I have known you Russ for many years. The things that I am grateful for about you include, sparring with you (sometimes you won, sometimes not)(you know I had to say that); the pen and ink that you surprised me with, which was of me and my ballroom dance partner; the magnificent job that you did as my son's light designer, in what became his most amazing performance; your intellect; your humor; your laughter; and how after so many years we picked up where we had last left off. I was so glad to see you, Russ, and to meet Donna, whom you clearly love, and she, you. I was very happy for you, and I am glad that you found love, and realized your talents. Rest in peace, friend.

As I read this tears filled my eyes. My brother Mike was Russ’s best friend and he was there when Mike was killed at bridge 28 VN. Mike loved Russ like his own brother and now they are once again together. Russ as a Marine and a friend I salute you.

Terry Padill