Lavenz Russell's guestbook

Russ i never told ya but you were the little brother i always wanted and if i ever needed backing you would be the one i ask Ride that harley fast and hard and soar with the angels in the ultra light Bro I miss ya Russ

Russ was a dear man and I am truly blessed to have known him. I will miss his infectious laugh and positive attitude most of all. I am honored to have been able to trudge some of this road with Russ!

Thank you for the honer of knowing you and learning what a kind and soft hearted person. I will miss you very much. Say hello to Doc Bob and Bill W. In love and Respect The Crazy Lady from Oskie

dear russ it was a pleasure to have known you , a real gentle soul, rest with god , bill and bob love maggie

i will miss russ very much,,,loved all of his shares,,,he allways made me lafff,,i will never forget the 1st time he told us about whenya fall a great distance u DONT BOUNCEEEEEE,,,i laffed sooooo hard,,,and always will wen i think of him,,,u know it is a very sad time wen we loose peeeps we care about,,respect,,and love ,,i know that,,but for me i always like to laff wen i think about things they say to me or to others as well,, about life,,,and the tuff things we all go thru in this programme to grow up and move on ,,,and russ to me wasa great xample of moving onnnn,, i will miss ya doooode,,,HANG IN THERE (((Ginger))))OXOXOXOOXO
Darrell,,,

Russ, I will never forget your laugh, you always made me smile. The last three jokes you shared in the chat room are permanently embedded in my head. I truly admired the love you had for Ginger, and the way you lived your life. It will be with me always.Thank you for being a part of my life.

Mouse Man:)
My sweet beas friend and husband. I loved u so much. There was no one like you my darling. We loved each other in the good times, the bad times, in sickness and in health. We worked through everything no matter what. I will never want another. You were my first love and last. God helped us in many many things. God was a big part of our lives.
You had a beauitful experiance with God. You always held tight to that this world was meaningless. But to live a life with God forever was your wish, You are now there. Bless You my love always.

I will remember all those times forever.
Your airplanes, Your music. Your laughter. Your spontinaity. Your gentilness.

Have the rest you have wanted for a long time. But would you send me a peice of that Golden Street please.
I love you Ginger

We all loved u Russ,u were a fine,wonderful,example of what a Man,a Husband,and a father should be. Thanx buddy. How is heaven? Wonderful i bet!!
Take Care Sir!!

I did not know Russ for long or very well. I was touched by his shares because they were direct, honest, and from an open heart. It was easy to see that he was at home and at peace in AA.

My thoughts are with Ginger and all of his family.

Russ, you will be sadly missed my friend.
You always had a joke to tell and you always had someone to listen. May you rest in peace....you deserve it.

I'm gonna miss our talks, realy gonna miss ya russ Luv ya Buddy,

Russ, just had that spunk, he could laugh even during his hard times. Ginger was the love of his life and he sure made everyone know about it. I just loved our conversations, and we really got to know each other. He really gave me inspiration along with Ginger. I am grateful that I got to know you both.

Will miss his voice, and his laughter.

with love and blessings

Karin xooxox

Peace be yours at last Russ. No getting your knickers in a knot now friend.... just watch out for the polt-a-goose!
I miss you already Russ. May you know perfect peace forever Russ. In thanks for your company while you will with us.
Love MaryJ xxx

Hugs and love to you Ginger and your family. So sad on your loss. Russ is a wonderful man and a wonderful example to us all of living life in any and all circumstances. Rock the after life Russ! He will live on in all of our hearts. A great man who touched many lives.
Love Bobbi

I thank God for loaning him to us. Sleeping with the angels now...
Peace.

GB U BROTHER ...
an the whole family STAY STRONG ..HES NOW WITH THE LORD AN 1DAY UWILL MEET AGIAN GBLESS
DANIEL UK

My love to you Ginger, my sister and friend...you are my "hero" wifey...and your love is amazing...when you said those vows to your honey...you meant every word ..and he knew it...Hold close your "wonderful" memories...Papa will hold you! See you soon...Russ...!!!Till we "meet" for real...(no paltalk then!!)..Your sis in HIM and friend...forever...Jane

i didnt know russ that well, but ill have him in my prayers, god bless to ginger and his family...

First Russ, tickle tickle, and many angel tickles to you. I have prayed to god and asked that the angels continue to tickle you and keep you smiling. And to ginger, many hugs and keep that chin up, he is just preparing a place for you beside him, for a love like yours and russ's will always continue on, and if you feel a tickle that is just russ telling you he is there. May god bless you both here and in heaven. Love Robin.

Russ u invited me into my first paltalk meeting showed me the ropes made me feel welcome for that i will forever appreciate you your kindness and caring overwhelmed me and kept me coming back thank you You will be a wonderful asset to Gods angels.

It's always a shock for me when someone passes but thats just me, its just a reminder that we all pass this way some day. I 'll miss you Russ your knindness and gentle spoken voice the way you understood things and certainly made me feel welcome, I cant help thinking you must of had a huge resevour of love inside to say what you say and believe as you did of people, I always admired your shares and the tenacity you had to keep on top of things. Reminds me of that swan again going so gracefully on the water with legs peddling like mad underneath to stay afloat, I believe that you were a giver and encourager of good will. For you Ginger my heart goes out to you hanging on to a thread of only you and God knows inside. I love you both very much and I'll never forget for its living that take care and the trustees of our pass love one. God Bless

Sending sincere sympathy to you Ginger and your family.

Russ it was a pleasure to make you laugh, and have a little fun. Having never met i felt i knew you for a long time. Ginger my love you have lost a special man and we have all lost a special friend. I know Russ is a peace, no more pain, and ginger be strong at this sad sad time you have many friends all over the world and you have a special place in my heart. My thoughts are with you and iam sure Russ is looking down and is with us in spirit. Love always Peter_r12 Esperance Western Australia xxxxxx

Ginger I'm so sorry for your lost .. russ was a great man ... I love you and Russ so much ..you are great peoples... God will take good care of Russ now

I didnt know you russ - your family will be in my prayers - i hope heaven is beautiful for you - i might get to know you better when i arrive one day, rest in peace russ

May you rest in peace Russ. Save a place for us.

yo Russ,can u answer me question now bro-what comes after?! Anyhow,u kno im gonna miss ya bro,will see u again tho,plenty o practice time tho now eh..i expect u to be sight readin when i see ya next.U kno i lov ya bruv.
Paul xx

Ginger,

May God Bless you and your family during this difficult time - this is a time to believe that the best years of our existence lie ahead, no matter how difficult that may seem. God is Good.

Pete

Russ, leave those red-headed angels alone up there you perv...lol. It was a pleasure to of known you. Talks with you & your advice helped me through many times. You were a true blessing. Never say goodbye, until we meet again. Ginger, thank you for getting Russ on-line. Looking foward to days to come.
Love, Ted.

Russ, you will be sorely missed,

Ginger,and Family,you are in my Prayers. God Bless.

THNX LEONARD....
GINGER,OUR PRAYERS GO OUT IN ABUNDANCE TO YOU.RUSS WAS A GOOD MAN.HE WAS BRUTALLY HONEST,HE WOULD TELL IT LIKE IT IS WHEN IT CAME TO HIS RECOVERY OR WHEN SPEAKING ABOUT HIS LIFE IN GENERAL.HE ALWAYS HAD A GOOD CHUCKLE TO GIVE AWAY.HE STAYED WITH US RIGHT TO THE END.HIS DEATH IS NOT THE END BUT YET ONLY THE BEGINNIG.HE WILL GET THE REST N THEN FROM TIME TO TIME HE,LL KNOCK ON OUR DOORS THROUGH OTHERS JUST TO LET US KNOW HE,S STILL CHECKING IN.HE WAS A SOLID MEMBER N STRUGGLED WITH HIS HEALTH BUT YET DID IT WITH OUT RETURNING TO HIS OLD WAYS
(NOT ALOT DO THIS),NEVER GIVING UP OR GIVING IN....WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE HIS SEAT IN OUR MEETING ROOMS N OUR CHAT(MUSIC ROOMS)...GOD BLESS YOU N ALL LOVED ONES

ps: i,m sure hes got ur seat saved next to him at the big house with all of our
fellow members waiting as well.

OAAFMA
TOM R

Russ; You truly were an example of living in the moment to me.I loved how You let your light shine and honored others wanting to celebrate each day.Your love for Ginger and the beautiful dance you shared was a blessing to all.Love ya ..and will miss You, Colleen

Russ,

I am grateful that God made such an example of kindness, humility and humor in a man like you. Oh yeah, patient and tolerent as well cuz you had to deal with the MAD REDHEAD every day ;) I loved how simple, honest and pure your perspective was and how much you enjoyed music (even mine!) I am going to miss you and my prayers and blessings are extended to You, Ginger and the family.

xoxoox,

-Michael

Russ, I didnt know you that well but what i did know was a great inspiration to me and taught me that it is possible to whether the storm as long as you walk it with God at your side. Ginger, i love you dearly you have always had time for me no matter what and my thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Kate xxx

Russ was a real example for me, I mourn his passing he was a great, kind and loving man. I was glad to know him and he was there for me in my times of need. Rest In Peace my friend. My condolences Ginger I will miss Russ greatly talk to you soon Ginger.. All my love Patrick

Ginger, hold on to what you remember of Russ. the happy times and the hard ones , may all these memories keep him in your heart forever. May God keep you in his hands,God Bless you Both.
Bill Schell

If I hadn't been so afraid of flying I would have come visiting. But we will meet one of these days Russ. This world would be a better place if we had a lot more people in it like you. AAdownunder has lost a valuable member but your spirit is still there and will be for a long time. Prayers are going up for you Ging.

i knew Russ for too short a time,i wish i'd known him longer,i enjoyed the times i'd talked with him,he was the kind of guy i'd hang with ,him and ginger have been in my prayers,since i met them,Russ is free and in a better place,we all know this but it's hard to let go of the physical person we love,but it takes more love to let go ,then to hold one back. my prayers continue for you both Ginger, LOVE LARRY

Russ, I truly hope you are in a better place now - will never forget your courage and humor- such an effort for you to make our meetings but you were there to help me and I thank you

Russ and i became good AA friends on paltalk, I can only say, God grant me the serenity to accept, Loved you in a special way my AA friend,Thank you for your friendship mate, Maybe we will meet in the big meeting in the sky.Aussie Ray

Russ wont forget you playing your music to me on the phone while Ginger and I was chatting ty for stuminggg in the background
A quiet gentman in eveyway
GODBLESS YOU X
TO GOOD TO YOUNG YET HP WANTED YOU IN HIS ARMS
Prayers for you ginger and your family
love cassy xxx

When I returned home late Monday Russ and found out that you had died, there was a feeling that came over me that I still can't quite explain.

A combination of emotions I guess.

The first thing I did was turn on my Rhaposdy player where I save my "Speaker Tapes" and just listened to the ones of you over and over..just to hear you..maybe my way of trying to keep you here just a little longer (that human thing, you know).

We have spoken,you always knew , that I always thought I would die before you and
had come to accept that, however, not you before me and must admit the truth is I am still having a difficult time accepting that yet.

I am saddened for Ginger, yet as you know Russ,in some ways envious of you..that you are there and I am here. Wish we could chat for just 5 minutes so you tell me what it is all like when it finally does happen, and we don't come back. Is it like we imagine or think it might be?? Sometimes , as you know , I am almost anxious to finally know for sure~~

If so , please save me a good seat,,maybe even ,,when you know its my moment ,put on a cup of coffee for me..LOL!! So we can sit down and you can tell me all the details.

I have read over and over all the things people have written here before me..every one of them is truly a tribute to you Russ, which does not surprise me , as you inspired many of us.

I think though, now that your there and I am still here..the one thing I thought was when I read Adrian's , and he spoke of the Swan (like you)..

I think Russ that is how I will choose for now, to keep you here in my heart and in my earthly life.

Everytime , I see a Swan, whether it be in a photo or on the pond near me, or someone speaks of a Swan, I will think of you , and feel you , and hear your
voice and know , all is as it was intended to be,,Not my will, not your will,,just THY WILL~~

So if I were to have a stained glass hanging for my window, where the sun shines through so beautifully we can seem to see the light ...I think I would choose a Stained Glass hanging with a Swan in it (maybe a Swan with a Harley Davidson Emblem on it,,you would approve of that I think), an AA symbol in a corner of it,,probably a picture of Ginger somehow in there, with a heart and maybe a cupid for the love you both shared and then maybe Russ..a musical
emblem, maybe a guitar.

I would choose the most beautiful of colors for the glass, and I think it would be in a circle like the AA symbol somehow...the colors would be so vibrant that when the sun shone through , the rainbows of light on my wall would make me feel as if I was in Heaven with you...

Hard to end this, don't believe in good byes Russ, you know that,,

If you can see me , somehow, I know you know, I wish I was smiling and in some ways for you, I am,,that you are finally there.

Yet , I somehow , know you know , that because I am yet still human and on this earthly plateau,,that in truth..here are tears in my eyes , as I write this, and an ache in my stomach, wishing we could talk just one more time..

This "Human" thing can be complicated and difficult sometimes, hey?? Yet, so very Simple as well..It "Just Is What It Is"~

so~~

I'll see ya later, okay?

Hugs and much love without condition..
MaryBeth/Serenitymb

Russ~If LOVE could have saved you...You would have lived forever. God bless and comfort those you leave behind. Save me a seat and cup of java at that BIG meeting in the sky.
Ginger~stay close to the fellowship as they will need your SHE (Strength~Hope~Experience)as you walk/grow thru your loss. Southern regards, Cynthia

I missed you so much the night I found out you had passed away that I left an offline for you crying the whole time. I'm going to miss seeing you at the meetings, but most of all I'm going to miss hearing your voice behind Ginger when I would work on the phone with her. Nothing can replace you and the person you were to anyone. You've touched a great many people. I wish I had known you longer and possibly gotten to meet you and ginger. The meetings just won't be the same without you. And just so you know for your own piece of mind Ginger seems to be doing okay and she's reaching out doing the things she needs to do to get through but she's going to miss you terribly. She spoke so highly of you and how much she loved you. I'm grateful for the time you were in my life. Be at Peace my friend.

I will always remember Russes words of encouragement when I first came into the rooms of AA. He will be missed!

I GOT TO KNOW RUSS ON AA ONLINE MEETINGS HE SAID VERY GOOD THINGS TO HELP ME MAY HE REST HE PEACE AND MY LOVE TO GINGER

my brother russ will be in my heart through eternity and as long as that is will be my constant reminder of generosity,pain,love,and most of all humility for russ you are the epitomy of humankind and freedom God hold and keep you until I'm there to hug you my brother loves yas! DA' KAAT. ging all love and grace to and for you huggers and my love unconditionally! loves yas babygirl

My Dear Friend Russ,Once Musician,Always a musician ! You will be Greatly missed !!
A Man with a heart of gold,compassion,empathy,love and blessings is what you had given and shown me. A Man that was totally dedicated to live life,love life and love all and everything that you'd come in contact with. Without judging,or taking for granted.A devoted and dedicated Family Man, who worshiped the ground they walked on. You and Ginger I'll hold forever close to my heart, for you are special friends in my eyes. I wanna thank you both for helping me out in my trying times, and my heart goes out to you Ginger & family with my Condolences & prayers & blessings. Russ May You Always Look Over Us All,show us a direction when we get lost, and leave us a sign,that everything's gonna be all right.xoxox The White Swan With A Golden Smile..rest in peace my friend.xox

Ginger......Peace be with you, in this time & forever......Love , Greg

To dear Ginger and family.

On behalf on my family, the Southern Cross and Unity AA groups we'd like to extend our condolence to all of you in this very sad time of your lives.

I know its so very hard when we lose some one, especially very close friends and family but one thing I do know without a shadow of doubt, life never end here...in fact, its the beginning.

Your dear husband, companion and father has finished his allotted tasks and this is the way God takes him home.

He knows dear Russ has had enough, He takes away his pain, all his struggles and removes the physical jacket from his spirit and the separation is made complete.

Russ is now free as a bird, he will linger some to help you guys adjust and then he will move on to his place of rest with "Jesus our Lord" and prepare for the arrival of his loved ones for when their purpose on the planet is finished.

I have found out through AA that life is all about helping others...in helping others we help ourselves.

Russ did that more than aptly, goodonya mate from all in OZ, you have made it mate, the suffering has ended, and your wonderful legacy is sobriety is etched in our memories forever more.

PS..I sent an IM, it must have went to another Mercy and Grace nick name

Vale Russ John 3:16

Ginger and all, you are in our prayers

God bless

Gordy OZ

I am not sure how this death thing works. I don't know if Russ is capable of reading these posts.

If you are buddy, thanks for giving me daily lessons in humility - the real life version. The grace and aplomb you displayed over the past months have really lent definition to the concept of acceptance. Your cherry attitude, even in the face of the certain death you faced, gives hope, at least to this fellow FOB that when my time comes I have an example to follow.

Now to the one that I know is perusing these lines - Ginger. The greatest strength God has given us in this Blessed Fellowship is in the absolutely knowing that you have many, many friends, all around the globe, that now hold you very dear in their hearts. It is in these moments that we are all comforted by the fact that ours is indeed a "WE" program.

Much of that very special AA love to you Ginger.

Sincerely,

Greg A.
aka jusgreg_1
Brownsville, TX

hiya russ, i don't have to go to the grandest of grand pooh bahs to see the beauty. Hiya Ginger you helped saved my life and you inspire me to no end. We are in this together in spirit always and eternity. I love you both dearly from chrissy in perth, western australia xoxoxoxoxoxox

hello ginger and uncle russ. the only person ive ever learnt anything good from was my uncle jim, but i dont see him much anymore. but i allways thinkof him. there for that is why i called you uncle russ, ived learnt somethings from you. actually russ its not that ived learnt somethings its the freindly comfurt i got from youre kind, and smooth voice. awsome personality. ooo heck im proud to be youre freind and allways will be . hey if theres anything you need me to do while im still down here? just let me know, soo till later love ya love jeff .

Aloha Ginger for introducing Russ in PalTalk messenger room. I know Gingers LOVE for Russ is everlasting. Prayers of LOVE for Your entire family. Ginger. Mahalo ke Akua

Hey Russ .... I am rejoicing with you! Matter of fact, we are reminded , "a day is like 1000 years and a 1000 years like a day". Time is irrelevant. We will join you soon. JC did promised us - "in my Father's house are many mansions".... He did conclude that statement with .... "I go to prepare a place for you". He was talking to "believers" wasn't He, and I know that is what you are. Patti and me will come visiting when we arrive. The "music " is something else where you are at now , huh. I'm looking forward to joining you in your "experiences" .... with the author of love, mercy and grace.
Ginger , He ain't done with us yet. The "UNDER CONSTRUCTION" signs are still up. That means something is still getting built doesn't it . Yes there is no way around "grieving" and we all need to do it , in our own way. Guess that is a process God "sets up" and it has nothing to do with self-pity..... although self-pity could take us for a ride if we allow it to.
Patti and I have you with us at the throne room of grace. For some reason I am reminded of "gold being refined" .... is that what is happening here ?
Hugs,
Jack & Patti.

My condolences to you Ginger and your family. May God be with you through this terrible time.

Many Hugs and Prayers
Sharon & Anthony.
XXX

Russ,

I know that youthful, lively, really cool spirit is still present among us all. Thank you for touching my life with the way you handled this horrible illness.

Glenn

im so greatful that you reach my life the time that i needed a freind ..Dealing with life on lifes terms with other deases and illness. Russ you showed me this pogram works in the rooms and out...We love you and i love you and God loves you..he has you in his arms now ... you will be missed and your exprence strenght and hope will still be in the rooms ....Good bye for now russ will see you at that meeting in the sky.....Keith.W

Russ,
I had always looked up to you...... your shares showing humility, riding your Harley, & playing the Jimi Hendrix songs on your guitar.
Fly with the angels now, for you are now free.

You have been special to me Ginger. Keep comming back, PLEASE! I have no real understanding of what your going through and that makes me scared. I will try to be strong as you are as there is no other choice. I love you and thank you for everything.

For you Ginger, and your family, may God comfort you in your sorrow. You and your husband have been voices to me over the internet, when you would invite me to listen in on the meetings. Russ was very special and cherished by you I know, but he is in a much more joyful place free from the pain and cares and worries of this world...and someday you will join him and be with him forever.

You have my love and my prayers always...

I'm giving you my warm hugs,
XOXOXOX
Karen

Russ you will be missed in our family . God bless Ginger and her family and help them through their grief. Just know that Russ is with you in your heart and is with Jesus now. Remember his love,kindness,great sense of humor, and many talents and gifts.We are all truly blessed to have known him. Love,
The McMillans

Earlier today I was reminicing with Larry about how fearful I was when I arrived in Florida. What I had gone through for those 3 month prior to arriving in Florida, I was surprised that I had stayed sober. Then I realized that do my sponsor, Ginger, your wife Russ, the strength, the love, the unending support and unconditional everything, was a God given gift and much to my surviving. Although we never met Russ, I can say we did have some awesome conversations. There is a saying that behind every great man is a greater woman. I know your now up in the sky in the Big Meeting with Bill W. and Dr. Bob. Say "Hello" to them and give me a hug from me. Ginger will go on, she will survive and live again. She has her faith, her stength and her loving memories of you. I know you will watch out for her from up there. Oh and say "Hello" to the Creator in charge too!

In Your Honor Russ,
Brightest Blessings,
Carol Lee

Prayers to you and family Ginger. Keep looking up!
Russ never had a bad thing to say when I spoke to him,never was too busy and had a spirit of acceptance and peace. I am striving to be just what he was, a sober alcoholic who worked and lived this program.

Ginger,

We know the preceeding testimonials We just read must give you comfort in knowing that their tributes to Russ's influence on their lives has been powerful! These tributes are some very positive measures of your husband's life.

We again share with you our deepest symphathy in your loss of your companion,
best friend and husband.

Our thoughts are with you and hope that your faith will cushion your pain.

Russ will live on in the memories of you and all of his friends

Our prayers are with you Ginger,
Love,
Denny and Kathy

I didn,t get a chance to meet Russ long, but have been moved by the amount of friends and relatives that him and Ginger had. I will keep all in my prayers and thank you for giving mt the opportunity to sign the Guestbook.

Man, Russ I can't talk about the stuff we talked about mate, ty for having a good ear and listening to me, lots of people hear but not many listen, your experiences and mine are so similar, not many blokes like us get to keep the wonderful nature we were born with or get a second chance, your a great example and I am talking to you now not a screen because we both shared one more experience, Grace I am so sorry I cant cuddle you Gingaaaaa,,,(((Now I crying)))

Russ, i would go into downunder often to hear your voice, thank you for the hope and calm....im not a believer in goodbyes...just until we meet again.hugs to you ginger and you are in my prayers, with love, hamish

Prayers and hugs to Family at this time xox Reb, and thankyou...

To Ginger
My prayers and condolence go out to you and your family in this sad time. I know as time passes you'll be able to look back at the wonderful time you have had together and be able to laugh about them.
I didn't know Russ very well at all but I do remember hearing him share a number of times and the wonderful message he had shared with us.

Hello Ginger:

I was just told this past week of the loss of our dear friend brother Russ.
May Russ rest in peace and may God wrap his loving arms around you right now counsolling you at this hard time.

I always enjoy listening to Russ and his laughter and his jokes and the way he joked about you Ginger during the meetings.

I also enjoyed Russ's honesty he let you know how he felt he wasn't afraid of sharing his feelings, fears etc.

So sorry Ginger and I will be at the Memorial on Saturday to honor Russ and if at anytime you need a shoulder to lean on here I am.

May Russ rest in peace now with the Lord and may God's angel's protect you during this grieving time.
Maureen

Dearest Ginger - to you and your family my heartfelt condolences - no doubt Russ's gift of love, gentleness and joy will live on through yourself and his family.

Big hugs and warm smiles Ginger - and may Russ be resting in peace.

I regrete I did't get to know russ I feel
I could have learned alot from him but I
do know I will learn what he has taught
thru the so many people he has touched in his life.
may god bless your life to the fullest.

With Love
Jose David Younkin

so sorry to hear of russ's passing, i didn't know russ all that well ,i have had some real inspiring chats with him from time to time,that helped me to get my head out of my butt and pointed in the right direction,i will miss him ,but i know he is in a good placestarting his new life,condolences to u ginger,hope in time the hurt passes and u will remember the good times,

Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family Ginger. Russ was a wonderful man, who helped so many. I will never forget some of the things he would shared about. What an honor to know him. God Bless You.

God Bless
until we meet again

Wussel with a "W", I woved you too! Thank you for loving Ginger and making her life warm and happy for so many years. I'm sorry it was far too short. Be at peace. I will be listening for you. :)

My deep considerations to your lost my peace be with the family during these times.

Russ I am sorry I never got to meet you face to face,but that is my loss you sounded like a very nice person to get to know,only sorry I did not get to know you better,but you had a great wife in Ginger.

R.I.P may we meet one day

My thought and condolances go to your family at this sad time.

Russ,
I so much appreciated your shares, and your heart warming relationship with Ginger. You will be missed for your compassion to others, your honesty, and your desire to be of service to all. I know God had a great plan for you in your sober life, and no doubt great things in your after life. God bless. Chris (dont drink)

i am sure God has a sense of humor Russ. I bet he enjoyed our jokes.

MY FRIEND RUSS

He touched my life so deeply,
I can’t believe he’s gone.
The sound of his laughter I’ll recall.
Like the words of a favorite song.
We traveled the same road a lot,
We shared some laughs and tears.
He helped me when I was blind,
Through these past few rough years.
He bought smiles to my heart and soul,
With tales about his toys.
The thing that sticks with me the most.
His capacity for life’s joy.
His humility wouldn’t let him see,
How far he’d truly walked
or the lives he’d touched with his giving heart,
he gave and never balked
And when I tried to tell him
How much that he had grown
He’d laugh and then he’d tell me,
Some seeds were still unsown.
His simple wisdom sometimes,
Made me feel like a dope.
He doesn’t know he gave to me,
a spring of eternal hope.
I’m crying as I write this now,
Because my friend is gone.
Yet he lives inside me, in my heart.
And shall my whole life long.
He hasn’t gone to somewhere,
We won’t meet some fine day.
And because Russ was in my life.
He’s brightened all my days.

Hasta lluego Russ (means ‘see you later’)

Russ,
Your kind & loving words will always be with me, and many others i am sure.
you reminded me of my sister in many ways.. all though you were suffering, your smiling words and loving kindness is unsurpassable.. your appreciation for humankind and life itself is imeasurable.. and that Is why I love life ..please say Hi to my sister for me.. I am sure heaven is a much brighter place with you in it.. and everything about you will forever be touching lives i am sure.. you are an Angel in the truest sense of the word.
Thank You Russ..

Thankyou for being a part of our group downunder Russell . In that AA meeting in the Sky Say Hi to Jim Smith and Marble Bar Jim. Please keep the pot hot and make sure you dont run out of coffee. Love you and please say hello to God and Bill and Bob. You carried the message to the still suffering alcoholic you were chosen for the higher purpose.
Many are called.... Amen Bro

Ginger
Some say that emf is what and how spirits are detected and can be communicating and if so i am sure Russ has received everything everyone has wrote... hope you doing well.. I know what it is like to lose someone like Russ.. My sister was the same type of person, never complaining , always thinking of others and always having a loving tone in her voice... they are the few true angels.. and of we are lucky they enter our lives... You are truly blessed to have Russ.. And I mean have.. he will always be a part of you.. Life is beautiful.. Isn't it?? Especially to have such a special human being (angel) to share it with.. I always looked at your relationship as part of the solution in life.. ( the bigger picture) your love ( you & Russ) is how life should be lived.. warmest hugz to you..

Here is Eight flowers, Eight means New beginning,, 7 means completion,,, since I dont know w how to give flowers to Russ and your family I can do it this way,,, God bless you and family and you have a great aditude!! Ginger I loved your last share In DOA last night! alot ... thank you peace be on to you.. Paula

(((( GINGER )))) I send you my condolences and deep sympathies for your sad loss at this time of your loved late hubby and our late bro Russ altho I didnt know Russ all that well I felt in my heart that he was sick.. We are all blessed in some small way when one of those so close to us becomes as sick as Russ did our lord jesus christ in his time he called Russ home to glory land its where our Brother Russ is right now no more is he in pain or sufferring, the greatest gift of all is to pass on with our dignity restored thru unbroken sobriety Russ had all these qualities newcomers or whoever he touched along his journey in sobriety will be well rewarded bless you bro forever RIP

My grandmother always told me death is a part of life,so death is sure to come to all.
But death is short compared to the life after with God. If you know God The father of Jesus,as Russ did you are sure to see Russ again. :) We will see you sooner or later Russ.

Russ your are now one who has completed the program mate, RIP, So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable; It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory; It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
loved you in a special way my AA friend

R remembering

U unconditional

S strength,and

S selflessness

Through all his trials and tribulations,this exceptional man sought to care for others and the program we shared.
Forever in our thoughts
Lot_8 Terry

Dear Ginger.
I'm sorry for your lost. We are all family and i love u both even though i never met russ but you sre diffinetley apart of my AA family. I love you and lots of hugs from me.
Love,
Amanda

so very sad to see a brother in AA pass away I have know Russ for some time now and have fond memories of him .He will be soraly missed Rest in peace my brother in AA

willy_84 Bill

russ you have been a dedicated and humble member of this fellowship....totally inspirational....may your life in the hereafter be eternally blessed.
To Ginger and all the kids... Your man and your dad has touched alot of human hearts in a spiritual way....and his humble message still lives on...
GOD BLESS

Thanks Russ for being a friend, the talks we had about life and its experiances, and for just being there when I needed someone to listen, hey Russ save me a seat in heaven!!!!!!!

I feel like I was just getting to know you Russ and now you are gone...to a better place for sure...but gone just the same. We had just buried a dear friend from our childhood here in Mississippi...Wayne...he was 56 like us...and of natural causes in his sleep...but I am sure alcohol and drugs in the background didnt help! So it took me a long time to let your passing sink in. I dont know much about your journey cause I found your shares were on nights I couldnt hear them...and I thought I could listen later...now I am told your shares were asked to stop being shared ... so I will never hear of your experiences strength and hope...but the little I heard when speaking to you and your music played late at night will be enough for me to say I am so thankful for knowing you over the last few months. I have known Ginger more...a blessing big sis for sure! Just know Ginger you are in my thoughts and prayers ok...love ya g/f! Suzan