Russ Blakely

I share these thoughts of Russell, one of my three, dear nephews on Tuesday, October 14, 2008; one week before his 43rd birthday. Who would you have been? Where would you be? What are the many joys all of us who love you would have shared with you? "Why"? That is the word we've repeated over all these years; as we worked at living our lives without you. How grateful I am that God gave me the blessing of having you as part of my life for almost 18 years. How grateful I am that I can close my eyes & still enjoy a vivid picture of that wonderful smile and those beautiful, loving eyes. Though deprived of your physical presence I continue to hold you in my heart. Sure do miss you! Love always, Aunt Janet

Stop to remember the time spent, and for a moment time does stop. I can only wonder just what might have become of Russ. It seems so long ago, but the feelings of such a loss can so easily be accessed. It make all of us still here all the more dear.

I have so many wonderful memories of great times spent with my "little cousins". How our hearts broke when Russ was taken away so prematurely. He had the greatest grin - pure joy always sparkling from his eyes. I too have a vase that he made and it sits on my mantel - somehow has always made me feel that there is a small indelible mark he has left in my home. I cherish it as well as all the memories my entire family has blessed me with - parents, brothers, husband, grandparents,aunts, uncles, cousins, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews - all have made my life so special and so worth living. Love to you all - Gina

Thanks everyone for the loving thoughts of Russell, our family is truly blessed with the gift of closeness, even though literally, we are thousands of miles from each other...in our hearts and thoughts we are all together. I love you all so much, maybe Russell's purpose in his short time on Earth was to ensure that we all keep a bond with each other and count our blessings...we'll have to thank him for that one day.
Kelly

Russell,
My dear cousin, your are truly loved and missed. I will never forget your ready smile and your ability to make people laugh.

Thanks to all of you for the great memories and even better pictures.
They made me smile with some tears.
Love you all,
Mom

Russell was a friend to many and a relative to some. I was blessed to be both. I'll never forget my my young cousin and the times our families spent together. I was lucky enough to spend quality time over his short years , even if it was only during family get togethers. I'll never forget my cousin, and will forever feel his presence. My love for family has grown over the years, but has never grown more than after the tragic loss of my dear cousin Russell. I love you all as I bow my head and pray.
Mark

25 years...seems almost like last year as the memory is still so vivid, and the saying that time heals falls short when it I think of Rocky as it seems like we have unfullfilled memories that we can only realize when our souls meet in the next life. Russel was such a gentle soul, like a brother to me, and always smiling that classic Blakley smile. I have a vase that he made and I cherrish it to this day. Thank you my Dear Kelly for being so thoughtful in creating this memorium. I Love you and Tracey SO much. Chris.

Now this is a classic Russell stance

My Dear Russell
I too can't believe it has been 25 years since you were suddenly and tragicly taken from us. Life has taken many twists and turns for all of us left behind over the years and there has been so much that you have missed. Still there hasn't been a day that has gone by that I have not thought to myself how great it would be for you to be here with us. But you, my dear brother, will always be here deep in my heart and soul.
Love and Miss you.
Tracey