Sunday, November 10, 2024
/public-file/1070/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
I worked with Russ during the last couple years of his life. He was one of the most special people that I have ever cared for, in my line of work as a healthcare assistant, in the past 15 years. He was so kind and appreciative, of literally every little thing we did for him. He was so well mannered. Always a please and thank you, with legitimate gratitude, not just out of habit. I think as someone who had a normal life, until it was stolen from him by someone else’s selfish actions, he really appreciated help with things that he could no longer do for himself. He didn’t ever take it for granted, that we were there to help him. He truly appreciated our help, which made helping him a pleasure.
Russ had a big heart. He talked about his family often, and there was such a love there. His brothers were his best friends, and his wife and kids were his world. But his kindness and love did not stop there.
He had a co-resident that lived down the hall, whom had some special needs, and no family to help him. Russ liked to tease him relentlessly, and this person loved it. It was all in good fun, and it made this person laugh, right from his belly.
Russ also would buy this person things, important big things, such as an iPad and a cell phone. He also passed on anything he no longer needed, to him. As well as ordered him things from Amazon often. That’s just how big of a heart he had. Even in his situation of having so much of his independence stripped from him, he still helped others.
Russ would give you the shirt off of his back, if he could have. He would help anyone, however he could. He was just an all around great guy. He also had a great sense of humour! He made coming to work, something positive. He was also a breath of fresh air, if we were having a hard day. We were always welcome to come hang out in his room, and gather our thoughts and composure.
This is a very profound loss for us his friends/ care givers. I can’t even imagine how much deeper of a pain, his family must be feeling. I think of him every day, and miss him terribly. I believe in the afterlife, and believe he is glad to be back on his feet.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends. Such a huge loss to them, and all of us.
