Russell S. Bickel

Russell Samuel Bickel, Jr., 53, of Leesport, died Feb. 29, 2012 of complications following open heart surgery in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center.

Born in Reading, he was son of the late Russell S. and Irene (Brown) Bickel Sr.

He is survived by his sister, Barbara A. (Bickel) Swoyer, wife of Robert A. Swoyer, Jr., nephew Samuel, and nieces Mary and Johanna Swoyer, of Shillington; his loving companion, Betsy L.Stefferud, as well as his ever loyal dogs, Gus, Trudy, Jack and Jimbo.

Russ was a self employed master gunsmith. He was a premier stock maker, National Sporting Clay Assoc. shooting instructor and vintage gun collector. As a member of the Olympic Shooters of PA he donated his time to teach the sport he loved to children. Russ was an avid shotgun competitor, wing shooter and big game hunter.

His passion for hunting led him to travel extensively in North America and beyond in quest of his outdoor/sporting world pursuits. Among his favorite destinations were South Africa and Argentina. Russ loved to spend time with friends at his hunting cabin in Schuykill County, as many memories were made there. All family gatherings were sparked with intelligent conversation and humor when Russell was present. Russ was happiest in the simple times spent beside his beloved "Bets" and their cherished dogs.

Russ was a 1976 graduate of Wyomissing Area High School.

He was a proud member and supporter of the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, PAFA, South End Gun Club, Perry Township Gun Club, Strausstown Gun Club, Pike Township Gun Club, Cacoosing Gun Club, Mohnton Gun Club, and Keystone Shooting Park.

Russell can best be described as an avid sportsmen and outdoor enthusiast, most definitely a "Gentlemen's Sportsman."

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 or Ducks Unlimited, 1 Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN, 38120.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading. A visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.