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SALT LAKE CITY -- Most of us try to limit our time in hospitals, but that's not the case for one Utah man.
The University of Utah Hospital said "goodbye" Tuesday to a man who spent decades there -- and enjoyed every minute of it.
"I don't know how you say a fond farewell to an institution," Lori Tavey, the hospital's director of volunteer services said Tuesday. She said "Herbie" has done everything they've needed him to do over the years, and more.
"I just enjoy meeting the people," said Herb Russell as he delivered drinks to patients on one last round of the hospital.
Hospitals never made Russell squeamish. He feels right at home, and that's a good thing. Tuesday, he retired after 56 years of volunteer service.
If you've ever spent time at University Hospital as a patient or employee, chances are you recognize Herb Russell's friendly smile, quick wit and kind compliments as he greets people and delivers drinks.
"I get a lot more out of it than they do," he said.
Russell began working at the county hospital in May 1955, before the U. facility was even built. He was an actual employee then as well, working for plant operations, but during his own time he'd arrange live entertainment for patients in the psychiatric ward.
"And then he just kept coming back," Tavey said.
Russell served with the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II and then again during the Korean War, taking care of soldier patients when they returned home sick or injured. He met his wife during that service and when they returned to Utah, he couldn't help but serve people, according to his brother, Ron Russell. He said watching him help out every week helped to instill the value of volunteerism in his own life.
Everyone volunteers to a point... It is something that just gets in your skin.
–Herb Russell
"Everyone volunteers to a point," he said. "Everyone doesn't take money for everything they do."
Russell was first asked to deliver newspapers to individual patient rooms, and to the welcome surprise of hospital officials, Russell would not just drop the paper at the door, but would walk in and get to know each patient along his route.
After walking too much became a problem for him, he was put in charge of the hospitality juice cart, offering drinks to people waiting for appointments throughout the hospital.
If he happened upon any kids, Russell would present each with a tiny stuffed animal, which he carried around with him in a small bag tied to a belt loop.
"It is something that just gets in your skin," he said. "I've got so many friends here."
In his early years the hospital, Russell spent also his time entertaining patients and booking acts for the psychiatric unit.
"I booked country, a little of everything," he said. "Anything I could get."
The clowning around, the interaction with patients and the friendships became part of his life. So when University Hospital opened in 1965, he helped with the move and kept on volunteering.
"I think [patients] feel better by it. They get to see all of the doctors and nurses, but they don't get to see a good looking guy all the time," Russell said with a laugh and a grin.
Petra Graff, an administrative assistant at the hospital, has known Russell since 1982. She says he's brought her a Coke and a smile every Thursday for nearly 30 years.
"The man always has a smile on his face, which of course then makes you lighten up," Petra said. "He makes your day."
"It's very important. It's my life," Russell says.
At his retirement party Tuesday, Russell was bid farewell with big hugs, admiration for his commitment to others and a promise:
"They know it's going to be my last day, but they said, 'You can always come back. But they don't pay much," the volunteer said with a chuckle.
Russell thinks he may have logged more than 25,000 hours at the hospital over the years. That's more than 1,000. He was also recently recognized by the American Red Cross for donating more than 22 gallons of blood during his lifetime.
"Time may have worn you down a little, but it has not changed your attitude for volunteerism," Tavey told Russell Tuesday. She then gave him yet another embrace.
"See, the job isn't without rewards," Russell said, holding onto Tavey just a little longer.
He doesn't know what he'll do with his free time now, but his family, both those of blood relation and those who have grown to love him at the hospital, believe he'll likely find someone closer to home to help, as volunteering has become a part of his life.
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Story written by Jed Boal and Wendy Leonard.
