Russell Paul Kuhn Russell Paul Kuhn, 71, passed away without suffering on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at Kaweah Delta Hospital in Visalia. He was born on Staten Island, NY, in 1942. Russ lived in New Jersey, New Mexico, Indiana and Los Angeles before settling in Visalia in 1977. After 44 years in a civil law practice, Russ continued his commitment to social, artistic, education and non-profit organizations. He received his degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University, and his law degree from UCLA School of Law. Russ was a Board Member of Arts Visalia, the Ice House Theatre and the Creative Center because of his devotion to the arts. As a mentor, he dedicated his time to young leaders through the Golden West Business Mentoring Program. He worked tirelessly as a legal representative for Friends of the Tongass Cabins in Alaska, and the John M. Nelson Conservancy at Camp Nelson, CA, supporting wilderness and parks management. He was a member of the Kaweah Delta District Hospital Ethics Committee, Family Planning Committee and the Area Agency on Aging because he cared about social services for residents. He was a coach, a referee and a champion for Visalia American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), to foster sportsmanship and improve facilities for the regional division. He was an outfielder for the trophy-winning Zargons softball team. He was a member of the State Bar of California, Downtown Rotary Club and E Clampus Vitus. Russ was loving and loyal to his wife and best friend, Beth (Inghram) Kuhn and his two sons, David Kuhn and his wife Ting Wu of Sydney Australia, and Matthew Kuhn and his wife Natalie Kuhn of Visalia. He was a proud grandfather to Elizabeth, Olivia and Violet. He was preceded in death by his sister Irene Curtis, his father Paul Kuhn and his mother Blanche Josephine (Currier) Kuhn. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 24, at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia. The family will receive friends and family after the service at 950 W. Feemster Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Russ' name to Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., the Creative Center Foundation, 614 N. Bridge St., or to Children's Hospital of Central California, 9300 Valley Children's Place, Madera, CA 93636. Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.
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The shock has worn off a bit, but not the overwhelming sadness of the loss I feel for all of us. Uncle Russ was such an accomplished person that I truly can say I am lucky and proud to be related to him. Even though I never visited CA after 2000, I was fortunate enough to be the recipient over the phone of his always logical, straight-forward points of view and sound advice! He never beat around the bush when it came being brutally honest with me. I can never truly express my gratitude to all of you for what you did for my mom over the last four years. I know Uncle Russ will be missed by so many people.. You have my deepest, sincerest sympathy. I love you all.
Robin Martin
September 13, 2013
What a great man, loving husband, father and grandfather. I have very found memories of good times shared in Sydney and in Visalia. Such a warm soul, a great conversationalist with a wonderful lust for life. So pleased to know all the Kuhn family. My thoughts are with you all in these your hours of need.
Kath Judge
September 12, 2013
Mixed emotions at a great man's passing. I am sad for never having had the pleasure of meeting Russ in person, doubly so for the grieving hearts of the friends and family he's left behind - my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. But I am also overjoyed that Russ' time in this life blessed us with such wonderful offspring in his sons, (one of whom, David, I have been blessed to personally call friend) and granddaughters; their legacy makes me and I'm sure made him very proud. May the earth be light upon him. Rest in peace, Russ.
W. Cole Sautter
September 11, 2013
Dave is a loved friend of mine here in Sydney. I had the pleasure to meet Russ briefly in one of their visits. I remember going to a brewery and enjoying a great time with him. I can see why dave is so nice and I can see where he got his chin from :)
Sending love to you Beth, Matt and Dave. All my love to his friends and extended family. I hope the pain turns slowly into happiness of having the luck of having such a great man into your loves.
Andrea Guerrini
September 11, 2013
“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.” I believe this quote made by William Shakespeare truly describes my bother-in-law Russ.
Even though Russ and I where on completely different sides of the political spectrum, we could always work through our differences and solve the world's problems. I will miss our discussions, because I believe, we shared the same idealistic way we both wished the world could be. I being way more liberal than he ever expected and he was becoming a little conservative without even knowing it!
I apologize to Beth for my last comment about Russ being a little conservative, certainly he wasn't but that's what he wanted me to think before he changed my way of thinking to liberal.
You see Russ was a master of the art of conversation. He would bait you into something, knowing full well where it would lead and before you knew it, he was always three steps ahead you.
It was an experience, I will never forget, and a life experience, that Russ has taught me, that will be with me forever.
Personally growing up with three older sisters, I couldn't have asked for a better big brother and role model than Russ. Although we would only see each other one or two times a year, they were special times indeed.
We always feel that there will be enough time to say how you feel about someone, or say how much a person has impacted your life or changed the way you feel about something.
Unfortunately life has its own way of handling time for us.
In closing let me say this, I first met Russ in 1977 it seems like a lifetime ago now, Russ could have been intimidating but he wasn't he was kind, understanding and open minded and frankly if you would have seen me in the 70's, I'm not sure I would have been so kind if I were in his shoes.
But every time I saw him after that point, he was always interested and supportive as to what I was doing.
So Russ here is another point we always agreed on. If parents would take interest in their children and become parents again it would solve a great deal of problems.
Now Russ here is one last debatable point that hopefully you won't argue with?
If the world had more mentor's, brother-in-laws or more importantly fathers and grandfathers like you Russ, the world would be a better place.
We will miss you my friend my brother.
John Gerard
September 11, 2013
My sister and I knew our aunt and uncle as "Uncle Beth and Aunt Russ", as a joke we made as younger children. He always chuckled when I would call him Aunt Russ, and he would reply with calling my sister and I "Ceece and da-sis" (although I never knew what the real saying meant until I was older, haha)! I was somewhat stunned and so saddened to hear of his unfortunate passing. He was always so cheerful, and always knew exactly what to say to make others smile or laugh. I was always so fond of him and how intelligent he was, as well as how in love he was with Aunt Beth. It always made me happy to see two people still so happy together after many years. Their love gave me hope knowing that there were still people out there that can stick together through thick and thin! Traveling to California to be with the family was one of my favorite things to do, and he always made us feel so welcome. I have a video of him singing happy birthday to me on my phone, in his deep singing voice, and I go back and play it every now and then and just smile thinking of that moment. I have many great memories of him, from playing ping-pong to making potato salad, and nothing will be the same without him around. He will truly be missed.
Cici Martin
September 10, 2013
My Dad and I attended the celebration of Russ' life and came away inspired to tell our loved ones just exactly why we do love them. Matt, David, and the others who spoke remembered Russ wonderfully. Russ was always so calm and laid back. One day many years ago at the cabin in Camp Nelson, we stopped to visit with him on our walk up to the mail boxes.We exchanged pleasantries asking how he was doing, to which he replied, "Pretty good ... I was just stung by a scorpion on my hand ... otherwise pretty good". We continued our walk after saying goodbye and he went back to raking leaves. Russ will be missed. We will all remember him fondly.
Wally Townsend
August 31, 2013
Such sweet memories I have of Russ!! Him smoking his pipe or pausing to give thought to his words before speaking. His wonderful husky laugh!!! Lots of laughter between he and Beth and my parents. Fun at their cabin, playing in the Kuhn's pool. As an adult, I enjoyed getting to talk with him on a higher lever and appreciated his sense of humor. Truly a wonderful man and beautiful soul.
Jenyfer Kersey
August 28, 2013
I had the opportunity to attend Russ' celebration of life service on 8/24/2013. To Matt and David who spoke so eloquently at the service, your dad would be proud of you. You captured for all of us the true essence of Russ. I know that your mom is proud of you as well. You and now your families are the legacy that he left and I know that he will be watching over all of you. Loss is never easy and time sometimes is just time. But we grieve much because we love much. Russ was a gift to all who knew him. Each time I had the opportunity to talk with him whether it was at the end of BUNCO, at the Lion's Club Speech Contest or when he and Beth would be at the gym he always made you feel important and I was always amazed at his wealth of knowledge and his great sense of humor. You will all be in my prayers and thoughts as you adjust to the "new normal". Beth know that there are many to walk with you during this upcoming journey. Russ was a gift who will be greatly missed.
Take Care. Love to you all.
Erica Del Val
August 25, 2013
I cannot begin to tell you how much Russ meant to the students in the Golden West High School Business Finance Academy. He was a wonderful example of a man of integrity, and he was truly beloved by the students he worked with. He was always one of our favorite mentors, and just last week I spoke about him in my accounting classes. I had no idea he had been ill. What a legacy he has left among our students over the years. Thank you for sharing him with us!
Elaine Rubio
August 23, 2013
Beth, David and Matt, We are so sorry to hear about Russ' death. He was a special guy! Loved his smile and winning personality. Hugs to all of you.
Greg and Renella Smith
August 23, 2013
Beth, Matt and David,
We were very sorry to hear about Russ. We remember so well his laugh and congenial personality. He will be missed by many friends and family. We will be praying that God will comfort you in His loving arms.
Jon & Janna Inghram
August 22, 2013
Beth, Matt and David,
We are saddened to hear about Russ and you are in our prayers that you may be comforted during this difficult time. Russ was a great guy. He'll be missed.
Rick Inghram
August 21, 2013
beth i was shocked to here about your husband passing he always had a smile and a laugh that made me fell good he will be missed alot even though you guys did not stay we miss you and consder you one of us
linda fountaine
August 21, 2013
How surprised I was to see Russell in the obituary. I guess we all are aging (even Zargons!) He presented himself as a gentleman and a credit to the life he lived and loved. I was proud to say I knew him
Glenn Black
August 20, 2013
Beth and family,
I was so sorry to hear the very sad news about Russ. We knew each other for more than 25 years and I never met a finer attorney or a finer gentleman. Only two months ago I sat next to Russ at a Bar Luncheon and we were able to catch up a bit.
I know your warm memories will comfort you.
Sincerely,
Joe Altschule
Joe Altschule
August 19, 2013
Beth and all the family.
Russ was truly a friend in need for me,as is Beth.
It is indeed a great loss to everyone who knew Russ. I definitely will never forget him.
your memories will keep you comforted.
Jerry Sanders
August 19, 2013
Beth, David, Matt
We were saddened to learn of Russ' passing and our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Gerard and Cindy Homer and family
August 19, 2013
Dear Beth, David and Matt,
With heartfelt sympathy we send our deepest condolences. Thinking of you all at this time and holding you in close thought.
Fondly,
JP and Eva
Eva de St. Croix
August 19, 2013
Beth, David and Matthew - We were so sorry to hear about Russ. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love, Ed and Jan Garber
Ed Garber
August 18, 2013
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