Russ Brenneman
Beloved Friend, Renowned Colleague
1928 - 2016​

Russ Brenneman at CTLCV's Environmental Summit

Russ Brenneman was a leader among environmental advocates. His loss is felt by those of us who witnessed his passion, observed his scholarship, and felt his love for the natural world. He understood that Connecticut requires both education and leadership to protect the environment and he provided both in abundance. 

His family has thoughtfully included CTLCV to receive memorial donations in honor of Russ. We at the CTLCV are proud to be part of his legacy. Many expressions of admiration and love for Russ were sent to CTLCV in response to his passing.

​Many expressions of admiration and love for Russ were sent to CTLCV in response to his passing.  A few of those comments are below:

​“This is very sad news, indeed. I had the privilege of being a student in Russ' environmental law class at UConn Law. He was a great teacher, impassioned advocate, and friend of the earth. His like is rare.”
State Representative Bob Godfrey

“He was a prince among men. One of my favorite people, and a mentor to so many. Huge loss to Connecticut! As one of my Board members put it, he was a MIGHTY oak who fortunately nurtured many acorns and seedlings along the way to carry on his great legacy.”
Eric Hammerling

“Very sad--what a lovely man. He will be sincerely missed.”
 State Representative Roberta B. Willis

“How sad that Russ Brenneman has passed away. He was such an intelligent and gentle man, who was a great addition to the League. I will definitely be thinking of you all.”
Kirsten Griebel

“Russ left a personal legacy of kindness, class, and intelligence. He inspired colleagues and students to commit themselves to serving the public good and always reminded everyone he worked with that our most important responsibility was to tomorrow’s generations. It was a true honor to serve and work with him. He really made the world a better place for everyone.”
Jonathan Spinner

“Russell Brenneman was one of Connecticut's brightest lights on the environment and clean energy. I first met him sometime in the 1970's and he was always positive and encouraging and someone you could always approach when you had questions. He also had a large hand in writing the CT Energy Policy Act which I have sent out to most of you at least a few times. It is more relevant than ever.”
Joel N. Gordes

“I am so sad to hear of Russ's death. He was an amazing human being in so so many ways. We will all miss him sorely, but I know you worked with him closely over the years and will feel his absence keenly.” 
Sandy Breslin

“Russ has left a huge legacy, including his pioneering legal work (conservation easements, Environmental Policy Act), a generation of inspired colleagues and law students, and of course his founding of CTLCV, which has changed the course of environmental policy and legislation in CT that serves as a model for other states throughout the nation.”
David Bingham

“With this passing, something really special has gone out of the world. It's hard to grasp.”
Sue Merrow

“Russ was the kindest man who ever lived. He really made the world a better place for everyone. I can't believe he's gone. My heart goes out to Freddie and his entire family.”
Lori Brown

“I am so sad. I loved the man! He taught me so much. I remember back in 1977 when he sat with me…a freshman Republican legislator…and explained the nuances of a hazardous waste disposal proposal that he supported. He was such a classy man! Serving as his co-chair of the LCV was a true honor. We were Ying and Yang…he so quietly brilliant…and me so enthusiastic and a bit noisy…it simply worked! And we seemed able to convince the public that the environment is a power beyond political stands. I am truly touched. We will all miss him. His legacy is enormous!”    
Julie Belaga

“I read his obituary and the word that sprang to mind was ‘humbling.’ What accomplishments.” 
Chip Caton”

“I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear friend and colleague. The work he loved so much will continue on through you and all of CTLCV. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.” 
Shawn O'Sullivan

“I thought of you immediately when I saw the obituary for Russ Brenneman in today’s paper. I am so very sorry! I will always remember him as such a kind and thoughtful man so committed to CTLCV. The world needs more men and women like Russ Brenneman! Thinking of you, Russ’ family and Russ. Warmest regards.”
Jane Ryan

“What a wonderful guy he was. What a privilege to have known him.”
Jane-Kerin Moffat

“I was so saddened to learn of Russ's passing. He was such an inspiration and a wonderful neighbor. He did so much to protect our environment.”
Woody Bliss
 
“I just learned the sad news that Russ has passed. What a wonderful opportunity we all had this summer at Ken’s home, celebrating Russ’s life and his gifts to the world. He was a remarkable man and a profound leader. It was a privilege to know him.” 
Eileen Lavigne Flug

"I count myself as one of the many persons "inspired" by Russ. When I first recognized the potential for land preservation that would link up some 10-12 miles of open space along the Mianus River (Stamford/Greenwch), I soon became discouraged by the lack of interest shown by local officials and the apparent impossibility of the project. In desperation, I noticed that there was something called the CT Greenways Council, and I contacted Russ, who was then its chairman. He immediately insisted on coming down to visit me and take a walk on some of the relevant land, whereupon his advice, expressions of support, and great enthusiasm, spurred me to persevere. Eventually, with the help of many good people, and some $35 million of open space purchases, the Mianus River Greenway became the first officially designated greenway in the state of CT. What a treasure he was. It was impossible not to love the guy."
Peter Moss

Joanna Erikson forwarded this poem that Russ had sent to the CT Environmental leaders email list when we were all still just organizing together many years ago:
 
The Peace of the Wild Things
(Wendell Berry, 1968)
 
When despair for the world grows in me 
and I wake in the night at the least
sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake 
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things 
who do not tax their lives with forethought 
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars 
waiting with their light. For a time 
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

JOHN E. HIBBARD wrote from memory an amazing account of his first hand experience with Russ Brenneman over many years:

"The following is a review of his participation in Environmental Policy and Conservation organization in Connecticut and New England over a period of nearly six decades. The review is by no means complete and is based on my recollection from 1963 to his death on October 10, 2016."

1. In 1958 he drafted an option for CFPA to acquire Platt Hill in Winchester Center as a Laurel Sanctuary and which was later purchased by the George Dudley Seymour Fund, as Platt Hill State Park.
2. In 1969 he was appointed to the Governor’s Committee on Environmental Policy that resulted in the General Assembly establishing the Department of     Protection in 1971 as well as the passing of the Landowner Liability Law.
3. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the New England Natural Resources Center which was conducted the New England Natural Areas Survey. The Connecticut inventory was done by CFPA and transferred to the newly established Connecticut Department of Environment Protection.
4. He served as Special Counsel to the Department of Environmental Protection during its period of organization.
5. He was elected a Director of CFPA in 1971 having been recommended by Belton A. Copp to be his successor on the Board.
6. He was elected Vice President of CFPA in 1975 a position he held until he followed CFPA President, Rev. George M. Milne in the later part of the 1990s.
7. As President of CFPA he was a regular visitor to the CFPA office and supporter of the organization.
8. He continued as a Board member and as an advocate for the environment.

There are two publications which may be of interest:

1. CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS, A Century’s Story of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, by George M. Milne, pg 114 and 115 noting the 20th Anniversary of Earth Day and the Fiscal Problems of 1990 which still are with us in 2016-2017.
2. Twentieth-Century New England Land Conservation, A Heritage of Civic Engagement, Edited by Charles H.W. Foster, published by the Harvard Forest 2009.  RESCUING CONNECTICUT, A STORY OF LAND-SAVING ACTIONS, Russell L. Brenneman, pages 259-300.

"The above serve as a reminder of the life of Russ Brenneman and our obligation to follow his leadership."
John Hibbard

Additional comments are welcome. Send to [email protected].

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