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Thomas RUSSELL Obituary
RUSSELL, III, Thomas
(Bubba) Lavall
fought numerous battles on behalf of others through more than 20 years of private practice as an LCSW and was victorious against great odds in his later years to become the strongest, healthiest and most admired of men in his family, profession, and community. A dear husband to Susan Russell and respected father to five sons, Thomas Russell Jr. (Rosa), Danny Ponder (Michelle), Jason Russell (Elisa), Bennett Ponder (Drea), and Tommy Ponder (Kelli), devoted uncle to Lacey Beth Peck, Stephanie and Troy Knox (Sandy), loving brother to Margaret Anne, and a grandfather to 11, Tom fought his last battle on June 20 and has passed his active and passionate life to the legacy of those who loved him so dearly. At his passing, he was in the devoted company of all his immediate family who cared for his last moments and ensured the comfort, grace, and dignity of his death.
Tom was a true public servant and had been in private practice since 1973 specializing in child custody mediation and evaluation. Tom was also a Special Master for family law cases, and a member of the Sacramento County Alcohol Advisory Board on which he served as chairman for 2 years. Tom was a consultant to the United States Bureau of Prisons and the United States Federal Probation Department; providing drug aftercare services for men and women who had been paroled from federal institutions. He was a field clinician for the United States Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration, providing clinical services to agents and their families. Recently and until his passing, Tom sat on the board of directors for two different local community drug treatment programs - The Mercy Perinatal Women's Program, and The Sacramento Recovery Home. Tom was an avid cyclist and was invited to ride the inaugural lap around Capitol Park for the Amgen Tour in 2010.
The family would like to extend their immeasurable gratitude to Dr. Michael Carrol and his nurses and staff at Sutter General Bone Marrow Unit, who worked with such professionalism, expertise, and personal care to give us a precious reprieve of three more years of Tom's treasured presence.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Thomas Russell to Sutter Medical Center Foundation, Bone Marrow Transplant 2800 L St Ste. 620, Sacramento CA 95816.
Tom's professional life will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 29 at 5:00 at the Radisson Hotel at 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento, CA 95815.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas RUSSELL
Sponsored by anonymous.
Fred & Cheryl Whipple
May 27, 2012
We cannot believe that we just heard about Tom's passing. Yes, after almost a year! Susan, we love you and you know how much we loved Tom.
We will never forget all of our happy memories and, especially, the day you were there for our marriage.
Our love to you, Susan, and your family.
November 10, 2011
I will never forget Tom Russell. After 6 years of battling my ex-husband and the courts, I received full legal and physical custody of my two kids. Tom was wonderful with my children and was a fair, tough, and thorough mediator. I am saddened to discover his passing. My condolences to his family. Sincerly, Michele Turner
Julie Vera
July 18, 2011
He was always positive and had a smile on his face!!! He was a fighter and never gave up.....We will all miss you!!!
My condolences,
Julie Vera,Ma
Sutter Infusion Center
Mimi Hamoudi
July 6, 2011
I will always remember Tom as a very strong and inspirational man, never forget his advices to me. I can hear his voice saying" is there any berry pie" I am very fortunate to have met a man like him...always in my heart . To Susan ...my thoughts are with you . Mimi Hamoudi ( Sacramento ,Ca)
Garry Enderton
July 1, 2011
Tom was a wonderful friend and always more interested in what was going on with others than himself. He was always fun to be around. I will miss you Tom. My thoughts and prayers are with Susan and the children who have lost a loving husband and father.
Bernardine Ford
June 29, 2011
He was a man of great wisdon, but it was the twinkle in his eye and something that made him magical that really reached you when trying to turn your life around.Tom, thank you for helping me when life was a struggle for me.
My condelsences to Susan and the family.
Gerald/Jerry Garrison
June 29, 2011
Ill always remember. He was an inspirational figure in my life. Ill miss you, Tom. ~Jerry G
Gene Kelly
June 27, 2011
Tom is a very special friend with whom I spent many, many miles riding bicycles by his side. He has been and continues to occupy an exclusive place in my heart and mind. Thank you Tom for your friendship and the memories.
TJ Roberts
June 27, 2011
The Russell's have touched my life with thier open caring nature. Life is a little less bright now that Tom is not on this earth. My heart goes to SueLynne that her best friend, partner and love of her life is now with the angels, giving them Hell I am sure.
June 27, 2011
Dear Tom,
You were a very important member of our family for years. We were not blood related, but you had such a way about you to make us feel differently. Thank you for all you did for our family.
Until we meet again...
Cindy Garrison-Smith
Meg Speer
June 27, 2011
My love and sympathy goes out to the Russell family. He loved his family more than life itself...he was so proud to be a grandpa. Tom, you will truly be missed.
June 27, 2011
I wanted to share something from a child's perspective. When I met Mr. Russell he instantly put me at ease. I had an open forum to discuss issues that were stressful to me and he empowered me by giving me the tools to deal with them myself. Since our meetings, I've continued to be personally and socially successful and have remained a leader in my high school. Using the wisdom Mr. Russell shared with me, I've helped others. Thankfully, prior to his passing, I was able to share with him that I am considering following in his footsteps. Whatever my path, I will continue to carry forward what Mr. Russell taught me. Thank you on my behalf and on behalf of many of Sacramento's youth!!!!
Curtis Schneekloth
June 27, 2011
My condolences to the family. Danny, Tommy and Jason were all good friends to me during our time in Prague. I will keep you all in my prayers.
June 26, 2011
I remember Tom from when I was a sophomore in high school and he was a senior and good friend of my brother's. He would tease me unmercifully at school, but I was just thrilled that a senior boy "talked" to me. Seeing him in later years, he still reminded me of a "gentle giant." I am so very sorry for your loss.
Kathy Doyle, Oakland, CA
he is deeply missed by our family and our memories are helping us through this difficult time
Danny Ponder
June 26, 2011
Don Doyle
June 26, 2011
Big Russ, as we called him, was a dear friend of mine since 1960 when we met at El Cerrito High School. Despite all the adversity with his health, he was happy, optimistic, and determined to make the most of whatever cards life dealt him. I will miss him. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
June 25, 2011
Heartfelt condolences to Tom's family from a former teammate and El Cerrito Gaucho. Jim Ghidella (El Cerrito, CA)
Cynthia Neuman
June 25, 2011
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Tom will be greatly missed.
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