Richard G. Rusk

I was a friend and classmate of Richard's at Woodrow Wilson high school, and saw him again at Our 50th high school reunion in 2014. It was such a pleasure to reconnect with him, and try to make plans to get together with our respective spouses in South Carolina, which unfortunately never happened. I am so sad that he is gone. He was a unique person.

My
Dear Janice, Andy, Lane and
Jim.
I have been out of town and just learned of Rich's passing. It makes my heart weep. I am so glad to have known him and to have been a part of the Moore's Ford Memorial. I am glad I was able to spend time with him and Janice concerning Ray's Church Rd. My heart goes out to you all. With love, Laura Leiden

I served with Richie as we called him in the Marine Corps while in training at Camp Geiger, NC.
He was very well liked and was accepted as just one of the guys. He was never treated any different or did he expect to be considering who his father was. He performed as a regular Marine and was respected as such. Semper Fi Marine.

To Janice and all Rich's family: I am so sorry. He was so supportive to me with my work organizing the Lemuel Penn Memorial. I especially appreciated Rich because there was no guile in him. He was one of the most honest and trusting people I've ever known, I will miss him always.

Janice and family, I will always remember the outpouring of love for my daughter Julie while she attended UGA and the opportunity of meeting you and Rich on the occasion of her graduation. My love and prayers go out to all of your family in your loss.

Janice and family, We are sad to hear about Rich. He was always so kind and I so much enjoyed working with him at the Oconee Arrow many years ago. In later years I enjoyed helping him with your rental advertising. No matter how busy I was it was always a pleasure to hear from Rich. A genuine good person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tracy and John

Although I only knew Rich through e-mails and one phone call, I still feel such a deep sense of loss--the world has lost a champion and devoted humanitarian who cared so much about others in need. My deepest sympathy is extended to his family and friends, for I also feel how they must suffer as well. May we go forward and aspire to honor his legacy.

Rich and I were contemporaries at different DC high schools in the early 60s, but barely met. It wasn't until he settled in Athens in the late 80s that he, his darling wife Janice, and I made serious connections (I'm UGA '68). Their bottomless kindness to me during an especially rough stretch then was practically lifesaving and bespeaks volumes about the kind of giving, loving people they both were and are. To Janice and the rest of his family, I don't know what else I can say. What a wonderful man!

I remember Richard , playing against him in high school and later as a Marine I served with. Great person, and fine Marine...Semper Fi brother....

Indefatigable! That is one of the key words I would choose to honor our fallen friend, mentor and colleague, Rich. Our work at www,SouthernTruth.net would have been impossible had he not immediately taken charge in 2003 of promoting our mission and goals by tirelessly advising, exhorting, and indeed compelling us to network with grassroots organizations and activists doing the work of racial reconciliation throughout the U.S.
South and beyond. We are all forever in Rich's debt for that stamina, earnestness, and commanding presence he offered as a 'drum major' (MLK) for truth and justice. 'May his tribe increase' and may we all sustain his legacy by doing our part to insure that the work he honored and advanced by his energies achieves the vision and goals for which he gave his mind and passion. Thank you forever, dear Rich!

It is with sadness that I received the news of Richie's passing. I hold tremendous admiration for Richie and how he lived his life in relationship to the world around us. He took the destruction our society perpetuates to heart and gave of his insight, time, and energy in an effort to increase awareness and labor steadfastly for positive change. He worked to help our nation solve some of its most pressing problems. Such initiatives are a monumental task, and from what I can gather Richie undertook it with his whole heart and soul. What is more, in doing so he did not neglect his personal relationships to family and friends. In this way he was unique among others I know in similar circumstances. I always felt that Richie's generosity of spirit uniquely bound our family together. I really miss him.

To Janice and your family our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Think of you often and always will. Love to you and your family.

Rich was a wonderful man. I met him more than 15 years ago when I was working with Thee at Emory. Rich and Thee and others started STAR and together all of us helped it grow. Rich was a driving force in STAR's work and his passion for civil rights, human rights and social justice was abundant. He always made everyone feel loved and welcomed. Even when we would "debate" some hot topics, he treated me with grace and empathy. His warm heart and compassion for others and for myself will always be remembered. I am so sad to hear of his passing! Janice and his family, your (husband/dad etc.) was a true gem,a peacemaker and a fierce advocate for everyone! May his memory be a blessing!

Rich Rusk was one of the sweetest, most courageous folks I know. He believed in me and encouraged me and challenged me to risk more when I was a baby activist and all of it made me a better person. I am so deeply grateful for his life. Holding all of his family and friends in the light. Susan Glisson, Oxford, MS

Rich and I were in the same homeroom at Wilson. He was a good guy then and became a better man as he grew older.
When he was in DC doing research on the book he was writing about his Dad, he happened to give me a call. Rich, Charlie Hudson, and Charlie Smith came over to my house and we stayed up into the wee hours of the morning. There was a lot of talking, reminiscing, and tears. Now both Charlie Hudson and Rich are gone, much too soon. But I will always have that one special evening.
My sincere condolences to Rich's family and friends. He will be missed.

Thank you, Andy - a marvelous tribute to a marvelous man and a life well-lived! My deepest condolences to all of those that loved him and will miss him greatly. He truly left the world a better place by sharing his indomitable spirit.

I am saddened to hear of this news, Rich. You were a kind soul to all the Georgia boys who needed a place to rent. You and your lovely wife generously welcomed them to embark on what would turn out to be glorious Georgia memories. We thank you for that. Now you can Rest In Peace. No more hip pain. Peace to you forever and to your loving family.

My father loved you all.

The family would love to hear any stories or remembrances you might have. Please contact me at any time. 706-338-0707

I will remember Rich as a friend, a community activist who I highly respected, and a great member of the Norton family who was always so kind and welcoming to my brood. Sending my love and consolation to the family. I'll carry you in my heart, particularly these first few days.

My sincere condolences to the Rusk family. Rich was a remarkable man. I have many fond memories of him as a colleague and friend. It was a privilege to work with him as an advocate for racial & social justice. Peace & Blessings. . . . .

Words can't express the feeling of loss for this wonderful, loving, and kind man. He made a big difference in my life as well as many others. I shared some of his Alaska friends, too. I will cherish his memory always. Too sad. Love you, Rich!!

Love you Old Man.

Rich was a father figure and he was always there for me. I have so many wonderful memories of this unique man. He gave me my voice and I will miss him terribly.

I worked with Rich at Glacier National Park in the early 60s. Nice guy with a good sense of humor. Sorry to hear of his passing.

I just read that Rich had passed away and words cannot express my sincere sadness.

We are so very sad to hear of Rich's passing. I remember him teaching us journalism at Nome-Beltz High School as well as when he worked at Munz Northern Airlines with my parents. After he moved back to Georgia he was a faithful friend to Joyce and Dick, calling frequently to check in. He was definitely a treasure.

So sorry to hear this sad, heartbreaking news. Rich & I were at WilsonHS together and had time to reconnect at our recent Class reunion. Thinking of his dear sister Peggy. Sending condolences to the family and his friends.

We met Rich when he first came to Athens and we am proud to say We were good friends since that time. Such a generous heart and profound energy is rare we have lost a great man with his passing. Our profound condolences to all of his beloved.

He was a very good Man, I went fishing and kayaking with him many times.

I will miss him a lot, David Jerzak.

I will treasure the time we spent collaborating on the TU Climate Change Workgroup, speaking at length about all things relevant to the moment, and being fondly referred to by him as his Connecticut Yankee. I'll miss our talks. Farewell, Rich.

Rich was a true friend and brother who was driven by a passion to serve mankind. I will cherish the memories of a giant among men. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Words can't convey this terrible loss . I played football and baseball with Rich at Woodrow Wilson HS in D.C. 1962-64 . Great athlete and one of the best people I've ever known . We corresponded off and on over the years and got much closer after our 50th HS Reunion in 2014 . My wife, Dawn , and I loved him dearly and will miss him very much .

Reaching from Georgia to Maine, Rich inspired our lives with his passion for the environment. We were honored to know him. Our condolences, Kathy Scott and David Van Burgel

Rich was an integral member of the NLC Climate Change workgroup of Trout Unlimited. His gentle persistence was a large part of why this group was formed. He was passionate about our work, was instrumental in our success, and he will be greatly missed.

Rich Rusk was a giant of a man, a true mensch. There seems to be a gaping hole in the fabric of the world now. We loved him and will miss him. Kasia, Alexander, David and Sara Jerzak.

I knew Rich through Citizens Climate Lobby(CCL). He always had a kind and encouraging word for everyone in the group. He was a very gracious man and devoted as much time as he could to the problem of climate change, joining CCL once a year to lobby all our congress people for a solution. I am so saddened by his death and my heart goes out to the family.

Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1

We can't begin to express enough sympathy for this loss of a man who brought joy to so many. His delicious smile will always be remembered. As his obit expresses, he lived a full, free life with lots of people and he never forgot the forgotten. So sad to say "good-bye" to such a unique and special person. We are simply grateful to have known him.

Rich was one-of-a-kind and I'll miss him terribly.
Woody Beck

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

I only just now heard the terrible news. What a fine and fun man! This happened much too soon. My warmest respects to all who were his family and to all who loved this interesting, kind man.

I will always miss you. And your teasing!
Delcia (the argentine firecracker, as you always joked)

Too shocking and too sad for words! My deepest sympathy to Janice & Lane. I won't ever be able to separate my love of fishing from Rich's encouragement. I only wish I took him up on each and every invite to hit the stream! Trout Unlimited has lost an incredible supporter and I have lost a loving friend.

Rich had a unique ability to talk to anyone about anything, and a passion for justice and sustainability second to none. He was a tireless advocate for climate change awareness, a committed and enthusiastic member of Trout Unlimited, and he made an impression on everyone he met. He was always willing to pitch in and help, even at cost to himself. It's hard to believe he's gone, and he will be missed. Condolences to his dear Janice and all the family.

Rich was an amazing inspiration to me. In 2013 he and I drove to DC for a Climate March then drove on to Chicago for Al Gore's 3 day Climate Reality Training. Rich then drove me to the airport where I flew to Phoenix to begin my Masters Degree of Sustainability. I graduated and just returned to Georgia driving my 100% Nissan LEAF back from PHX over 12 long days. I am thankful I talked to Rich on the phone a few times in my absence and again only a few weeks ago on the phone but regret I have not seen him since Chicago August 2013. Godspeed My Friend!

An extraordinary man. Such a loss for our community. Deepest sympathy to his family.