I shall miss you dearly bud. A supporting and inspirational friend. I’ll cherish the memories.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to have know Russ for as long as I did. Since starting working with him around 13 years ago, it was clear there was something different about him. A juxtaposition of being very likeable, considerate and hard working, but also stubborn, belligerent and strategic all in the same package. He was a great mentor to me, and lots of others. Someone who really helped to look at work through a different lens and who I continually try and channel the energy of to this day, as the question of "What would Russ do?" almost always yields an alternate approach, although not always one that anyone other than Russ could get away with. As a friend, he was a good laugh to be around. I particularly enjoyed our time playing online with Lester - although Russ was not the best, it was funny to hear him and Lester berate all the "Cheating ********"! Last to note is how proud he was of Abi. One of my last conversations with him touched on Abi's work and it was evident in his tone how pleased he was that she had become an independent, respected and accomplished young professional with a bright future ahead of her. Russ will leave a lasting legacy. His resolve, positivity, loyalty and generosity will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

Dear Russ, It breaks my heart that you were taken from us so soon. You were truly one of a kind. A man of honour, ambition, integrity and most of all of exquisite taste. I will miss having someone to discuss the best new shows on tv with and tell me about all the classic movies I need to see. I will miss having someone to listen to about expensive wines and how important it is to always have the freshest ingredients. But most of all I’ll miss how happy you made my sister, you reminded her to enjoy life and always be the best person that she could be. I promise to try my best to continue that, even if that now means watching Gardeners World with her every Friday night. My love goes out to your nearest and dearest always. All my love.