Part 2 of 2
Several weeks after Russ and Cyndy returned to Michigan, Tom and Russ scheduled another visit for mid-April since the missionary aviation folks scheduled to see him fly planes and fix them. But just before Russ and Cyndy were to arrive, they became sick and had to cancel their visit.  Everyone in our family and Faith Family prayed earnestly for God to spare Russ. While Tom and Russ messaged each other often, our son-in-law played internet chess with Russ to ‘keep him company.’  
We then learned from Cyndy that Russ was very ill, yet her faith encouraged us. She wrote, “He [Russ] is in the Lord's hands and I trust him with all my heart. Whether he heals him or calls him home I will praise him all the days of my life.” She also texted, “Rock solid in Jesus.”
Russ is now with the Lord Whom he loved and believed in though Russ didn’t actually see Jesus for the first time until May 17, 2021. This is how Russ lived: “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9)
We are thankful for Russ’ life, and look forward to seeing his smile again, all because of Jesus.  
Much love and many prayers for Cyndy and the kids,  
Lynn (for Tom too)  


Part 1 of 2
In February 2021, Russ and Cyndy visited us in Lakeland, Florida. One reason for their visit was so that Russ could meet with a missionary aviation ministry on the Atlantic side to see if they might have him fly and maintain their planes. 
Russ and Cyndy helped us in so many ways, like in 2017, when Russ visited and helped Tom put new windows in our house. This time, Russ helped Tom refurbish our kitchen island, install a new dishwasher, and replace the struts on our car. Russ seemed able to fix anything. Cyndy was also a great blessing to us too, especially by making many delicious evening meals for all of us.   
Tom and Russ were close friends for decades and Russ was Tom’s Best Man in our wedding (1988). They enjoyed getting together and would inevitably talk about the greatest love of their lives, the Lord Jesus Christ who saved them as young men and kept transforming them over the years. 
In February, Russ and Cyndy took part in our Faith Families, a new way doing church through networked small group which Tom recently initiated. In our Faith Family, Russ and Cyndy came to love our friends, and our friends came to love them. I recall them sitting on our couch holding hands, and Russ crying as he prayed for Cyndy. When our group discussed Jesus’s identity (in John 1:1-18), Russ said with feeling, “Jesus HAD to be killed by his own people because of MERCY for us!” Later, Russ shared a thought which encouraged him recently. It was that Jesus’ character is already in us believers, and suffering brings it out in our lives. Later, Russ also told Tom how much he loved the Faith Families idea and asked if Tom would train him to also facilitate this.   
Other memories from our visit is how much Russ and Cyndy enjoyed Inga, our Russian Blue cat. One evening as Russ and Cyndy sat on our couch and conversation swirled around the room, they were giggling over something happening in our front room. It was Inga acting crazy chasing something.  


I grew up with Rusty since a young child when he lived  on  Donna and I lived on Garry just 6 houses down. Our families were friends and Rusty and I remained friends all through school to highschool,. I remember his dad as a fireman and how big he was! Everybody left highschool and when visiting my family from California during college, Rusty and I found out that we had both become Christians! He shared with me how, one day he wanted to be a Bush Pilot for the Lord! Since then I realized that he had joined the airfields in the Air Force  and not only became a pilot  but also a fireman like his father. I would love to  know whether he ever became a Mission pilot but asked me to pray for he and his wife a month ago  because they were flying down to Florida to see If they were a match for this Mission co.!.I was praying he would be able to do it but the trip was postponed bc his wife got sick. I made him promise to go talk to some Drs. that would help him take good care of  her! Well, next thing I heard he had died of this awful disease!   I believe that he laid down his life for his wife to help her get well and took no thought for himself! Rusty turned into one of the most upstanding  Christian men I have ever met! I'm sure I'm correct if I said He probably  saved many lives from fire in his career, many lives, while serving in the military and many lives and their souls while serving the Lord Jesus from going into eternal damnation!  Now he has just taken his last flight to Jesus in Heaven! Rest in Peace my brother... You are so loved and I know you will be immensely missed by your beautiful family. I heard and believe  that they were the center of your life, you must have 
 cherished them so!  I'm sure our Saviour has already declared to you "Well Done, My good and faithful servant!"

To the Russell Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.  I knew Rusty growing up. He was a best bud to my brother and a bit like family.
I know Russ did many things in his life in service of his fellow man and community. I am most proud to have known this giving man.
I pray that God may bless him in heaven for his service. 🇺🇲 ❤
Cynthia Rambeau Bruno

You have many people praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Our sincerest condolences Laura and family.  
The Bloomfield Township Police Department

Dear Russell Family:
I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of your father/husband.  My heart just breaks for all of you.  I think back to our times in the Rockpointe Cafe, working together, and what a blessing you all were to one another.  I know that the same closeness will hold you steady and strong in the days to come.  Each of you are so special...kind, compassionate, intelligent, and a joy.....and you could see the pride that Russ had in his family.   Until you meet your Dad/husband again, know that there are so many of us holding you tight in our hearts and prayers.  Colleen Parker (Porch Cafe Cashier)

Cyndy, you and your entire family are in Sue and my thoughts at this unfortunate time.  We have fond memories of you and Russ and he will live on in our memories.  May god wrap his arms around you and your family and give you comfort.

OBITUARY

Royal "Russ" Edward Russell III

March 21, 1960 – May 17, 2021

Resurrection Funeral Home

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