Russell Burridge Scott

Dear Dr. and Mrs. Scott and the Scott family,

I have just returned from my 20th Carleton reunion, where I was deeply saddened to learn of Russell's passing. He was one of the first people I met my freshman year, as he lived directly across the hall from me and my roommate. His charm and quirky sense of humor were infectious,and I greatly enjoyed the time we spent together. Underneath his spirited exterior was a thoughtful person with a big heart. I saw him a few times after graduating, the last time being at the State Fair a few years ago. It was clear how much he loved his family and how proud he was of his daughters. I hope the wonderful memories so many people share of their father can help ease the pain of their loss. I will continue to pray for all of you, especially Russell's children.

God bless,

Dear Scott Family,

I read the other notes and I realized that, like others, I was fortunate to know Rusty. I met Rusty at Carleton and we were teammates on the football team for a season. Although our college paths took different courses we never seemed to lose touch through the years. Common friends and chance meetings in the Minneapolis Skyway kept us connected. Whenever we ran into each other, we seemed to pick-up right where we left off. I will miss the chances to see Rusty in the Skyway, but I know I will never forget him. God Bless.

Dear Bob, Belle, and family,

What a terrible loss. My maiden name is Deidre Burridge, and I was searching for your address, when I came across the news of your son's death. I wanted you to know that your extended family, through the work of dear George Burridge, feels your loss as one of our own. Ann suggested I contact Bob but did not include an address. If you read this, perhaps you could contact me, 462 Shannon Glen Dr, Louisa, VA 23093, 540-894-5804.

To The Russell Scott family and friends, I feel deep saddness for the loss you have incurred. I worked with Russell Scott at Magnum Tire. He was an incredible guy. Always very sensitive and incredibly thoughtful to other people. No matter what was going on I could always count on Russell for a story and a smile...He is definately missed.

To the family of Russell Scott:
My deepest sympathy is extended to all of you. I am a vending room manager at the Metrodome and knew him as a vendor. He was always in good spirits with a ready smile, never complaining. He will be deeply missed by the other vendors and managers. We looked forward to having him in "our" room. There was no mention of how he died. He was so young.

Belle, Bob, Jenni, Peter, and Jonathon,

I just heard of Rusty's death. I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. All my love, Carl

I was also a college classmate. I was not as close as many but it didn’t matter to Rusty how close you were to him. For the rest of us in his class it was how he made you feel. He made you feel comfortable. He made you feel included. He made you feel he was always so happy to see you.

I pulled out a picture of our senior year Rotblatt (softball) team, taken shortly after we won the championship. There's Rusty. Up front, big grin and a red bandana tied around his neck to add color and flair. Always the dresser.

After the initial shock of his passing began to fade, I draw on my 20 year old “Rusty” memories and continue to smile…because of the way he made me feel.

From the looks of the incredible overflowing church service for Rusty, it’s evident he meant so much to so many people.

To his parents...thank you for giving the rest of us the gift of this truly wonderful individual.

To Bob, Belle, Jennifer, Peter, Jon and all who knew and loved Russell;

I just came from dinner with David and Julie Grein. We gathered to catch up and remember all those things that we loved about our dear friend Russell. We talked and laughed about our days at Carleton when life was sort of simple --- take in a class, play a football game, hit the Cave for a beer and a bagel. Simple joys, much simpler times.

We cried over missed opportunities, chances to share our thoughts of love, joy and at times, concern. Of more recent times when a phone conversation, a lunch or a sublime round of golf at Hiawatha restored us all --- inevitably ending in a huge Russell bear-hug or a simple phrase saying that “I have missed you” or more importantly that “I love you.”

We think of the girls --- Elle, Sofie and Gracie. Oh, how they need to know how much their father loved them and how proud he was of the beautiful young ladies they had become. He adored them and had spectacular plans for special father-daughter outings that only our Russell could concoct --- moments that if undertaken certainly would never fade. Moments, sadly, missed. Oh how he loved you girls!!!

I miss my dear friend so much. But this day we celebrate his smile, the enthusiasm he brought to every occasion, the love and loyalty that he showered on his family and friends, his unique Russell logic or that friendly headlock that he would apply to those that he loved most. I am thankful for your life, Russell, so very thankful.

Stevie

Dear Dear Friends....You are, Belle and Bob, so special to us and we ache with you now daily. Thinking of Rusty, though, makes us smile a bit....That adorable, curly red-haired fellow that captured hearts even as a small boy. Reading some of the above messages certainly makes it clear that he was loved so much by so many. Take good care of yourselves and cherish those memories that are so precious.

Feel our love....Katherine & Larry

Like several of the people who have written here, I am friend of Rusty's from Carleton College. The news of his death seems to have spread slowly in Carleton circles, and I know in coming days there will be many other people who will be feeling as shocked and sad and helpless as I feel now.

Like a lot of old friends, Rusty was someone you could not see or talk to for several years and still be able to catch up with as though picking up a conversation from the week before.

Rusty's exterior was athletic, wise-cracking and rowdy. Just beneath the surface it always struck me there was a sweetness and vulnerability to him. In the past few years, after not hearing much from each other for long stretches, he had called me out of the blue on a handful of occasions, just eager to catch up. His enthusiasm and curiosity could "light up a room," as some others have written, even though we were in different rooms.

I last saw him in Northfield at a Carleton reunion last year. He spoke honestly and modestly about some troubles he had had in his life in recent years, and about his hope for his future and his family's. His death reminds me that we should all be modest about our time and the fragility of life.

Bob and Belle, I am so sorry and would be eager to catch up and trade some memories of Rusty whenever you are ready. He was a wonderful guy and you should be proud of giving the world a son who brightened many lives.

I will always remember Rusty as a person so full of life and enjoyment of that life. I was lucky to know him throughout our time at Carleton. My thoughts are with you, his family, particularly his daughters. Your father was a wonderful man.

Peter:

I am terribly sorry to hear of Rusty's passing. The tragedy of his loss will, no doubt, change the lives of many of us, especiallly your family. My heart goes out to you all.

Anyone who knew Rusty knows what a great guy he was. Even though I haven't seen him in years, thinking of him today brings a smile to my face; he was just that kind of guy. I knew him from Carleton and was fortunate to bump into him a few times up here in the Twin Cities and it was always great catching up and hearing his take on life. I am sorry for your family's loss.

Dear Scott Family,
I was very saddened to learn of Rusty's recent death. I have fond memories of him as a friend and former football teammate at Carleton College. Although it's been many years since I last saw Rusty, he had a terrific smile and always lit up a room. His great sense of humor and charming personality will be sorely missed. I wish you all peace, and I hope you are able to take comfort in the knowledge that Rusty will be so well remembered.

Dear Bob and Belle-
Bruce called me today with the news of Rusty's passing. I can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Ann/Steve Sundberg
Jan/Bruce Sundberg

Though I hadn't seen Rusty since high school, I still have great memories of his contagious laugh and smile, quick wit, and of course the practical jokes that kept people laughing (and on their toes). My thoughts and prayers are with the Scott family and all those fortunate enough to have been able to call Rusty their friend.

Scott Family,
I went to high school with (Rusty) and he was always a joy to be around.He was always doing something to make you laugh.I saw him at one of the reunions and he was still the same.He will be sadly missed.My prayers are with you at this time.

To the family of Russell Scott,
Russell started with Centerplate at the Dome a year ago. Reading other guest notes I would have to agree, his smile would light up the room he was in and his enthusiasm was unbelieveable. He was a hard worker with lots of energy. As the Concession\Vending Department Manager with Centerplate at the Metrodome, I would like to express out sympathy to Russell's family and friends. His passing is a great loss to all of us.

Belle and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Lindesmith

Dear Bob & Belle-
I am so sorry to hear of your loss; I haven't seen Rusty in many years, but have fond memories of his cheerful demeanor, quick grin, & charm. Please know that you and yours are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow & loss.

Dear Belle, Bob, and the MANY who loved Rusty --
I am so very, very sorry for your deep, deep loss of such a wonderful son, father and brother. Please know of my thoughts and prayers as you remember him and celebrate his life this Saturday, and then very slowly move forward together.

Dear Scott family:

My deepest sympathies to your family on the passing of Rusty. I was a friend and fellow Carleton football player with Rusty. I will always remember his wonderful energy, smile, sense of humor, and playfulness in the way he approached football, school, friends, and life in general. Even though I was a slow and plodding offensive lineman and therefore terrible at intramural basketball, Rusty always made sure to include me on his perennial winning team! We also had many parties at our dorm room on Ground Burton and Rusty was always with us and made sure we had fun. Even though I had not seen Rusty in years, I am terribly saddened by his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

As a high school friend who hasn't seen Rusty in years, I was still shocked and saddened to hear of Rusty's death. His smile and freckles are not be forgotten.

May God be with you in this time of profound sorrow.

Dear Belle and Bob;
I was so shocked and saddened by the news of Rusty's passing. I'm so very sorry. He was a truly compassionate, honest, and caring friend. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God be with you as you get through this sad time.

I was a fellow student at CHS. I was not a close frind of Rusty, but over the years had run into him and he showed me great kindness. I wish all his family and friends a great deal of healing. I am a friend of Bill W. and feel a deep pain for you all.

To the family of Rusty Scott. Although I only knew him through Jr. High and High School, Rusty was an integral part of a wonderful group of people that left lasting impressions. My wish for you is to know that he touched so many people so brilliantly and his spirit will forever shine. We missed him at the reunion. Take care of each other.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family,rusty was a good friend and will be missed very much.

Dear Belle and Bob,
We are so sorry to hear of Russell's death. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Bob, Belle and family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. You are very nuch in my thoughts.

Peg

Dear Bob, Belle, Jennifer, Peter & Jonathan:

I was crushed to hear of Russell's passing! While we haven't seen all of you as often as we would like, I am certain that any trip through your front door will forever be missing the happy greeting we would always receive from Rusty!

A measure of the richness of one's life can be found in all of the people that you befriend. To be walking through a town in Provence, France on our honeymoon, Karen & I struck up a conversation with a guy riding his bike across Europe. Low and behold, he had played football with Rusty & Jonathan at Carleton. Surprising at first and yet not totally unexpected because I knew the type of person that Russell was.

All we can ask of ourselves is whether we made the world a better place through our presence. It is certain that Russell did! His physical spirit will be greatly missed but we shall carry a part of him with us through our shared memories.

Hugh, Karen, Sydney, Caroline & Ava

Dear Peter (Ron) and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss. May the wonderful memories take over those of sadness and know you have friends who care. Bob Brandt

I want to say that I was very sorry to hear that Russel had passed. He was a really good person and he will be missed by many.

Dear Bob, Belle, Jennifer, Peter, Jonathon and families,

When Dad called me on Saturday I was deeply saddened for you and my heart aches for you all. I have so many wonderful memories of summer days on the island with you all and how rambunctious Rusty was. Mom shared many memories with me from visits to Minneapolis. My heart is with you and I pray that you will find peace in the many beautiful memories you have. love, Sarah Brown Bryan

Dear Bob, Belle, Jennifer, Peter and Jon:

We were all shocked to learn of Rusty's death and share with you and all of his many friends a common feeling of grief and loss. We also mourn for his daughters at the tragic loss of their father.

Thinking of Rusty brings back such a flood of memories - of happier times and practical jokes (the Bundt/Hunt cake...), times on the Georgia and at the cabin, Carleton football games, his comforting presence during Katie's operation and at her 18th birthday party. My family and I loved Rusty dearly - as a brother-in-law, beloved uncle and friend. We will miss his gentle and funny nature tremendously.

May your memories of Rusty give you comfort now and in the future and may our loving and compassionate God be with each of you in the difficult days ahead.

Love to You All,

David Hunt, Joan Staveley, Katie, Sarah and Samuel Hunt.

Belle and Bob,
I can't tell you how sorry and sad I am. Russell was truely a special person.

Rusty's death came as a shock to us all. Our deepest sympathy and love go out to all of us who were touched by his life.

Thank you to all who are holding the family in your prayers and keeping his life alive in your hearts.

His death reflects how fragile we are; our hearts ache. May his memory remind us all to cherish the love we are so freely given and to return it in kind, celebrating him and nurturing each other, day by day.

I miss you Russell.

Belle & Bob-
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
May God and memories help you through this difficult time.

Any exposure to Russ brought only smiles and a sense of well-being. I am grateful for his acquaintance and his great example and spirit at work, despite sometimes less than cheerful surroundings. He was gifted in his ability to bring a smile to your face and an inspiration in his adoration of his darling daughters. Girls, know, without a doubt that you were deeply loved, and you were uppermost in his mind at all times. I'll miss you Pal.

Rusty was truly missed at our 25 year school reunion on Saturday, where I heard the sad news. He was a sweet spirit and will always be remembered for his commitment to
PIONEEER POWER! God Bless his family and give you all peace

Anyone who came into contact with Rusty could not leave without a smile. I called his name on radio broadcasts when he was at Carleton and worked with him as a salesman at Brooks Brothers. I am sad to learn he is gone but glad I had the chance to spend a few moments with him in this all too brief life. To Bob and Belle and all family and friends, my heartfelt sympathy.

Dearest Bob and Belle,

Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your and our beloved Rusty. Words cannot express my profound sorrow. Please know that you, Jen, Peter and JonJon are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. His life will be honored and cherished in the countless memories I have of him, that darling freckled red-headed Rusty.
With my deepest sympathy and love,
Katy (Katrinka) Dwyer Boness

Russell was the glue that held his high school friends together. He was frequently our organizer, host and chef. He had a wonderful spirit and positive energy. I am better for having known him. He will be missed. Much love to his family during this difficult time.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Scott,

Many blessings for peace as you and your family go through this transition of life.

Rusty and I met through what else, but sports between our rival schools. He was the all-around athletic and I the competitive cheerleader. The football and basketball games between Minneapolis Central and Minneapolis North, are some of my most memorable events from high school.

I'll continue to pray for you, Rusty's children and your family; it is truly a day by day journey.

Be at peace within,

Marquitta Frost

My condolences to Dr. and Mrs. Scott for the loss off their son and also to Russell's family. I am sure you will miss him. Donn G. Mosser, M.D.

Russell was a wonderful friend and manager! I knew Russell for years, but my fondest memories are from when I catered for him. Truly a lovely man with loads of energy. My sincere condolences to all who loved him.

I'm really going to miss you, buddy. You were truly a great friend and teamate on and off the football field. I'll always remember the great energy you brought to any situation how much I enjoyed your unique sense of humor and eccentric ways. Those of us who consider you a great friend will never forget you and the joy and laughs you brought to our lives. You will be missed.

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. RUSSELL WAS A GREAT FATHER TO THE GIRLS AND I KNOW HE LOVED THEM MORE THAN ANYTHING!!! NOW..HE CAN BE WITH THEM ALWAYS IN SPIRIT!!!

I MET RUSSELL WHEN I CAME UP FROM LOUISIANA IN SEPT.2005.HE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND A GREAT FRIEND.WE SHARED MANY LAUGHS TOGETHER ON WALKS TO AND FROM WORK EVERYDAY.MY THOUGHS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU AND I THANK GOD FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW HIM.