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Dr. Russell F. Smiley
Dr. Russell F. Smiley
Obituary
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Russell Smiley Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Colleen Fogarty
March 10, 2020
Russell was my teacher more than that he was a very dear friend. He was always a wonderful greeting when I went to the Smileys he also taught me a lot about feng shui. He totally had my house in order. Russ was an inspiration. I could go on and on. Best to say I loved the man for who he was. Watching Russ and Carole together I wish for everyone in relationship. Amazing awesome beautiful and I feel he was taken from us way to soon.
In loving memory Russell. Please pop in any time angel boy ❤❤❤
Carolyn Taff
November 3, 2013
I miss you so much Mr. Smiley I ran into a person from my Qi gong class you taught us, we both shared a connection with what you taught and had some great conversation. You will be forever missed and I wont forget all of the great things you taught me. The world is a little dimmer without your smile. I cherish the time I got to spend with you. My heart goes out to your wife Carol
John Krueger
July 3, 2013
Truly a sad day. Russ Smiley was my college roommate at CSULB, and my big brother in our college fraternity. Smirk was his nickname and a better person one could never find. I will miss him dearly. I can still visualize that big smile of his.
Stephanie Rogers
May 5, 2013
I will NEVER forget Professor Smiley. I remember taking the first class I had with him at Normandale and deciding that I would take every class he offered, becauseI knew I wanted to learn all that I could from him. So, that I did. All of these years later, I still utilize his teachings, not only in my personal life, but in my profession as a Geriatric Social Worker as well. I'm so grateful for being able to be honored by his teachings, and even more grateful that I took the time to tell him how much he had touched me, while he was still here with us. Blessings and strength to all of his family during this time of healing. If there are going to be any future events in his honor, please contact me as I just learned of his passing and was unable to attend his memorial. [email protected]
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Linda
April 27, 2013
Your teachings will forever be a light on my path.
Keith Sullivan, PT
April 26, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Jeff Humphrey
April 26, 2013
I am so honored to have met him and taken his tai chi class, I learned so much from him, he was a blessing
April 25, 2013
Dear, dear Dr. Smiley,
Your Light and Spirit will shine for eternity within the hearts and minds of those lives you have touched through your wisdom and kindness.
Blessings be with you,
Carol Ann & Ken Pavett
Victoria, MN
Stacey Mehr
April 24, 2013
Last year I went back to school and my first class was his stress management class. I loved everything he shared in that class and have incorporated what he taught into my life. I am so sad to hear of his passing. He even put me in touch with his wonderful wife Carole when I needed it. I treasure the opportunity to talk with her and feel honored to have had a class with Dr. Russ Smiley.
Teri Wichman
April 23, 2013
It's so hard to imagine Normandale without Russ' smiling face. He had such a big impact on so many people, including me. Rest in peace my friend.
Becky Dunning
April 22, 2013
Russ was a good friend, colleague and mentor. He was my first Tai Chi teacher and as I continue my tai chi practice I do the forms the way he taught us. He did what he loved and he loved what he did.
Connie Stack
April 22, 2013
Many Blessings to Russ's family and friends. Russ was not only a friend to me but in many ways a mentor as I began teaching Tai Chi at Century College. Sharing our enthusiasm in holistic medicene, Tai Chi and meditation, I grew. He has been a formative part of our community college faculty. He will be missed!
Pam Dahm
April 22, 2013
Dr. Smiley was a true inspiration and excellent teacher. He was kind, patient and genuine. His love for teaching was very apparent in each class. It was a priveledge to have him as an instructor twice. My condolances to the family.
Marie Mathay
April 21, 2013
There was not enough time to learn all you had to teach us; so please stay in our hearts, Russ, and keep teaching.
Roger Johnston
April 21, 2013
I never had the opportunity to meet Russell's family, since our acquaintanceship was centered around our weekly racquetball games at the 98th St. Racquet Club. I remember him as being humble,having a great sense of humor, always positive, a fierce competitor, a gentle, and fair minded man. It's been years since we last played, but I can still hear his laugh. He was a wonderful human, an intelligent, creative and sensitive educator. The world is a lesser place and will greatly miss him. His nick name in our group was "the gnat", because he was so quick flitting around the court and seemed to always be able to return the ball.
Corrinne Bedecarre
April 21, 2013
Russ, you were one of the most vibrant human beings I ever met. You brought vitality and energy to the campus. After all these years of talking in the halls, I already miss those shirts and that smile. Normandale is better for your many, many contributions.
Robin Malby
April 21, 2013
Russell was the consummate instructor and leader. Excited about his subject, eager to share, with the goal that his students learn and in turn, fall in love with the subject also. He enjoyed being at the June Tai Chi Conferences and sharing his love of Tai Chi. He embraced participating in the tai chi talent show as a Ninja, with all the exuberance of a little boy on Halloween. He will be missed, but his spirit will always be present in the hearts of the many tai chi communities he helped build.
Colleen Fogarty
April 21, 2013
My dearest Carole. Russ lit up my world with his smile. I would come for an appt and see him wrestling with the raspberries. I would ask about him cutting them back then that contagious laugh and he said he did they just liked coming back. His teaching with me was kind and always with laughter. I know Max was the first to great him. I carry him in my heart and send love to you. Colleen
Yanchy Lacska
April 21, 2013
A good man, colleague and friend. Russ will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and many students and colleagues.
"Hang Loose" Russ!
Kristianne Seelye
April 21, 2013
To my brilliant teacher, colleague, friend and brother in the end... I love you. Your strenghth and wisdom have continued to ripple out to all in this community, country and world. XOXO
Kerry Redican
April 17, 2013
I was sad to hear the news about my friend Russ. Russ and I have known each other since our undergraduate years at CSULB (40+ years). He was a fine, caring man who always made people feel at ease. RIP my friend.
April 14, 2013
Self-determined, caring, jolly, never judgmental...just a handful of adjectives that describe Russ. His smile and laughter will live in my memory for as long as I live.
Kathleen Halverson
Joanna
April 8, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. Smiley's passing. He was a wonderful teacher.
Kathy K
April 6, 2013
I am so saddened to learn of Dr. Smiley's passing. I was one of his Tai Chi students a few years ago at NCC. His warm and gentle spirit made a lasting impression on me. I have him to thank for my appreciation of the beauty and benefits of the art of Tai Chi. What a gift he was to the community. He will never be forgotten.
Sierra Eastman
March 30, 2013
I was a Tai Chi student of Dr. Smiley and his enthusiasm, patience and wisdom will be carried with me as I continue my Tai Chi journey. My condolences go to Russell's family.
Jeri Livingstone
March 27, 2013
I met Russ about 30 years ago thru my dear friends Marilyn & Barbara, his sister and mom. I saw him only during his visits to Lakewood, but knew him as an interesting, sharp, and funny guy. My heart goes out to Carole, Barbara and Marilyn at this time of staggering loss and sorrow. Much love, Jeri
Lonna Mosow
March 23, 2013
Russell was a kind and gentle soul who gave unselfishly. Passionate about his work and the opportunity to share it with others.
I will miss his being.
March 22, 2013
Hi Marilyn and Mrs Smiley I knew you all when I was in Jr. High at Hoover. I am so sorry for your loss.. God's peace upon all of you.
Steve King
Barbara Close
March 22, 2013
I am grateful that I got to see you at our 45th High School Reunion. I am certain that we will all meet again. You had
a wonderful disposition and calm maner. Nice visiting with you once again.
Lourdes Muir
March 21, 2013
The last words Russell said to me were, "I'm going to miss your smiling face in class"...I missed our last class before Spring break due to scheduling conflicts with my children's activities.
I tell you now, I'm going to miss your smiling face and your sweet disposition.
Thank you for being kind and gentle.
Ashley Green
March 20, 2013
Dr. Smiley,
Your kind heart, compassion, smile, since of humor, and wisdom will be carried on by many through you. You've touched so many people's life's and changed my more then you know. Miss you!
Noah
March 19, 2013
Russ has helped me with my anxiety more than anyone else.....I will miss his smiling face and fun humor. First person who I have ever cried for after their death. Thank you mr smiley.
Nicole Roth
March 19, 2013
My deepest and dearest sympathies go to you Carole. I am so so sorry for your loss. Russell was my Tai chi instructor both this semester and last. Mr. Smiley was also planning to be my independent-studies teacher for my upcoming internship in Hawaii this summer. Russel was so encouraging, supportive, and excited for me to pursue this opportunity; with out him I may never have found out about the internship!
I will always carry your teachings, wisdom, and cheerful spirit with me and I will be forever greatfull to the effect your ripple's of life have had on me and the world.
Your kindness will continue to flow through all of time.
- Your student
Nicole Roth
Sam Huot
March 19, 2013
Mr. Smiley was me and my friend's stress management teacher and he was the best! Can't believe it. RIP
Marissa Allen
March 19, 2013
Mr. Smiley was an amazing teacher who would always take time after class to teach me something I didn't get or just to talk. I had him last semester for Stress Management and because he was such a great teacher I decided to take a Tai Chi course with him this semester. Everyone was in tears when we learned of your passing. I'll miss you Mr. Smiley, and everyone in class will too.
John Ellmaker
March 18, 2013
Last spring I took Dr. Smiley's class at Normandale, I am not exaggerating when I say it changed my life and outlook on my existence. He made a difference teaching in his warm and friendly manner. I liked the class so much I signed up for his Saturday CLE course with my girlfriend this semester. She noticed right away that he had a rare mix of wisdom and a way with instruction. With his passing we have lost an enormous force for good will and good living. They say God takes the best for heaven, this is certainly the case here. I can see him now giving us the end of the practice chi fingers as he passes beyond. RIP Russ, you will be missed.
Jerry Schiltz
March 18, 2013
Russ was a tremendous person and a good racquetball player. Russ would usually get me as his racquetball partner, because my game was not the best....Russ never complained, but he would step up his game...I will always remember Russ as a quality person...
Sue Blanchard
March 17, 2013
Dear Carole ,
Was reading the obits when I came by Russell's name ..., caught my attention and new it must be your Russell .
We haven't spoken in sometime but I think of you periodically . I did your nails for a few years and saw you for some neck issues and we both loved cats!
I want to send my sincere sympathy to you , can't imagine what you must feel .
I know you thought the world of Russell ... Cherish those memories ....
Take care
Sue Blanchard
March 17, 2013
We miss you dearly, Russ.
March 16, 2013
Russ was a very dear and long time friend since the late 1960's. We shared many good times, talk, and warm thoughts of our families, pets, hobbies and love of life. He will always be remembered so dearly and never ever forgotten! My sincerest payers for his wife Carole, his Mother Barbara and his sister Marilyn. I know his dear cats will miss him too. Russ loved them all so much, and his teaching and friends. Rest in Eternal Joy dear Friend - thank you for all you brought to my life!!
I'll never forget you. Pam (Neighbors) Russell
Christine Killeen
March 16, 2013
Russ Smiley was a great Master Tai Chi Trainer and one of the kindest people I've ever met. Those of us who knew him through the Tai Chi for Health Institute will greatly miss him.
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