Retired Sgt. Maj. Russell B. Coltart, 79, of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Charlotte, Maine, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, at his home in Florida.

He was born in Rockland, Maine, in 1933, the son of Ernest and Emma (nee Bailey) Coltart.

Russell served 41 years in the Maine Army National Guard, and continued to serve as a representative for the Maine Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee. Over the years he was an active community member. Russell served on the Washington County Community College Advisory Board for 27 years, and received an Honorary Degree from the college in May 2009. He was a member of the American Legion, Sherman Williams Brothers Post 3, with 45 years of continuous service.

Russell is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (nee Lowe); children, Catherine (Gregory) White of Jacksonville, Fla., Gary (Ann) Coltart of St. Augustine, Fla., and Samuel (Linda) Coltart of Calais, Maine; grandchildren, Richard (Kayleigh and son, Carson) of Atlantic Beach, Fla., Matthew (Sunni) Coltart of Junction City, Kan., Jared White of Jacksonville, and Samantha Coltart of Orono, Maine; sister, Greta May (Marvin) Barnes of Sun City, Fla.; sisters-in-law, Aurora Coltart of Madawaska, Maine, Anita Lydic of Baileyville, Maine, and Patricia Lowe of Baileyville; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard and Robert Coltart; and brothers-in-law, Merle Lydic and Richard Lowe.

A memorial service will be held at a later date by the family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made in Russell’s memory to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.

The family would like to thank his caregivers at Tidewell Hospice for his excellent and loving care.

Arrangements are by National Cremation Society of Port Charlotte.