I met Russell on January 12, 2017; a week later I asked my mom when she knew she’d marry my dad - then proceeded to tell her I found the man I’d marry.

Russell is the best man I’ve ever met. On one of our early dates, we were driving to dinner and he noticed a man struggling to change his tire. Russell promptly pulled over and changed the mans tire. I was so impressed by his character - no wonder I feel in love so quickly. To know Russell, was to love Russell. Russell was my best friend, my confidant, and the best fur-daddy to our fur babies, Finny + Griffin. 

Russell gave me the most beautiful, wonderful last 4 years of my life. We took amazing trips, spent evenings home alone, and visited friends and family. Russell truly, truly filled my life with so much love, compassion, grace and mercy. If I got upset or made a mistake, he was quick to remind me of the things that really matter, and reassure me of his infinite love for me.

One last story about Russell and the kind of man he was - when I was born my great grand mother gave me a gold St. Christopher necklace, unbeknownst to me. In my early 20’s my mom told me and gave me the necklace and I never took it off. One night when I was working in DC, my necklace fell off at some point and I couldn’t find it. I was so upset, and cried to Russell because it was irreplaceable. A few days later Russell told me he had a gift for me. I open the box, and it was a new St. Christopher. And now, this St. Christopher is also irreplaceable. That was the kind of person Russell was - he couldn’t stand to see the ones he loved upset and would do anything he could to make it better. 

Russell was my soulmate and now a part of my soul isn’t with me anymore. I will never be the same again, but I will live every day and every moment making Russell proud.

Russell, I couldn’t love you more. I love you forever. I’ll see you in the next lifetime. 

Russ, I am feeling like sometimes this is a prank.  You're now working with the government consulting with them on Crypto and your death was fake.  

It's 8:37 PM here in Florida and I am in disbelief that you are actually gone.  

The last text you sent me was Polo G - Martin & Gina.  I keep listening to it wondering the hell you were trying to say.  But it's a great song so maybe you weren't saying anything and I'm over analyzing hoping you were trying to send me a message.

Most likely you just knew I'd dig the beat and song.  Again, always keeping others in mind.

You're the man bro. Miss you.

  

Russ and I took a road trip spontaneously to Ocean City and our home ended up in flames.  It was a story to remember, but it all ended up alright and Russ was positive the entire time. 

I remember the day when my son, Sam, came home from 3rd grade talking about the “new boy” in his classroom. It was Russell McCollough.  These two boys became lifelong friends & have shared so much in 34 years. Russell  always had a smile on his face, an incredibly positive attitude  & a pure joy to be around. We loved him so much in the Vandever house.   Prayers & love to Yong  & Greg. 

I will miss you every single day, Russ.  From our 7th grade reading class with Mrs. Neal, to our date in high school when I got my first speeding ticket, to our two hour phone conversations lately. You will always hold such a special place in my heart, I will forever save every selfie you ever sent me to make me smile when I’m down. I love you #4. 

We were 8 years old the first day we met. You’ve been my best friend ever since. Bikes. Skates. Clothes. Movies. Music. Crushes - we learned it all together.  I learned true friendship from you. True loyalty. True kindness. I’ll always love you, Brother. In times of happiness, love, loss and beauty, I will always think of you. I’ll see you again one day, Brother. The love you left will not be forgotten. I love you and will miss you so much, Russell. 

We will miss you every day, our hearts are broken. 

Russell was such a kind and generous soul. You could not have asked for more from a true friend. He was so uplifting and it was rare for him to express anything but pure positivity. Any time that I was feeling down, he would always describe the present as difficult but temporary, and the future as glorious and serene. On April 10th we spoke for over 2 hours on the phone on a Saturday afternoon. The weather was perfect both in San Francisco and Washington D.C. and we wound up switching to a video call on face time showing off the natural beauty of our respective environments. We partially planned his road trip: where to end up, where to stop, who to see and when he would come to California to stay with us. I am so glad that he began this trip before he left this earth, because it was something he yearned for strongly. We always stayed in close contact, he was a like a member of my family. His final texts to me were expressing his excitement for a new job he was in the final interview round for. From Wednesday April 14th until  Sunday April 18th we texted each other each day about various topics. His final message to me on Sunday April 18th at 2:07PM was "Ha ha I'm in New Orleans what are the best crepes?" It made me smile because I knew that he had finally begun his eagerly awaited journey. I texted him that Monday and Tuesday and thought it was strange that he hadn't sent me any pictures or travel updates, but I knew he was busy having fun and living it up in the big easy. An hour before I heard the news, I sent my final message to him which was a picture of a beignet with powdered sugar being sprinkled on it. I love and miss him dearly and I know that he is resting in a good place watching me, watching us all, cheering us on, telling us everything will be great and that he will be waiting for us with open arms. I imagine he is fishing with his father, smiling and laughing right now. Russell brought out the best in me and he will always be with me.

I miss him so much, he was my closest friend, we spoke often on so many subjects he motivated me so much, Elena (my wife) really appreciated his kindness and support. He was always so nice and respectful, he was my first phone call on triumphs and successes as well as darker more difficult times, but always there, always with the infinite positivity and how bright our futures would be. My father was at a party for Fiesta in San Antonio and completely broke down crying when he heard the news, every single person stopped what they were doing to listen as he explained to them how much he loved and respected Russell, my dad and him would call each other every few months and have hours long discussions, Russell really cared about how my dad was doing and until the end would still say yes sir no sir thank you sir and my dad would proclaim, call me Eric! We are friends! My dad always asks me how Russell and Yong are doing, and he said to pay his highest respects and warmest regards to Russell and his family. I will be traveling later this year and will make a point to see Greg and Yong so that I can tell them my stories of Russell and how much his friendship made an immeasurably positive impact on my life, there is so much more that I could say but I’m really going to miss Russell and he will always be in my thoughts.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Russell Park McCullough

8 décembre 1986 – 20 avril 2021

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

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