In Memoriam: Russell Epker –

Russell Epker, co-founder and retired managing director of Berkshire Partners, passed away earlier this month. He had cancer. He was 61 years old, and is survived by his wife Anne Percival, his three children Kristen, Mark and Allison, four grandchildren, his mother and two brothers.

Russ was one of the five former Thomas H. Lee & Co. investors who formed Boston-based Berkshire Partners in 1986. He retired from fulltime duties in June of 2000, yet continued to serve as an advisory director. Prior to Thomas H. Lee, Russ had operating experience at Ford Motor Co., Xerox Corp. and Tyco International Ltd.

Perhaps Russ’ most lasting contribution, however, came his work with Boston’s nonprofit community. He served as chairman of the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Boston; vice chairman of United Way of Massachusetts Bay and co-chair of the Friends of Camp Committee of Camp Hale (United South End Settlement House). He also served on the corporate board of governors at the University of Michigan Business School.

Russ was student government president before earning his B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1964 and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School in 1967.

Please send any donations in his memory to: The Boys & Girls Club of Boston

Attn: Jill Goldweitz

50 Congress Street, Suite 730

Boston, Mass. 02109-4002