Major David F.O. Russell (1916-1993) was a distinguished alumnus, generous benefactor and wise counsellor to the University of St Andrews. Son of Sir David Russell (1872-1956), he served in the 7th Black Watch during the 2nd World War and was awarded the Military Cross at the battle of El Alamein. He was seriously wounded at Le Havre, having taken part in the Normandy landings in 1944.
He succeeded to his father's business as Chairman of Tullis Russell Ltd, Paper manufacturers, Markinch, Fife after Sir David's death in 1956. He joined the Court of the University of St Andrews as Chancellor's Assessor in 1963 and served as Finance Convenor from 1964-1977. He also acted as Chairman of the Russell Trust, set up in memory of his brother Patrick who died in the War, which encouraged and assisted countless projects in the university and beyond. These included student expeditions, publishing ventures, and grants for research.
He was awarded the C.B.E. in 1969 and an honorary D.Sc. from Heriot Watt University in 1973 in recognition of his innovative excellence as papermaker and employer. He was made LL.D. by St Andrews in 1977. His interests included the trees and garden at Rossie, fishing, links with Iona and his service to the National Trust.
Source: 'Obituary' in Alumnus Chronicle, 1993, p. 31.
From the guide to the Papers of David Francis Oliphant Russell, 1939-1992, (University of St Andrews)
