The world of the kiwi travellers has been turned upside down, inside out and flipped sideways.
Russ lost his battle to this terrible disease IPPFE…a little over a week ago and we farewelled him on his next journey on his birthday 21st September. A day filled with sunshine, sadness(for our loss), music and beautiful words! And humour!
From around the world, Russ’s friends have shared their love and stories and here at home my family has surrounded me with love and support.
The hard bit starts now, and living without my travel buddy, my best friend and my partner in everything in this world, from the first thing in the morning “are you awake” call to last thing at night “rehash of the day and plan for the next one”.
Wherever my journey takes me from here Russ will be travelling with me and discussing the “where to next” with me, and probably changing our minds several times.
The Tag team looking after Russ waiting for George from the other side of the world!
George and Dan on the beach, collecting the treasures to make a non floral bouquet!
The Artwork, labour of love, painted by Daniel to send with Russ…and the Kingi (fish – which Russ is good at catching)…
A few of the favourite things – Texas Longhorns, Heineken, and his sons!
Kitchen time – lots of this! I was mainly on dishes! Food just seemed to appear.
Daily visits with Nanna to keep her in the loop. This day she had horses in the hospital! Yes they do all sorts to relieve the boredom!
From adventures to mis adventures, Russ is loved around the world, and I can’t say the tears have dried, as I’m sure they will flow for a very long time (for those who shared the service – my calmness was due to a solid shot of Jaxon’s, very expensive, scotch) Not a whisky girl, but it worked!
Russ touched the world and hearts in so many places, and will always be with us all! We always promised each other we would travel until we couldn’t fly any more! We took this to the 11th hour….and nearly became flightless kiwis stranded in Berlin!
All who wander are not Lost girls 
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. 💖
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Hey S.H.B.C, I haven’t spoken to you on the the phone since R.L.C passed away. K.S.B and I watched the celebration of his life on Saturday morning before I went to work, we were both blown away by the ceremony, how your boys spoke, Sandy’s skill being m.c and your strength in speaking yourself.
Speaking from experience it is a very hard thing to speak at a funeral. Russell was a very special person, I loved your anecdotes about your weekly lists for him. It is just amazing to me that this confirmed bachelor took on a life, not only of being a husband but a father of two, then three boys. It was obvious by the words of Daniel, Jaxon and George, just what role Russell played in their lives, and I’m sure, as they all said, that his influence will last throughout their lives. Having lost my sister and brother well before their time, I’ll forewarn you that not a day will go past without you thinking of Russell, he will leave a great gap in your life, but with time, you will know that he is still with you, as he is with all of us, in our hearts and through the memories that he has left us.
I’ll speak to you this week my favorite sister in law, all my love Rols xxx
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Thanks Roly, I wake up every morning talking to him – even though he used to get cross with me doing this while he was trying to sleep in! Thanks for always being there with me, bag drops, shoe shopping, chats and just everything xxxx
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Deeply saddened by Russell’s passing. Our friendship goes back over 40 years from when he was my room mate at Victoria House in our first year at University. He was a true friend and in those first couple of years at university we shared many new experiences.
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Tony – I know it’s too soon but we did the best we could and Russ enjoyed everything we could do xxx
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Yes Sue it is and undoubtedly this would have been the case. I suppose in my recent exchanges, he played down how very ill he really was. My thoughts and love at with you all. Arohanui Tony
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Hi Sue. I was so saddened when Sly first told me about Russ’s illness. I met Carter, (as I called him) through Sly. Please accept my deepest sympathy. He was a great partner, guy and friend. A true mate to Sly. He will be sadly missed. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless, Ken. (Ken Day)
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Hi Sue I sent you a Happy Birthday message and just read Russell passed away. OMG I’m feeling so sad for You all? he was an awesome man and so kind.
I think about you a lot and would love to catch up, time passes by so quickly, but I remember all our beautiful times together. Love to you Sue xxx
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