Missing my friend and influencer today:-(  Wanted to share that my hobby, kiteboarding (Kristen uses the word "obsession":-) has been such a great escape these last couple years. Over 60 sessions in the last year, and none of it would have happened had Russ not pursued it and shared it with me and told me "of all my hobbies over the years, kiteboarding has been the most enjoyable".  I now tell people the same.  So thanks man! Keeping the stoke going! 

Missing my friend today.  I'm sure he's looking down with a smile at my latest obsession with kiteboarding....following his lead as usual. 

Russ was a friend and major influence on my life so I wanted to share a little here. I grew up just down the street on Havana, but a 6 year age gap and different schools meant I didn't really know him until my 20's. I'm friends with his brother Jim and Dawn's brother Craig so connected through both families.  
Over the years, I was so fascinated with his ability to focus and master any skill, more so than anyone I've ever known.  From windsurfing to racquetball, to kite boarding to computers. And the list goes on. His 3 college degrees in physics, math and chemistry, while rarely attending class was classic Russ.   Never concerned with becoming rich or famous, he just enjoyed learning and mastering something new, and his interest areas aligned with my own.  I would tell people I wanted to write a book about him someday.  Yet, despite his achievements, I loved his easy-going nature and humor.  His laugh would always make ME laugh! And watching his relationship with Dawn was a good reminder of why marrying your best friend is a good idea. 
Thankful to have spent 5 priceless days with Russ, Jim and Dawn just prior to his passing.   
I miss my friend and think of him often. I will always be influenced by his unique approach to life and try to be his best student. 
Prayers continue for Dawn, Jim and both families. 
Bob Hendriksen 


I am truly saddened by the loss of an amazing person that I have some great memories of !  My heart is hurting for his amazing wife Dawn, as I truly know they had an amazing, one of a kind love for each other❤️  Sending hugs and love your way!  Ellen Eckert❤️

Oh Russ!  I have so many fun memories with you!  You were an amazing guy!  You were like a best friend to me when I was frustrated you were able to relate and say the right words that just made it better. You always made us laugh and smile.   I am going to miss your random texts when we haven't spoken in a month or so saying "Hey Kristina are we fighting"? I knew when I received your text it had been a awhile since we spoke and we needed to catch up.   I was telling the girls and Dawn about the time you and I snuck in the old office building that was being torn down looking for computer trays to bring to our new office.  I told them how we crawled through the office in the dark hiding from security trying to be quiet getting the trays we needed for our new office.  It is the fun times we had that will make such great memories of you!  I will miss getting the Thanksgiving text asking "Where's the Turkey Lurkey song"? (Don't worry I will keep sending them to Dawn)!  You were my go to guy for all of my computer questions and software issues.  My boys adored you and thought the world of you.  You were there to answer Shayden's questions when he was going through his Microsoft Training in middle school!  You have taught me so much about the technology in computer programming.  You are definitely going to be missed by so many.  You touched so many lives with your spunky goofy personality.  Your laugh and your character is like no other person I know!  Russ, I am sorry your pain got to the point to where it was unbearable we can all say how much we wish I could of, should of or would of but ultimately in the end your pain is gone!  You are looking down upon us all with your big smile  on your face, your headlight on your head, carpenter pants full of gadgets  saying how proud you are of allowing us to have been apart of your life.  May you rest in peace my dearest friend! (Your in heaven now RELAX and enjoy no more late night computer issues) Love always, Kristina & Family

Russ was unique.  He was during the times we shared together, totally himself.  He was my computer geek, my go to guy when the computer attacked me with problems  I didn't k now existed, let alone fix.  He had the Patience of Job with me.  I look back over the years when, desperate for help, I phoned him for advice and  he took on my computer via Remote Access, delved into its depths, found the snag causing the problem and fixed it. I lived at Sandy Pines in Michigan and the reception in those years was horrid...we were often cut off  and had to start again.  Not once did I sense anger or frustration in Russ...though it had to be there.  His explanations were clear, concise, and encouraging. Those times with Russ by computer via Remote Access remain private memories and only now in the fact of his death do I realize how much he came to mean to me.  I suppose he didn't know. Its so often in hind sight that the things we value become clear to us.  We loved his visits to Michigan from Florida and looked forward to seeing he and Dawn  when they came to visit the Applehof's.   Then came the time when he couldn't do the work, and we sympathized with what little we know of his health issues...were sorry that life had taken a turn for him.  We knew he was struggling but had no idea the pain he was  enduring.  If I'd known I would have prayed more...prayed harder.  I missed our Remote Access visits. I missed Russ.  But I will always remember Russ ..and cherish my memories.  We send our love   to Dawn. Our thoughts and prayers to to the family and circle of friends. 

Dawn and rest of Applehof family — I am so saddened and sorry to hear of Russ’ passing. Please know I’m keeping all of you in my prayers and know God is surrounding you with his love . ❤️  Jean Kempema

So sorry.  Keeping all in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Sunny, Dawn and Family,  Our hearts are saddened to hear the news about Russ' passing.  Please know that you are in our prayers.  We are asking and trusting the loving arms of Jesus to carry you through the difficult days ahead, and hold you close.  Isaiah 40:11  "He tends his flock like a shepherd;  He gathers the lambs in His arms, and carries them close to His heart." Much love,

I have no words except that I am so, so sorry. Tom and I will be keeping the family in our humble thoughts and praying that all of you find the strength to carry you through difficult times ahead.
I am so thankful to have had such a wonderful lunch with Russ and Dawn last April while in Florida. Please know that you are all being held close to our hearts!

OBITUARY

Russell Scott Sjaarda

April 16, 1963 – February 16, 2019

Beach Memorial Chapel

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