So unexpected, you will be missed. I was one of mr Cunninghams counselees, he was a very bright individual w/great insights and introducing tools to those of us that are suffering from wartime ptsd symptoms. Rest In Peace brother 

Russ definitely had his hands full with the many groups of Veterans that passed through his classes.  I know well, my husband that passed away Friday was one of his "patients".  I had man y talks with Russ, and he was fair and honest, but sometimes it was very difficult to get through to many that had experienced such heartbreaking events during war times.  Thank you for trying, Mr. Cunningham, Wayne thought a lot of you and others that have left wonderful and truthful messages that I could not have made it without their attempts of peace.

Russ was one of kindest and most thoughtful colleagues I worked with while at the VA.  He will be missed by all, and his teachings will live on in those he served.  Prayers for his family, his colleagues, and many, many Veterans whose lives he touched.

Russ was the most caring, dependable, mild-mannered colleague one could ask for. It was an honor to work alongside him the past 25 years.  I received more compliments about him than about any other clinician in our program, in spite of the fact he was running anger management groups (I.e., groups  you would expect to be prone to complaints rather than compliments). His patients have come to other staff this week citing many specific examples of how their lives were changed by the improved coping strategies Russ taught them. He was never afraid to think outside the box as he sought ways to relate to each unique veteran in his care. A trivial yet clear example of his thoughtfulness: I always tried to park next to his car because he was someone who would never  carelessly let his door ding your vehicle. His legacy lives on in the hundreds of veterans' lives he improved as they struggled to overcome past trauma. 
Russ, I miss you and wIll be forever grateful for all your help in building the Trauma Recovery Program. Rest in peace.

Rusty was my best friend during our college years. One day he showed me a newspaper clipping from when he was in high school. He had made up a thing called Space Turkeys, had built one out of an old vacuum cleaner and other parts. He went around to high schools giving lectures about this rare and unknown creature, the space turkey. They live in the upper atmosphere and just swoop down now and then. Most people don't know they're there. The newspaper got wind of it and interviewed him about it. 

My life has been forever blessed for the time I got to hang out with him, for the laughs we had. He was one of the most creative and spontaneous people I've ever known. But really his most outstanding quality was his big heart and his genuine caring for others.

I've missed him these past few years, and I look forward to the day when we can meet up again in another life and swap stories and adventures.

OBITUARY

Russ Cunningham

November 16, 1958 – January 14, 2018

Lakewood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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