I have enjoyed reading the great tributes of honor from some of Russ’ past associates and friends and fully appreciate their loving sense of respect to the greatest warrior I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Kind, gentle and fierce may appear to be an odd description, but with this man; it worked so well !! I knew Russ for only a few short years with him as my Tai Chi instructor in Yuma, but a couple of fishing trips and several casual chats soon showed me how much more there is to this man than he would ever easily talk about or share, especially if he ever thought it would show him as showboating or bragging. I love him and completely miss his presence, but a couple of personal prints he sketched plus his spirit is with me and will be with Donna, their family and anyone that has had the pleasure and blessed opportunity to know him. Go on dear friend, go on. Garry Raabis

Russ and I shared a love of art. I became acquainted with him as a result of our mutual love of art, music and spirituality. He was an important early contributor to the annual Artist Studio Tour hosted by the Coeur d'Alene Arts and Culture Alliance. We spent time together discussing our art and ways to help build a strong art presence in our community. Russ was an extremely talented man in so many areas. He was a good friend and was such a selfless, giving person. I know he inspired me and others along our journeys. He will not be forgotten.

Russ was such an inspired artist, kind soul, and true friend. His ready smile and open heart felt so sincere and welcoming that it was a joy to be around him. This world is a better place because of Russ DeVerniero.

I have known Russ since we were children. Both of our fathers were in the Yellowstone County Sheriff Posse and we have stayed connected through all of these years in both Montana and Washington. Russ was a support during good and bad times.
He was loyal to his family and friends. He will be missed by all of us more than words can express.

I don't know why all of a sudden I tried to reach out to Russ and it broke my heart to know he has passed
I was part of the City County Drug Task Force with him and Russ was the best of the best! I wish that I could have one more minute to tell him how much he mattered to all of us.

Mrs DeVerniero, I'm so sorry for your loss. I was in High School with Russ and in the reserves. I volunteer with the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation. I'm sure Russ was receiving compensation from the VA for his service. As a spouse you are entitled to compensation, too. If Russ's death certificate lists non-hodgkin lymphoma as the cause of death you are are entitled to DIC. If it doesn't list it as the cause get it changed.
This looks like a solicitation I can assure you it isn't. Those of us that grew up in the Viet Nam era and served know of the sacrifice made and the lack of appreciation, for our service. You have my email address and if you are interested I'm happy to help. We CHARGE NOTHING.
Russ was a good man and Marine, semper fi!

I was just thinking about one of the best job I ever had which was with Billings Police and Sheriffs Joint Task Force which I served with Russ and other officers and they always had my back! Then I almost died from pneumonia and Russ came to see me and gave me two beautiful Asian pictures which I loved so very much and somehow lost. And I love you for taking care of him.
But please someone tell me how and why he died!!

I knew Russ as an artist martial artist and a good human. Short story here. We were teaching some martial art students out of my garage and had a radio going, news broke in about someone breaking into local homes, there was a description. To our surprise the suspect walked down the sidewalk. Russ and I gave chase. Russ wearing a hakima and as we ran he caught his toe in the hem...but instead of falling down he did a perfect roll and came up still running. Russ gave me lessons in sumi-e that I practice to this day. I am honored to have known the man, and though it's been years I'll miss his spirit.