A Touching Celebration of Life – Donald Russell

Over 125 people gathered on Saturday, the 11th of July, at Hooper & Weaver in Grass Valley to eulogize Donald Russell, who died this past May 6th. Clearly, Don wasn’t supposed to do that if you asked just about anyone there, especially his Irene, who orchestrated the special day of remembrance and loss. My son Erik drove me there from our homes in Fairfield due to his not fully trusting my driving safely since I’m now in my ninetieth year. I noted others who had come from afar, including a Paul Russell from Michigan who shared a grandfather with Don. Cory Peterman was there, he who was to head back to Rome on the 12th. The chapel was at full capacity. Yes, it was special, but so was Don and Irene still is.

The Master of Ceremonies was Lee Adams, who introduced the speakers: Richard Earl, Tom Taylor, Carl Butz, Brandon Pangman, Jennifer Malone, Robert Eschleman, and Tim Beals, with Lee concluding the remarks. As those of you who may have known Don would understand and expect, there were a lot of laughs, wonderful tales, and also many a somber moment. I believe most of us would admit that very few people have come into our lives leaving as strong and positive a feeling as did Don Russell. We needed this occasion, since our sense of loss is very strong. The slide show featuring Don’s life and activities and a couple of remarkable headlines were very well received with more warmth and laughter. Well done!

Since I am mostly deaf and so could not comprehend some of the spoken word, I found myself reminiscing about the years since 1998 that I was connected to the Mountain Messenger with Don and on to the many lessons Don taught me. I got to fill quite a few blank spaces that he did not, things that really were not the best use of his time but were still worthy of being reported. There were the gems that he lived by, including that he never attacked anyone personally, but the job they did was fair game to be reported unmercifully if he deemed it fell short. His standards were high and honest. He also took care of others. He listened. He cared. He suffered when anyone he loved died, and that happened all too often. I’m sure the speakers covered those aspects of my friend, while I’m happy that Irene and his family heard their kind words.

The Ponderosa Lodge at the Nevada County Fairgrounds was the next stop for almost all the mourners, and it was very nice indeed. For me, it was a time of both sadness and joy. I experienced joy at seeing so many of those my husband and I knew in Sierra County during our 17 years there. Most of those speakers got hugged along with those with names of Frazier, Lang, Lauter, Edwards, Peterman, Peek, Johnston, Bell,Judge, Daley, Bosworth, Douville, Hamilton, Fillo, Galan, Bulanti and more, more, more. So many memories! So many wonderful people that I miss and still admire, respect, and love.

Reflecting on our life there in Downieville, I feel blessed. Looking at those who were able to attend Irene and the families’ gathering to celebrate Donald, I realize we were all blessed; our lives were enhanced by knowing that man. We won’t ever forget him as long as we live. He was indeed special. Thank you, Irene. Bless you!