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Russell Milligan
Russell Milligan
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Russell Milligan Obituary
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Jimmy Hall
August 7, 2019
Russ's friendship was a significant part of my life ever since my first haircut with him at the age of one back in 1988. He was a remarkable and great man, and his absence has left a hole in many lives. Russ was so likable and easy to talk to that he would built trust quickly with those who visited him for haircuts. As I was without grandparents growing up, I would share with Russ my achievements and aspirations. He would always listen with interest and show support and encouragement, becoming almost like a grandfather to me. And, he always gave sound advice -- whether on jobs or relationships or simply how to live. I remember a discussion during elementary school, making sure I was eating a healthy diet. Of course, I absolutely loved Russ's own stories -- his early days of being a barber, parties on the Cape in his younger years, meeting his wife by offering her a car ride, hitting a home run on the roof of the Armory at Emerson Field in Concord during high school. By the time I would leave, my cheeks would hurt from smiling.
I don't know how Russ could possibly remember the names and stories of his customers and their families -- but he did. And he would remember things I had told him, years later. I was grateful that Russ formed a connection with my whole family - especially my father, who was also a loyal customer.
Russ' shop was always an escape from the fast-paced world. It was not dressed up with flashy wallpaper or TVs -- it didn't need to be -- the focus was rightfully on the haircut and the conversation, which were worth far more.
I will remember Russ for all the wonderful interactions, but most of all as a man of loyalty and dedication to his work, his community, and his beloved family. He was one of a kind.
Stephen Wolfram
July 31, 2019
He never knew my name and I knew him only as "Russ", but for more than a decade I would get my haircuts from him, and enjoy his cheerful and upbeat conversation. He explained he'd always wanted to be a barber, and had been cutting hair in the same location since 1968. He had kept the same rotary-dial phone (though recently he got a smartphone) and the same old-fashioned cash register. He said he had the best job in the world because he so enjoyed talking to people. He would talk about the rhythm of people's lives, the families who'd been his customers for three (or was it four?) generations. When he learned I was in the tech industry, he told me about An Wang (CEO of Wang Labs, the first great word processing company), who would arrive at his shop in a limo, and about Ken Olsen (CEO of DEC, at one time the world's second-largest computer company), who would arrive in his truck. But, he added, "everyone just has a head of hair". It's such a shame all those stories are now gone, and Russ's barber pole is still forever. Rest in peace, Russ.
Jim Vecchio
July 30, 2019
I am heartbroken! I just learned today of the passing of my good friend and barber. I knew Russ was having health problems, because he always shared with me freely what was going on in his life, but I never expected this. About 8 years ago I began visiting Russ' barber shop, and we quickly became good friends. He was very sympathetic and concerned when my wife became ill and died, and he always asked how I was managing without her. I remember how excited he was when he signed a new 5 year lease on his barber shop, saying that he never wanted to retire, because he so enjoyed spending time with his customers and friends. He shared much of his personal life with me, and told me about his wife's health issues as well as the wonderful times he had with his grandchildren. I will often think fondly of him and our chats while he cut my hair. Russ was a really, really fine person! I will miss him greatly. Jim Vecchio, July 30, 2019
David Tolwinski
July 21, 2019
Dear Russ,
You were such a wonderful friend for more than 35 years. You always warmly welcomed me when I walked into your shop by inquiring about my family and my life. I am especially grateful for your help in keeping the memory of my deceased son alive in our talks.
When I became disabled and unable to walk myself, you offered without being asked, to come to my house. And as a special added gift you gave a great haircut.
I just learned of your passing today and feel the heavy loss of a truly great friend. Godspeed Russ! Hope to see you in the not too distant future.
Your friend,
David Tolwinski
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Russ was a tremendous friend and excellent barber. I first started going to see him after moving to concord and playing little league baseball. He got a huge kick out of the dirty sliding pants I had on after the game and we were friends ever since. That
Michael Hutchinson
July 17, 2019
Russ was a tremendous friend and excellent barber. I first started going to see him after moving to concord and playing little league baseball. He got a huge kick out of the dirty sliding pants I had on after the game and we were friends ever since. That was 24 years ago, this past year I was happy to have been able to introduce Russ to my son Brody. Russ had a spot for everyone in his heart and was a truly genuine person. I will deeply miss him as both my barber and friend. Russ I hope you rest in peace, my thoughts and preys are with your family. You lived a full life and I cherished every time we talked and laughed, God bless I will miss you.
Sincerely,
Hutch
Michael Hutchinson
July 17, 2019
Russ was a tremendous friend and excellent barber. I first started going to see him after moving to concord and playing little league baseball. He got a huge kick out of the dirty sliding pants I had on after the game and we were friends ever since. That was 24 years ago, this past year I was happy to have been able to introduce Russ to my son Brody. Russ had a spot for everyone in his heart and was a truly genuine person. I will deeply miss him as both my barber and friend. Russ I hope you rest in peace, my thoughts and preys are with your family. You lived a full life and I cherished every time we talked and laughed, God bless I will miss you.
Sincerely,
Hutch
Graham Peck
July 16, 2019
Russ gave me my first hair cut, and many more to come the next 28 years of my life. I learned so much about this great man, he even had me considering being a barber myself at the age of 15. He radiated an amazing energy that lit up the shop, and I admired how he knew and was loved by the entire community. The last time we spoke was when I got my hair cut in March after my father passed away. Russ and I shared stories of my dad, and I was so eternally grateful for him in that moment. I truly hope you feel the love coming back to you and your family, he was one in a million.
Douglas Brown
July 15, 2019
I would just like to add to the many eloquent tributes above. As a relative newcomer to Concord, I have only known Russ for 20+ years. Sitting in his chair was always a pleasure and a reminder of growing up in a similar small town where everyone knew the merchants and shop owners. His memory always amazed me as each conversation seemed to be picked up effortlessly from the last, (that may have occurred months earlier). Upon leaving I would marvel as he greeted the next customer and began asking of their wife and children, all by names. I know over the years he had thousands of customers and became friends with all. The town of Concord along with me and so many others will miss Russ and all his kindnesses. Prayers to his wife and children, whom he spoke of so lovingly.
cynthia katz
July 15, 2019
Russ cut my son Dylan's hair for years. He was so upbeat, and always interested in Dylan's activities, and kept up, through the Concord Journal, with Dylan's athletic exploits. I used to enjoy stopping in to the barber shop to visit with Russ, after Dylan had graduated from CCHS, and kept up with Russ, and he always was kind, and generous asking after Dylan. He was sweet, kind and will be missed. My deepest sympathies to his family on their loss. cynthia katz, west concord, ma
Lynn Duffy
July 13, 2019
Russ was a kind hearted soul and a joy to visit. I brought my sons for haircuts many times over the years. He was always so great with the children. He would always give my daughter a tootsie pop too as she was always in tow. Russ will be missed. Hugs to his family.
Rob Comer
July 13, 2019
Russ has been my barber for decades, and was my son Max's also, during his childhood. I drove past his shop just yesterday to see if Russ might be in this weekend, and was very sad to learn of his passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to all his family and friends. Every haircut with Russ was filled with sincere, friendly conversation, and Russ never failed to ask about how Max was doing, and about my daughter as well, who used to wait in the shop years ago while her brother was having his hair cut. Russ was a both friend and an expert barber to the very end. I'm going to miss him, and know that he will be missed by many others as well.
Ned Sullivan
July 12, 2019
When Russ passad away it was like loosing a friend. The family should know it was easy to see he truly cared about each of his clients. He was a barber I could call a friend, Ill miss him
David Allen
July 12, 2019
Goodbye Russ, my very good friend. Among the 2,500 or so of us out here. Friends you made in the many decades you ministered to us. You worked on our heads as we sat in the barber chair, but it was our hearts and minds that were lighter and better when we left. I miss you, and I will miss you.
You said you were not going to retire, and you made that happen. Work, and your Nancy and family, were your love. You were going to carry on, and you did.
Goodbye Russ. You are and will be in our hearts.
Joe Horne
July 12, 2019
My deepest sympathies and prayers are with the Milligan family - I'm so sorry for your loss. Russ spoke so often and so lovingly about Nancy, his children & grandchildren.
I told Russ that if he ever retired I'd either shave my head or buy a bunch of hats - I couldn't imagine sitting in another barber shop and engaging in small talk - he set the bar far too high for that.
I've been a customer and more importantly a friend for more than thirty years and will greatly miss our conversations every few weeks.
Rest in Peace, Russ.
Larry Masland
July 12, 2019
Russ was my barber since my first haircut in 1990. He created such a comfortable environment: classical music playing and conversations about sports and family. Although I always felt in a rush to get my haircut, some of my most golden memories are his conversations with other customers. I remember he always brought the right persona to each of his interactions. One encounter that I clearly remember is Russ as a teacher. A young customer was getting his first haircut from Russ. After completing the haircut the child having descended the chair Russ received payment from the Dad. The Dad then gave his son the tip and told him to give it to Russ. He handed Russ the money with his head down. Russ returned the money and said to the young man, now give me the money again and look me in the eyes when you give it.
After the exchange the father put his hand on his son's head and smiled at Russ.
Thank you for the wonderful memories, Russ.
Ben Shapiro
July 12, 2019
Russ was a superb barber, a sincere friend, and a wonderful human being. It was always a pleasure to receive a haircut from him, not just for the haircut, but for the great conversation. He will be sorely missed by many of his loyal customers/friends.
David Carroll
July 11, 2019
Russell Milligan was a true gentleman, in every sense of the word, and the world is left less fortunate by his passing. Russ was, indeed, a Master Barber but, more significantly, he was masterful at being a kind, thoughtful and decent man. The last few times in which Russ cut my hair, he spoke wistfully about the thoughts of closing his shop ... he spoke of his love for the shop and for his customers. He referred to the health challenges which were causing him to feel less vibrant and vigorous. But he never whined or complained ... he spoke as a man who was accepting of his lot in life. He spoke of the happy days ... he spoke lovingly of his family and the support they provided to him. He acknowledged that he had been a lucky man.
I shall miss Russ and his many fine qualities ... he always made me look better after his tonsorial ministrations, to be sure ... but it is the smile that he put on my face that I shall remember (and be grateful for) most. My thought and prayers are with his oft mentioned, cherished wife and children.
ken mabbs
July 11, 2019
Russ was a real joy to know. I was a customer for many years and knew all about his profound love of family...all his customers did. When I went to the shop and saw the notice, I was greatly saddened, but took some comfort that I knew he enjoyed his life fully and he shared those simple joys with me every haircut. It made me look at my own life. Russ was a very good man who will be missed.
Ken Mabbs
John Sweeney
July 11, 2019
Russ was one of those people who makes Concord a great community. He would remember everyone and always ask about the children, keep track of how they were doing, and be on top of the local school activities. He was so proud of his family and spoke lovingly of his wife. He was a true gentleman who was a great barber who will be missed.
Peter DiCicco
July 10, 2019
My sympathy to the Milligan family. I was a customer and friend of Russ for 47+ years. He truly was a wonderful person. We spent many hours talking about the Red Sox, Patriots, and Golf. He always would tell me what was going on with his family. He gave me my haircut for my wedding over 47 years ago and also gave my son his first hair cut 38 years ago. God speed Russ
Margherita Lamanno
July 10, 2019
Sending love to all. May he forever live in your hearts.
Holly Perry
July 10, 2019
Sending love to all. Will cherish many memories from Boxboro Road.
Hold the good memories closely in your hearts.
Richard MacDonald
July 10, 2019
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
John murray Murray
July 10, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to the Milligan family on the passing of Russ in to heaven: I have known Russ for over 45 years. He loved to talk about his family and sports. Jack&Polly Murray
peter kozel
July 9, 2019
Having known Russ as a customer I was heartbroken to walk up to his door and see the note telling of his passing. I will remember Russ in particular for his good nature, kindness and his easy conversation. He would talk but also inquire, listen and care, sadly a vanishing trait these days. Often he would remind me that he passed my house on his way home each day. I told him that if I was out in the yard to stop by for a refreshment. I guess it will have to wait.
I will miss getting my hair cut at Concord Barber Shop but more so the conversations and genuine affability. Goodbye, Russ.
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