the end of the day and I didn’t have time to wait for AAA as I had children to pick up,“ Hamm said. “Russell came to my rescue and got me on my way! He not only got me going but offered great advice, and I couldn’t have been more grateful.”
Cline was preceded in death by his father and by his brother Earl. He is survived by his mother, Jean, herself retired from the custodial staff at Kenyon. Cline leaves behind five children — Joseph, Joshua, Jessica, Clinton and Amelia — and several grandchildren, as well as two brothers, Morgan and Neil, and a sister, Treasa.
“Kenyon College was blessed with Russell’s dedication, extreme talent and great attitude,” Boughter added. “He will be missed, and I am proud and honored to call him my friend.”