Monday, December 7, 2009
I was saddened to hear the news about Uncle Russ. For as long as I can remember, he has been one of my personal heroes, and a source of great admiration and inspiration. He had that rare quality of lighting up a room when he simply walked in. So many wonderful memories, from the early days skating and sledding at Bear Mtn, overnights at Weehawken, to all those wonderful summers at Lake Stockholm. He would make us laugh, make us sing, play charades, put us to work (always light duty with a reward upon completion!), but always instilling a strong sense of family and love of family. His sense of basic decency made an early impression on me; one that I try but do not succeed in always emulating. I can always remember asking Mom and Dad when learning of a family gathering, "Are Aunt Ann, Uncle Russ and family going to be there?" That meant it was going to be special. His sense of humor (like that of all his brothers and sisters) brightened up any day you were lucky enough to come across his path. He was a great man. I am so thankful that my children had even a small opportunity to meet and be around this great man at our family reunion at Crestwood Lake in Allendale some years ago. And while in recent years, distance has kept us apart from him and his family, he has been and always will be in our hearts. On behalf of Katie, James, Maryelle, and David, we send our deepest sympathies to Aunt Ann, Cathy, Russ, Karen, Kevin, Pam and their families. And also to Mom and Aunt Barbara and her family. With love, Bill
