Prominent businessman and community leader passes away
By: Megan Conway
This morning, Nebraska lost a prominent businessman and community leader. Russ Raybould died this morning at the age of 92. The founder of B&R stores shaped the grocery industry here in Lincoln for the better part of five decades.
“Russ will be missed in the company, but he left us with a really great legacy to continue to follow his example,” says Marty Jarvis, marketing director.
Store employees say he was a man who put his vision into action and as a result was an icon in the food industry. Friends and co–workers remember him as a passionate, driven and caring person.
“He was a hard worker, he was focused, he was dedicated to his business and dedicated to his family,” says Kathy Siefken, executive director of the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association.
Friends say Raybould always wanted to be progressive and accomplished many firsts with his stores. Russ’s Markets were the first in Lincoln to have scanners, the first employee owned store in Nebraska, and the first store in the state to have frequent shopper cards.
People in the industry say they admired Raybould for his hard work. Jarvis remembers once, they were building a new store, everyone was headed home, but Raybould was still there sweeping the floors to prepare for the next day.
“He really cared about the people and making sure that everyone did things the right way,” says Jarvis.
Raybould was 92. He is survived by his wife Anita, his son Pat and his daughter Jane.
