I recently found out that Russ passed away. Though I never met Russ in person, we connected via online and he was such a nice person. He gave me wonderful advice on family, raising my children, and my education. May he rest in peace. He will be missed dearly. My sincere condolences to Russ's family.
I will always remember him as a fun and happy person. He was always cracking jokes or finding ways to make people laugh and smile... he also made you think. I liked that he could balance silly with serious so well. It is something I will remember about him.
I will also never forget the summertime (and even sometimes, the school year) toilet paper wars we had. Forks in the grass, shredded paper... all of it. Pure, crazy, fun.
My heart is sad for the loss family and friends are experiencing from his passing but I know he will be watching over everyone. I hope peace and comfort will be found as his memories and his stories are shared.
I'm grateful he was someone I was privileged to know.
Russ was the most influential person in my life. His presence defined me in so many ways. As brothers, there was always some mischief going on (or as our dad would say, horse play...I'll have to look that one up). But that was family....Russ was always into science. I recall when he allowed me to use his chemistry set. Probably was not a good thing, I was 8. Needless to say there were some unexpected results (burnt eyebrows etc). Also remember catching crawdads at Bear Creek. Not sure what we did with them. I recall the many evening we would sit up till late and discuss gravity wave physics, quantum theory, astrophysics and the like. He was brilliant. What separated Russ from other ‘Scientists’ was his firm faith in the Lord and that God created all that is. That physics is only a tool to describe God’s creation.
The fun times of reading comic books under the covers with a flashlight when we were supposed to be sleeping. Or pretending a UFO landed in the back yard on Carol avenue. Or building a rocket all come to mind.
I only touch on a few things here, as it would take 60 years express them all. Barbara, Anne, Aaron, Allison, Adam, Ashley & Amy, I share your loss. I will miss my brother. I am a better man because he was in my life.