A Zest For Life

Richard,

As I have grown older I often remember the people and events that have meant the most in my life. The special stuff. Meaningful stuff. You were introduced to me by a mutual friend and I first met you in your studio on Western Avenue. He said you were an interesting guy and we might enjoy each other. Turned out we found common ground.

I have often recalled our conversations, probing ideas, we talked about elders and the aging before others did, we talked about the global water crisis before others did, we talked about possibilities, what could be. The 3, 4, 5 minds you gathered for our occasional brain storming, just free form thinking about what could be done with emerging tech in 1991. Heady stuff. That was always you — thinking ahead of the tribe. You bringing me in to help with a very strategic project and facilitating the process. It was a big win win. You always were about win win. A rare thing these days.

Your generosity was unmatched as a friend. You surrounded yourself with real people and enjoyed putting people together. Thank you. While many would have associated you as a scion of the Russell family, you chose your own life early. Artist, musician, thinker, consular and connector. Since your move to Hawaii we lost touch. I drifted towards Mexico and my project there.

You are one of a handful of people who made a difference, added values, and informed my life. Always curious, about possibilities, and a zest for life. Thank you Richard.

--John Van Dyke