Russell A Ekeblad

2018.

Russ was one of the leading U.S. bridge players for the last 40 years, with five major National

American Bridge Championship wins and six second place finishes. Several times he

represented the United States in world play, earning first, second and third place finishes.

Born in Evanston, IL on August 17, 1946 to the late Dorothy (Sebbens) Ekeblad and Frederick

Alfred Ekeblad, Russ' competitive nature and ability to excel was evident early on, whether

striving to be first chair of the trombone section, throwing strikes as a southpaw Little Leaguer or

achieving high marks academically. He attended Brown University (1968) and it was during his

senior year that his brother, Steven, himself a Life Master, introduced Russ to the game of

bridge at Starr's Bridge Club. Following graduation, Russ was pursuing a master's degree at

Columbia University when his country called him to active duty. Having developed a love of the

ocean from his childhood days summering on Cape Cod, he applied and was selected to enter

the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School, graduating in the top tier of his class and serving

almost 4 years.

Following his military service, he met and fell in love with Sheila (Bernstein) Ekeblad, fittingly, at

a bridge tournament in New York. Russ and Sheila settled in Providence, RI, and, over the next

37 years, raised three children, founded and operated Kenilworth Creations Inc. and earned the

rank of Grand Life Master of the American Contract Bridge League. As active members of their

community, they enjoyed golf, boating, and travel.

Russ served on the Board of Overseers of The Moses Brown School in Providence, RI, and

was an avid supporter of Brown University and Easter Seals. He was a member of The

Metacomet Country Club in RI and Old Marsh Golf Club in FL.

During his retirement, Russ continued to enjoy bridge, boating, and the company of a dynamic

and devoted group of friends and family, particularly his beloved grandson, Zachary, and

granddaughter, Ryan. He will forever be remembered for his warm and infectious grin, his

irreverent sense of humor, and the sense of excitement and contagious enthusiasm he brought

to bridge, life, and love.

Russell is survived by his children, Eric Soloff (Alexis) of Providence, RI, Rachel Soloff (Patrick

Lavelle) of Lincoln, RI, Elizabeth Ekeblad, New York, NY, 2 grandchildren, his sister, Louise

Wilcox of Niantic, CT and his niece, Kate Wilcox Bartlett (Bill) of Lyme, CT.

He is predeceased by his brother, Steven Frederick Ekeblad, and his niece, Susan Louise

Wilcox.

A celebration in his memory will be held on Saturday, January 5th, 1 pm-4 pm at

The "15 Point Rd Restaurant" in Portsmouth, RI.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution, in his name, to:

New England Youth Bridge, Inc.

c/o Barbara Doyle

280 Boylston St., Apt. 503

Chestnut Hill, MA 02467