Following a brave and hard-fought battle with Melanoma, the Lord welcomed Russell "Russ" James Chretien home on January 27th, 2026, at the age of 63. He was born in Farmington, Maine on June 12th, 1962. Russ lived a life rooted in hard work, love for family, and quiet service to others. A scholar athlete at Mt. Blue High School, he excelled in sports including football, wrestling, skiing and baseball, in addition to being a member of The National Honor Society. Russ earned his business degree at Thomas College, and soon after graduation, obtained his insurance licenses, building a successful 30-year career in the insurance industry. While dedicated to his career, Russ never lost sight of what mattered most. Many nights after a long day at the office, he could still be found in the front yard playing ball with his kids or chasing them around the lawn. As his children grew, he continued to be present- coaching their teams and cheering them on from the sidelines. Russ refused to let his kids give anything less than their best! He could often be heard yelling "tape an aspirin to it," or "why didn't you get a yellow card?" from the sidelines, with a playful smile on his face. His commitment extended beyond his family into the community, where he served on school and town boards and was always ready to lend a hand to a neighbor in need. A lifelong athlete and outdoorsman, Russell enjoyed weightlifting, hunting, fishing and working his land—affectionately calling it his "tractor therapy." He took equal joy in sharing those passions with his children and others and following his insurance career, Russ reignited his love of horses, feeling great joy in training horses, participating in equine therapy, and learning more about the industry. He cherished his time with family, traveling to Colorado, Oklahoma, Chincoteague Island, VA, Wyoming and Cooke City Montana. Russ and Kiley created Western Sky Horsemanship, raising two top-bred quarter horse filles. Russ passed on his love of teaching/training and horsemanship to Lily who continues to take that knowledge and grow Western Sky for the future. Russ often said that his greatest accomplishments were his children, and he never missed an opportunity to brag on any of them (both to their embarrassment and delight.) They will remember him fondly for his legendary storytelling, clever pranks, infamous dad jokes (he had a million of 'em" and cracked himself up). All that he ever wanted for gifts were hugs and kisses. Russ and Kiley were married in July of 2022, at The McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Range (with the free-roaming mustangs), located near Cody, Wyoming. Russ is survived by his loving wife, Kiley Knapp, with whom he shared his passion for horses and farm life; his Kangal dog - Emmy Lou (who was always by his side); his five children and seven grandchildren: Sadie and Jeremy Tyler of Winterport, Me. (Pria and Teo); Molly and Casey DePaolo of Ardmore, Oklahoma (Ryan, Nash, Ketcher and Callum); Joseph and Autum Chretien of New Sharon, Me.; (Louis); and Lily and Sawyer Bachelder, whom he loved as his own. A private family gathering will be held this summer. Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, Maine, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com.