Paul Allen Russell

Our brother and good friend, Paul Allen Russell, passed away on August 26, 2023. Paul was born on May 27, 1966, in Binghamton, New York. He was the third and youngest child of George Reeves Russell and Doris Mae Russell nee Allen.

Paul’s childhood was primarily spent in Saratoga Springs, NY. He enjoyed skiing the beautiful mountains and swimming in the Adirondack lakes.

Paul later moved to Flagstaff, Arizona where he attended Northern Arizona University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Soon after, he moved to Phoenix close to his parents’ home where he became employed as a land surveyor.

It was when his best friend was hospitalized after a serious car accident in 1997, that Paul became inspired to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse. He attended Mesa Community College where he earned an Associate Degree in Nursing. He found his niche as a Registered Nurse specializing in the burn unit at Valleywise Hospital in Phoenix where he was employed at the time of his passing. He found it to be both challenging and rewarding and enjoyed his time with co-workers.

Paul was a compassionate soul whose love of caregiving was evident not only in his nursing career but also in his personal life. He cared for both of his parents as they aged and traveled on their journeys through this world.

Paul had a shyness and a quiet, contemplating vibe about him. That was only until you came to know him. Then he would talk with you for hours. He was funny, witty, and loved to laugh and joke. Paul could find humor in most things. His laugh and sense of humor will forever be with us.

Paul appreciated many things in this world. He loved all animals especially cats and dogs. He thoroughly enjoyed good food. He liked to cook but also recognized the worth of a fine meal prepared by someone else.

Paul was a lover of books, movies, and writing. He enjoyed full use of his public library, renting books and DVDs. Even with the public library, Paul’s home was overflowing with books that he owned. So many books! He could have owned his own bookstore. Perhaps he has opened one up in heaven. That would be Paul’s idea of heaven.

Paul’s two great passions were outdoor adventures and golfing. It was when he did these things that his spirit was the lightest.

Over the years, the outdoor adventures that he enjoyed included family trips to the mountains, skiing, kayaking, camping, backpacking and hiking. Hiking was the one most consistent and everlasting of all his adventures.

Hiking was Paul’s obsession. He especially was connected to the Superstition Mountains close to his home in Arizona. One summer, he hiked in solitude in those mountains as often as he could. Neither triple digit temperatures nor even rattlesnakes deterred him. One could say that the Superstition Mountains were his second home.

Paul shared hiking with two of his best friends for over thirty years. His sense of humor and perseverance pacing steadily down the trail is forever embedded in our minds and hearts.

If hiking was Paul’s obsession, then golfing was his compulsion. What else do you call it when a person golfs in triple digit temperatures in the middle of the desert summer sun?

Paul had a great group of golfing buddies who shared his compulsion. They spent many hours enjoying the quiet, peacefulness on the green together. Paul always looked forward to their annual golfing trip together to Laughlin, Nevada. Maybe he will be watching over the guys on the course and give them a little help every now and then.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, George Reeves Russell and his mother, Doris Mae Russell nee Allen.

Paul is survived by his: sister, Laura (Michael) Reunert nee Russell; brother, David Russell; two nieces, Katie and Lizzie Reunert and his circle of forever friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

https://www.michaeljfox.org/