Ross (Russ) Michael Conchie

Ross (Russ) Michael Conchie, 83, of Meadville died Thursday, January 6, 2022 at the Marquette Hospice House.

He was born December 29, 1938 in Auckland, New Zealand and was the youngest son of Larry and Lillian Conchie's five children.  Russ’s school years were challenging because of his dyslexia, as it was not recognized the way it is today.  He started working at a young age and would try most anything.  He worked as a motor mechanic, tanker driver, survey chainman, flex graphic printer, commercial fisherman, cocktail waiter and many others.  He also served in the New Zealand army.  In 1967 he joined Air New Zealand as Cabin Crew and would rise to Chief Purser.  He retired in 1988 after 21 years of service at the mandatory retirement age of 50.

Russ first married Christina Gates in 1960 and they raised three children together:  two daughters, Rosina Johnson of Canberra, Australia, Michelle Conchie Osborne (married to Craig) of Lincoln, Christchurch, New Zealand and a son, Russell Conchie (married to Julia) of Mudgee, Australia.  The family lived in New Zealand until their children were grown and they then immigrated to Australia. Chris died November 15, 1998 following a short battle with cancer.

In July of 2000 while visiting friends in Los Angeles, he met Patricia Kuhn Avery and they subsequently married on December 16, 2000 at Stone United Methodist Church in Meadville.  They first lived in Marina Del Ray, CA before returning to Meadville.  They then lived in Australia for 14 years before once again returning permanently to Meadville in October 2014.

Russ was always active.  He enjoyed travel (having travelled over 8 million miles around the world), bike riding, fishing, water skiing, working around his house and helping his neighbors.

Russ recently celebrated 46 years of sobriety, and he was able to help many people around the world with their recoveries.  That gave him his greatest pleasure.

Survivors, in addition to his three children and his wife, Patricia of 21 years, include:  4 grandchildren, Aaron (married to Amy) and Grace in Australia and Alex and Emily in New Zealand, and 2 great grandchildren, William, 12 and Guy, 10.

Calling hour will be Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 5-6 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville.  The memorial service will follow at 6 p.m.  The service will be live streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/ross-russ-m-conchie

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net

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