R. Russell Kubyn

R. Russell Kubyn, a respected figure in the legal community and a dedicated area Family Law Attorney for over four decades, most recently partnered as Kubyn and Ghaster in Mentor, Ohio, met a tragic end following a freak horseback riding accident. Despite taking all necessary precautions, including wearing a helmet and riding a known horse on a familiar path within the stable complex, Russ fell when his horse unexpectedly spun and bolted. Despite receiving prompt medical care at UH Medical Center Trauma Level 1, Russ succumbed to an unsurvivable head injury.
Russell Kubyn's passing has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Stricken with grief is his 40 year devoted life partner (married 1989) Attorney Stacey Grether Kubyn. Russ's extended Grether relatives, spread across the country, join his Goddaughter, Tamara Sopka, in mourning his departure. David (Danielle) Patterson, Russ's 40+ year friend and Marianne Freeman, Russ's trusted assistant of 22 years, both considered family to Russ, are very deeply saddened by his passing. His law partner, Earl (Pam) Ghaster, and their dedicated office staff, stand united in grief, as do members of the legal community and Russ's clients. Beyond the legal realm, Russ's untimely passing is felt among his posse at Wilcox Stable, where he shared his passion for horseback riding. Childhood friends, Dr. Myron Bodnar, Andrew Demjanczuk, and Myron Sopka, share in the sorrow of his absence.
Russell Kubyn's journey began in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was born as Rostyslaw Roman Kubyn to his legal immigrant parents, Jaroslaw and Ana Susana Kubyn. Their pursuit of the American dream led them to raise Russ in Parma, Ohio, where he spent his formative years. After graduating from Parma High School, Russ continued his academic pursuits, earning degrees from Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Marshall School of Law. In 1983, as he prepared to embark on his legal career, Russ made the decision to officially Americanize his name to "R. Russell Kubyn," while retaining the initial "R" as a tribute to his birth name and heritage. Russ was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1984. His upbringing in the Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic faith remained a significant aspect of his identity, symbolized by the small gold cross tucked under his shirt every day as his sole adornment.
Russell Kubyn epitomized the essence of a dedicated attorney and a compassionate human being. His commitment to helping others navigate the legal system was not just a profession but a passion. Clients revered him for his empathy and his tenacious advocacy, describing him as a fierce fighter with a heart. Along with his formidable presence in the courtroom, Russ was known for his direct and matter-of-fact approach, always striving for the best outcomes for those he represented. His love for being an attorney was undeniable, with no intentions of retiring, much to the chagrin of some opposing counsel who recognized him as a force to reckon with. Russ's intelligence, occasional argumentativeness, and quirky, witty charm made him a standout figure in the legal arena. Yet, beneath his confident, at times brash exterior, lay a quiet and introspective side, revealing a depth of character that transcended his professional achievements.
Russ's personal journey was marked by resilience and discipline, as he overcame challenges to achieve long-term success. His reliability and willingness to lend a helping hand to friends in need demonstrated his selflessness and unwavering loyalty. As a devoted son, Russ exemplified the values of duty and love, going above and beyond to care for his mother in her later years, driving daily from Chardon to Parma to eat dinner with her without complaint. To his beloved wife Stacey, Russ was strongly bonded and a true friend and partner in every sense of the word. His willingness to support and participate wholeheartedly in all of her projects demonstrated his genuine interest in her passions and his deep love for her. He always had her back.
Outside of his busy law practice, Russ kept himself even busier with a variety of activities. He was a regular at the YMCA, UH Wellness Center, and Mentor Rec Center, swimming 40-60 laps most days and running for an hour on alternate days. On weekends, he enjoyed horseback riding and took care of numerous animal chores. A dedicated Cleveland sports fan, Russ particularly enjoyed basketball and baseball. He watched sci-fi movies, a favorite genre of his wife Stacey. A lean and fit man, Russ consumed impressively large amounts of fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, peanut butter, and buffet meals, leaving observers to remark "where does he put it all?" In addition to his personal interests, Russ supported Stacey's charitable organizations, Sugarcreek Horse Save, which rescued over 150 horses from slaughter, and the Caucasian Ovcharka Rescue & Rehome. He also co-founded and maintained Esquire Caucasians, an award-winning kennel of Caucasian Mountain Shepherd (Ovcharka) Dogs, a giant rare Russian dog breed known for their protective nature. Russ took great pride in these dogs, especially his big black dog, Khan, and he had a deep affection for his cats as well.
On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, family and friends will gather to support each other in grief and bid farewell to our beloved R. Russell Kubyn. A funeral service will be held at 4pm with visitation from 2-4pm at the Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes, 1009 Mentor Ave, Painesville, OH 44077. A private family burial will take place.
The family will continue to receive guests following the service. The service will be available to stream at the link https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a24065691047850.
Please feel free to honor Russ in a way that feels meaningful to you, whether through memories shared, stories told, or acts of kindness in his memory. Your thoughts and gestures during this time of remembrance are deeply appreciated by all who knew and loved him. Donations in Russ's name may be made to the dog rescue run by Stacey: The 501(c)(3) Caucasian Ovcharka Rescue & Rehome via PayPal at usaco.rescue@gmail.com, or to a charitable organization of your choice.
Services entrusted to the Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes of Madison, Chardon, Painesville & Fairport Harbor. Obituary, online condolences and memorial gifts are available at www.marcfburrfuneralhome.com.