Russell H. Hahn III

About

Michigan State University

Russell Hahn Obituary

Russell H. Hahn III Age 49, of San Francisco, died unexpectedly July 25. He was born April 2, 1959, in Youngstown, OH, and spent his youth in St. Joseph, MI. After graduating from Michigan State University with a B.A. degree in literature he followed friends to San Francisco where, over the next 22 years, he met and married his wife and became the proud father of a bright and beautiful daughter. He leaves his wife Marie France Cesar; and daughter, Anaiza; his parents Russell and Anne (Porter) Hahn of St. Joseph, MI; and two brothers, Mike Hahn (Lisa) of Alpena, MI, and Gary Hahn (Julie) of Portage, MI; and nieces and a nephew, Hilary Berg, Isabelle Hahn, and Noah Hahn. During his 22 years in San Francisco, Russ served as general manager of the Cha Cha Cha Restaurants. His genuine interest and caring for all who crossed his path were immense and are the reasons many thought of Russ as the heart and soul of the restaurants. Russ' down to earth personality, his sense of humor and his love of practical jokes made fast friends out of strangers. Russ loved his family, camping and hiking with his many friends, literature and music, and was an avid sports fan. He especially loved watching and supporting his daughter's soccer team. Russ highly valued friendship, and in that regard he was the richest man in the city. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be forwarded to Marie Cesar, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, Mac#A0177-011, One Montgomery St., 1st Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104, ATTN: Angelica Mungcal. There will be no immediate memorial service. A celebration of Russ' life is being planned. Please visit https://russhahn.memory-of.com in the near future for details.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Aug. 10, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Hahn

4 Entries

John Marksman

September 1, 2008

My deepest thoughts are never to hear about the good ones in life that are taken from us every day. Russ is one of those special angels that god has duties for now. To bad for us and his family but rest assurred he will look down upon us from his better life and keep his family safe. I enjoyed Russ emensly, he was the best and most friendliest person you could come to know. I played hoops with him and the boys and he had a great attitude, always. I will miss you Russ. May God bless your family with love and comfort. Marie, I feel your pain and was schocked to hear such a tragedy but stay strong and care for Anaiza as best as you can. Russ's love will be with you always in spirit. If you are wondering who I am, I sold you the ADT system for the Salon many moons ago. I just stopped by Cha Cha Cha's and Linda and Jeff told me the worst news in a long time. Rest in peace BIG RUSS

Paul Robben

August 22, 2008

Rusty, I was coming home in October. My first stop would have been a surprise visit to Mac’s. We would have done our not-so-secret, secret handshake (the one w/the finger action) you would have called me “puto”, and I you, Mr. pensive (pencil). Then we would have worn-out the hours over ale talking smack, catching up, rehashing old and tired stories.

Remember when my first real love put a dagger in my heart and I cried like a baby, you were my pillar, the measure of a true friend; you were always there when I needed. When my father was killed in Seattle and again you “talked me down”. What can I say now, wanting to be strong and send you off well, my trembling-hands and sobbing give me away? I have never been a religious man, you know that. A bit of a scientist I suppose. For now however I will hope that I am wrong so that one day somehow, somewhere we can chance at meeting again…till then dear friend you will hold a large segment of my heart.

I am sorry I can’t make your celebration; I found the sucker-punch-news just a few days ago when searching for a SKYPE address for you and Marie. It will be the event of the century! My family and I will honor you here in Thailand at the temple, and than celebrate your life.

You once mentioned that you felt your life had not amounted to much (remember the film “A man of no consequence”, which you dubbed the “Russell Hahn story’?) The truth is my friend you shunned a life prescribed by the shallow meta-narrative; the one that ensnares most of us, for an existence of true clarity and wisdom, building a wonderful life, great family, you were always active, climbed mountains, loved music, from Squeeze to Gershwin, and cultivated a host of friends-I never met anyone who didn’t adore you! (With the possible exception of that creep you decked outside of the old Cha3, circa 87-88). You were (as I said on countless occasions) the heart and sole of the restaurants, the reason behind their immense popularity, for which you would not take credit. Russ, you were always the best of friends and without you, San Francisco will never be the same. I was always proud to be in your circle…we all were…I suspect this will bear-out Saturday night.

All my lovin’ (I will send to you…) our duet, Halloween night 1998

g b

August 21, 2008

i can't wait for tomorrow..because you get better looking everyday!!i love you dude!GB

Mike Hahn

August 11, 2008

I love you Russ. You were a great older brother to me and you were my friend. I miss you very much and sometimes think you might call. Then I remember. I will see you again and we will play dominos. Mike

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results