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Russ Urban Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Russ Urban
Marie Hylen
December 4, 2021
For some reason Mr. Urban came to my mind today, so I googled his name and saw his obituary. I don´t know if anyone will read this, but I just wanted to say how much I loved having him as my 5th grade teacher at Point Vicente Elementary School. Every day after lunch and recess we would all pile back into the classroom, he would turn off the lights in the classroom and read to us: Where the Red Fern Grows, The Secret Garden, Call of the Wild, White Fang. My mind would get lost in the stories, and I became a lover of books. Very thankful for his impact on my young life.
Erin McKeel (Hanson)
December 23, 2010
Mr Urban had such an influence on so many lives. I had the privilege of being in his 3rd grade class at Lunada Bay and I have nothing but wonderful memories. We would recycle every week and he taught us the importance of our impact on the world. We even adopted a whale as a class. What an amazing man, you will be dearly missed.My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Miriam Vallarino
December 11, 2010
Both of our children had Mr. Urban for 3rd grade at Lunada Bay Elementary School. He was an incredible teacher. We always remember the white tennis shoes he would wear with his tux to MC the talent shows. He will be missed.
Eugene McCarthy
December 10, 2010
Russ Urban was my children's teacher at Lunada Bay Elementary School. He was legend amongst the children who attended. I just wish there were more like him today. I ran into him again at the Neighborhood Church where he participated in the membership committee. He remembered my children after all of those years. God Bless you Russ as you reside in heaven.
Karen Ramirez
December 9, 2010
I had "Mr Urban" as my teacher in 5th grade at Pt. Vicente back in '78... and I never forgot what an impression he left on me. He was a great man. Taught us to take care of the environment, recycle, etc. He read us the Hobbit... what a treat to hear after lunch! He planned an an end of the year party/auction where we could "buy" prizes with the credits we earned by bringing in cans to recycle all year. I remember the solar oven we used to cook hot dogs on a sunny day....He was so enthusiastic and full of life. He really was a passionate teacher, and it overflowed!!! Today I'm a teacher, and I've shared stories about the things I learned in his class. At the school I've been teaching at, we recently started an Ecology club... and the impetus came from what was instilled in me as a student in his class. He will definitely be missed, yet there are countless students whose lives were impacted by his greatness.
Susan Wilhite
December 9, 2010
My mom remembers his first day of class at Lunada Bay. Erin Hanson was in that 3rd grade class. On the 2nd day of class after all the children went home to tell about this wonderful new teacher, lots of mommies showed up to “volunteer.” He was so nice and very popular from day one. You will be missed, Mr. Urban.
Wilhite Family
Stephenie Magbitang and family
December 7, 2010
I worked with Russ for 10 years at Cornerstone. He always carried around his big igloo with a frozen lunch in it. However, when he married Judy, the lunches were prepared in little Tupperware containers! I will always remember that.
Even though I hadn't seen Russ in a long time, I will miss the little spot on Earth that he called his. Surf the big waves, run the greatest of runs, and recycle until your heart's content! Rest in peace.
Mark Diamond
December 5, 2010
My son had Russ for 3rd grade at Cornerstone, they made a great connection because they both loved the Dodgers. Im sure he is chatting it up with Roberto Clemente.
Susan & Carl Soderlind
December 5, 2010
Russ was our son's 3rd grade teacher at Cornerstone. What a wonderful influence he was! He not only taught the academics but also helped the children realize that they were part of a big, wonderful world. His kindness and enthusiasm were very special. We have also been privileged to know Russ & Judy through Neighborhood Church. It was always a pleasure to see Russ' smiling face. We will miss him very much. Our love and prayers go out to Judy and the rest of the family.
Eric Soderlind
December 5, 2010
Mr. Urban was an awesome teacher when I was in third grade! He had such a great sense of humor and made learning fun. I also knew him from church and took surfing lessons from him a few years ago. I am going to miss him a lot. He was a great guy!
Judi Hironymous
December 5, 2010
Although I hadn't seen Russ in years he still holds a special place in my heart. God speed my friend and my prayers are with your family and friends.
Leslie and Tim Smith
December 4, 2010
Safe Journey, friend.
Cindy Hey
December 4, 2010
Although Russ wasn't my son's teacher at Lunada Bay in 1991, he made the effort to get to know him. In recent years whenever I would run into Russ, he never failed to ask about Andrew and wanted to know how he was doing. Judy, my thoughts are with you. We will all miss him.
Patricia-Lynn Matheson
December 4, 2010
We met Russ & Judy Nov 2009 as our stateroom neighbors onboard the Regatta, Oceania cruise ship beginning a three week Amazon Journey. When we reached the village of Boca de Valaria on the Amazon River & several villagers paddled their canoes over to the ship..Russ & I tossed chocolate,T-shirts, bottled water & flip flop sandles down to these so very happy families...My husband Howard & Russ really 'clicked' having the same deep love of the oceans & environment & Russ often assisted Howard in his wheelchair. Russ was an all-round gentleman & I feel very privileged to have met him & spent quality time with he & Judy on that so very special adventure. God's Blessings & Peace to you and your family Judy.
Patricia-Lynn Matheson
Cindy Moeck
December 4, 2010
What a great picture!!! There must be a picture somewhere of him at 16 that looks just like that. Walking down the beach, surfboard in arm...lookin' for a wave. That was Russ at 16 and I guess at 63. I grew up with Russ and our friends. I remember his great smile, his sense of humor, his kindness, loyalty and love to all his friends and family. He loved the outdoors, water and sun!!
I hold dear my memories of Russ and my thoughts and prayers are with Judy, her family and with the Urban family.
George Espinoza
December 3, 2010
Russ was a truly great guy. We had many great conversations. He will be truly missed. Goodbye my friend
May memories and love see Judy through these tough times.
December 3, 2010
We were very sorry to hear of Russ' tragic death. The Urbans are loving friends to all who have the privilege of knowing them. It is good to hear how Russ passed on that love to everyone he came in contact with.
Our love and prayers are with each of you during these difficult days,
Grace and Steve Carpenter and daughters
Jon Gregory
December 3, 2010
I had the opportunity to be a neighbor to Russ and Judy for a short time. In that time I came to know Russ as a generous and genuine, caring individual. Always a smile on his face and an enthusiatic wave whenever I drove by. When he spoke to my young daughters, he would bend down and look them in the eye, giving them his full attention. I have no doubt he was a great teacher.I am truly saddened by his passing, but grateful that I had the opportunity to know him. My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Suzie Hart
December 3, 2010
I remember Russ as a great teacher and a great person. My children attended Pt. Vicente and I served as PTA President a couple years. I was so sad to hear of his passing. I have many fond memories ...both Russ and Judy were a part of many happy school days! My prayers are with you, Judy.
Ryan Turner
December 3, 2010
So saddened by this news, Russ was a fantastic, fun person with a big heart. I never had him as a teacher, but I was lucky enough to spend time with him and his wife Judy over the past few years. He will be truly missed by many! My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
Meghan Steinman Watson
December 3, 2010
I am the adult today because of the influence Mr. Urban had on me as a 3rd grader at Lunada Bay Elementary. He made a difference.
Kathy M
December 3, 2010
I did not know Mr. Urban, however I did know another passenger on the same plane. My heart goes out to the Urban, Chambers and Kelly families.
Rita Moyers
December 3, 2010
Russ was loved by all who knew him and will be missed. Judy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Tim Zickuhr
December 3, 2010
Mr. Urban was a studd. I remember his mustache,glasses,and big energy. He was the a good dude.
Bob Schreiner
December 3, 2010
Mr. Urban was my 5th Grade teacher in 1978-79. BEST EVER! Seriously, this is the kind of guy they make movies about.
Wendy Brooks
December 3, 2010
I also knew Russ as my 5th grade teacher Mr. Urban at Point Vicente. He not only taught academics, but we also learned a strong lesson in respect. Honestly, he scared me as a 5th grader, but looking back as an adult, I have nothing but respect for what he did. My deepest condolences for his family. I know nothing can be said to stop the hurt, but maybe knowing how many lives he affected in a good way can help with the healing.
Carla D.
December 3, 2010
Mr. Urban was my third grade teacher, and Judy was the class aide that year. It was Mr. Urban's first year at Lunada Bay. He tried to teach me how to hit a softball to no avail. But it has been 27 years since I had his class and I still remember my state capitals, multiplication tables, and his kindness. I am so sorry to hear what happened. He will be missed.
Andrea Grossman Axlund
December 2, 2010
I knew Russ as Mr. Urban, a very popular 5th grade teacher at Point Vicente. And though I never really knew him, I could see how the other students who did have him respected him immensely. I know I missed out on not having him as a teacher, but I did not miss out on him touching my life in seeing what he has done for so many students.
To Russ' family - my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very tough time. Please take care of each other.
Andrea
Boys surfing in Mex
Dayna Dabinett
December 2, 2010
Not only was Russ my step father but also my 5th grade teacher. Russ wasn't so interested in teaching the curriculum but rather to teach one how to be a good person. He always had a smile on his face and was full of life! I am who I am today because of him and my dear mother. I will never forget his last words to me as I pulled out of the driveway to move to Washington - "Dayna go live your life and make sure you take that dog on lots of long walks". Russ loved anything to do with water - whether it be a simple watering of the garden or a day in the ocean - ALL activities he thought should include water in them! Making it very ironic that he passed in the water and will be returned to the water. My prayers are with my mother to help her through this hard time - he would want her to continue on and be happy - I will forever have memories of this GREAT man in my heart and soul; you will be greatly missed!
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