Walter William RUST

I very clearly remember when we first received a note from Walter offering to share with us pictures and history of the house we live in. He said he had spent much time in our house when he was growing up and if we were interested he would share some old photos and stories. That very night we called him from our home in Elgin Illinois and my sons(6 and 9 at the time about) listened on the other line while Walter gave us a taste of his memories of our home. We must have talked for close to...

Walter Rust contacted us years ago, after one of his cousins told him our house had been on the housewalk here in Elgin IL. He was the nephew of the Burns family that had lived here. We adopted him and he us. Each time he returned to Elgin, he would call and visit, telling us history and stories of his time in Elgin when he was young. I loved the fact that he performed in Hiawatha, a show I saw when I was a little girl and have never forgotten. He brought my sons jars of Mt. Saint Helen ash....

Walt was a man who exuded the energy of a life well lived. His zest for life was contagious. I met him and his wife Pat only this past year through my work with Friends of Youth. He showed me his many treasures and told so many wonderful stories of his time with sports and boyscouts. One story he sparkled while telling was of how he met Pat and how he knew right away that he was going to marry her. He was still amazed at his good fortune of being able to convince her to marry him.

FROM THE LAND OF HIAWATHA PLEASE EXCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF PAU--PAK-KEWIS. WE WILL MISS HIS RETURNS TO ELGIN. HE WILL BE REMEMERED BY ALL WHOM HE CAME IN CONTACT WITH. JERRY ROLLER BIG TIMBER DANCER

Walt Rust had a great and lasting impact on me. He was largely responsible for the fact that I stuck with Boy Scouts, learned a love for the outdoors, and earned the rank of Eagle. Years later, when I ran for the state legislature, he was their encouraging me and taking an active part in my dreams. He was a very good, selfless man that had a huge, positive influence on so many young men.

Walt Rust was a great man, leader and mentor to all of the young men he tutored at important times of our lives. I always remember cooking nettles at a scout meeting for all of us to try.

Jon Sitkin

Walt Rust was my scout leader, a mentor, and a good friend. I fondly remember the time he pulled a birthday cake out of his pack for me on the top of Paddy-Go-Easy Pass, three days into a week long hike. He will be missed and thought of often.
J. Parks