Sam Rust Jr.

Dr Rust was one of my advisors and mentors during my time as an undergraduate and graduate work. My two years working he, Dr Madsen and the other incredible sped pioneers during my undergraduate work in '75-'76 were remarkable...but during my graduate work in '81, Dr Rust was for me, at his best. His Sped and the Law course was truly one of the best courses I have ever participated in. The CHARGE at Ft Warden, the pride of being a Marine, the love of seafood, the red socks on Thursday, the tapped refrigerator...the sense of humor and the love of life along with the love to teach...he is a person that will love on forever. To Mrs. Rust, Maureen and Molly and your families, Dr. Rust was a gift. I have you all in my thoughts.

I met Sam as a mentor and friend when I joined Morning Rotary. He loved telling stories, sharing from his invisible flask, and hugging. I don't know how many times he told me that I had "two and a half hours to stop that". Sam loves people. He is missed.

Sam was an icon on campus when I was a student at Central. When I began my educational career, I was going to be anything BUT be a special education teacher. However, it was because of Sam and his colleagues that I am in my 23rd year in special education. I love this work and I think of him often when I am facing tough situations. Sam you have left a legacy in each of us!

I knew him as Dr. Rust CWSC 71-75. I was not aware he was a Former Marine, but in looking back, he wore it.

My best memory of Sam was at a CEC conference in Ellensburg. He and Max Higbee told stories related to their friendship and partnership in attending conferences and in sharing hotel rooms!
Very Funny! He will be well remembered!

Diane and Family, so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. I had no idea. He was such a great guy. Always had the most unique sense of humor. I will miss seeing you at the gym and around town. Thank you for your Marine Corp service time. From one soldier to another, Rest in Peace and give Shelley Brown a big hug for us. Semperfi and HUAH!!!!
Teresa, Brian & Briawna Kavanaugh

The Marines and Corpsmen of the Pierce County Detachment #504 Marine Corps League, Share in Your Loss. Rest in Peace Marine, Semper Fi!

He was instrumental in getting me into a doctoral program. Dr. Steve Nourse

Samuel Philip Rust is my Uncle.
He is my mother's brother.

Memories of my Uncle Sammy go back so far to when I just can't remember. He lived a most colorful life.

One recently found memory from my mother (his sister) is that my Uncle Sam and I were, once, room-mates! Me, as an infant, and he, roomed together, upstairs at 906 Cowgill Street, Bellingham WA in around 1949.

Seems my teeth grinding action was not a pleasant situation for my Uncle Sammy.

That forgotten, go to late 1966: Uncle Sammy picked me up in his car to go visit Grampa Nick, age 92 (his dad's dad), in the nursing home.

I was 16-17 years old. On the car seat, Uncle Sam had a pint of Bourbon … yum. I asked, " ... what's that for … "... "… it's for Grampa Nick."
My reply "... that's not good for Grampa Nick."
His reply ...at Grampa Nick's age, he can have anything he wants!"
We took it along and Grampa Nick thanked us more than once!

I still have the unopened pint of Bourban purchased for my Uncle Sammy!

I have so many memories of Sam, but my favorite happened after he retired and I was teaching a course on campus. The class dismissed late, but after I picked my things up and was walking out the door, there sat Sam with a pile of books. He had taken time to find my schedule and waited for me to give me the books to send me on my next adventure. He has always been there to give me a little nudge in the right direction. I treasure all of the knowledge Sam passed on to me over the years . . . the same way I TREASURE those books! Thanks, Sam!! I love you.

I have so many good memories of Sam as my special education professor and rely on his wisdom frequently as I do work in the field of special education! Memories of his smile, sense of humor, practical approaches and reminder to CHARGE (not retreat) always help me through the tough spots and decisions. We will miss you Sam, but your legacy will live on!

My late daughter, Shelley Kavanaugh Brown loved Sam and his wife Diane so much. She had talked about him to me often. Our condolences are sent to his family. We have lost a wonderful man.

Sam, thank you for being a great college professor, U.S. Marine, and posse guy. You will be missed.