Rusty, Russ, little brother. Though circumstances kept us apart for decades, I never ever forgot any of my sisters and brothers.  I'm so sorry that I never made more effort in this lifetime to keep in touch. However, you and the rest know the reasons. I miss you. I regret you never got to meet your nephews and their children. I regret I didn't have the chance to tell you I love you one more time. I miss you. There is a whole in my heart that is having a hard time healing.

Russell I valued our friendship. U. Always accepted me no matter what. I have lost ( the world has lost) an exceptional man. I miss you everyday my friend.

You will be forever missed my brother.

Thank you for all the great phone conversation about our lord the father Jesus and I know you are there in heaven now. God Bless

I was Russell's downstairs neighbor in Phoenix. I love this photo of Russ because it is exactly how I remember him - a happy, kind and gentle soul. I'm actually the one took this photo of Russ in his apartment shortly after we met. I think the way we became friends really exemplifies the kind of person Russ was. In 2015, I had just moved to Phoenix and didn't know a soul. One of the 2 cats I brought with me was very sick and I had to put him to sleep. I knew that Russ had a cat and wanted to ask him for the name of a vet. I knocked on his door and when he answered he could see that I'd been crying. He didn't say a word but instead simply reached out and gave me a big bear hug. He then walked with me to the vet and stayed with me until Taz was gone. He made me dinner that night and checked on me over the next few days, bringing my other cat Mike treats each time he came. This is the kind of man he was - giving his time and compassion to help someone he didn't even know. He also helped out at his church, bringing women (from a nursing home I think?) on a weekly shopping trip to Walmart and to the food bank once a month. He was ALWAYS there for me if I had a bad day and prayed with me during difficult times. I used to make him No-Bake Cheesecake which he loved and would eat right out of the pie tin!
I am profoundly saddened by his death. I just didn't see this coming. The only comfort I find is in knowing he was with family and that his beloved cat Pepper will be taken care of. Russ loved that cat so much and I know he is looking down from Heaven and grateful Pepper is safe and sound.
I never thought a liberal Democrat and a conservative Republican could be friends, but there you have it! Lol. Russ is the first friend I made in Phoenix and one of the finest people I've ever known. I am honored to have been able to call him my friend and grateful that he was part of my life. His death will be felt by many. I know he's with God now and it's the one thing that brings me peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. You will be forever missed.
R.I.P. my friend.

I enjoyed your company, you are a good man. You had a good humor and you love children. I know you’re in a good place in heaven see you there.