I’m speechless. The shock and sadness I felt when hearing of Russell’s passing will be hard to shake. I imagined that my life would include his presence at trade shows and events for a long time to come. At dinner, Andy Abramson and his wife Helene, Lee Dryburgh, Jim Courtney, James Body and I drank a toast to a comrade, and spent an hour on earth that Russell didn’t get to spend. I found myself searching the faces of others in my community, with a growing realization that this scene repeats for each face. Tough.

Hug somebody important to you tonight. There’s a finite number of times you’ll have a chance to do that. We’re not going to forget you, Russell. I didn’t know you well enough.