As told by Tessa at Russ’s wake and edited by Kathy
When I was probably – I couldn’t have been older than 8 or 9 – and I had a strong desire to do a 20-mile charity walk. I demanded that we participate and of course, Russ was behind me all the way and helped me sign up different sponsors. He really was so great at making it special. He, of course walked by my side. We got to about mile seven and, you know, I’m a 9-year-old, so that’s a lot of steps for me and at that point he just had to carry me. So, he proceeded to carry me on his shoulders for the remaining miles but never protesting and I think that really sums him up. In my eyes, he was just so generous and so supportive with all of his children. Whatever passions they had, whatever they wanted to do, Russ supported them with his full heart. I think he did that not only for his kids but for so many people he encountered.
Meekins Family Stories 