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BORN
1958
DIED
2008
Al Rusk Obituary
Al Rusk Jr. of Simi Valley died Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, after a brief battle with cancer.
He was born in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1958, and graduated from Thousand Oaks High School in 1976. He served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years and later became a Kern County deputy sheriff. After an injury and subsequent retirement from Kern County, he worked for Warner Bros. Studios, where he was associated with the TV drama, "Without A Trace," until this spring. An avid private pilot, Al also loved to fly his remote-controlled aircraft. He and friends enjoyed halibut fishing out of Homer, Alaska. With his father and brothers he shared hunting and fishing in California, Alaska and Nebraska.
Al is survived by his wife, Esther Kiefer Rusk; daughter, Lindsey Rusk; stepsons, Brandon Kiefer and Casey Kiefer; granddaughter, Maddie Kiefer; parents, Al Sr. and Carla Rusk of Thousand Oaks; brother Brian and wife Susanne Rusk of Thousand Oaks; sister, Gabrielle and husband Mitch Lampert of Thousand Oaks; brother John Rusk of Omaha, Neb.; nieces and nephews include, Logan Lampert of Thousand Oaks, Daniel Lampert of Simi Valley, Aimee Lampert McKinley of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Elizabeth Rusk of Ferndale, Wash., Katelyn Rusk of Thousand Oaks, Corey McAdam-Backer of Thousand Oaks and John Rusk Jr. of Stanton, Neb.; and there are many uncles, aunts and cousins as well.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Cornerstone Church, 2080 Winifred, Simi Valley. Pastor Bill Niklas of Calvary Chapel in Camarillo will officiate. Al's ashes will be scattered over his favorite fishing area near Katchemak Bay, Homer, Alaska.
Assisting the family with funeral arrangements is the family-owned and -operated Rose Family Funeral Home and Cremation, 58800; our family helping yours.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Al Rusk
Christine and Bart Johnson
December 20, 2008
Well Big Al today you are joined by our friend Danny. Does not seem fair to lose two men we all looked up to so early. Can't help but think about you today Al.
Shane & Candy Greedy
October 6, 2008
Big Al! You will be missed! All the fun we had on Oceans and Patriot! We will all miss you and so will the "Captain" Your voice will always be heard>>>>>>>
Deb Wilson
October 1, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers ...
Barbara Johnson
September 30, 2008
To the Rusk family with lots of love:
Words I know can not soothe the lose you fell at this moment, but just remember God makes no mistakes. So be proud that you shared lifes memories with Mr. Rusk.
Remember earth has no sorrows that
heaven cann't heal. BJ Johnson
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Stanley Moore
September 27, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. Al was very much a man's, man.
We all will miss that great Al smile. He was well liked by all that knew him. I am glad that I got to cross his path.
Kathleen Wenzel
September 27, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Rusk family. It seems impossible that Al Jr. is really gone. He left his mark on our world that can never be forgotten, touching all who had the good fortune to know him. Jacob and I both send heartfelt condolences to all of you
Carol Miller
September 27, 2008
Dear Carla and Al, We were so saddened to hear of the loss of your Son Al Jr. We remember him as a young man and are hearts are broken for you. Please know our family is thinking of you and praying for you. With our thoughts and prayers, Carol and Jim Miller and Family.
Joe and Melissa Auger
September 27, 2008
To know Big Al was to love him. Working with Al was an honor, and a privelage. Words can not express my sorrow from his passing. My heart goes out to you Esther, and the rest of the family. Love to you all. We love you "Big Al"
Billy & Shirley Burnett
September 24, 2008
Al & Carla,
Dear loved ones. Our hearts are with you in your time of loss. Please know our decades of loving friendship speak across time and space to comfort you.
Pastor Billy & Shirley Burnett
Tommy Rizzo
September 24, 2008
Having the opportunity to have met such a great man was an honor. He is a perfect example of Gods will. I could only hope to be the man he is!!!
Joey Soriano
September 24, 2008
Big Al was an incredible man, friend and co-worker. Myself and all of his teamster brothers will miss his smile, his humor and everything else that made him a man's man.
"ONE TIME!"
My sincere condolences go out to Ester, Lindsey and the rest of his family. Peace be with you as Al rests with the Lord.
Kathy Volz Mardirossian
September 24, 2008
I am so sorry for this loss. Blessings to the Rusk family.
Doris Wandrey
September 23, 2008
I'm so sorry to learn of Al's passing. He was so young. My prayers are with his family. You probably don't remember me - I'm your former neighbor down the block on Marlowe Street - Doris Wandrey, son, Brian and daughter, Brenda.
Catherine Caccavo
September 23, 2008
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart felt sympathy goes out to the entire family. As childhood friends of Gaby, Al's little sister, I remember always thinking how handsome her Big Brother was. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Laura R
September 23, 2008
I do not know anyone who met Al and didn't love him instantly. Although he may be gone from our world his memory will always bring a smile to our hearts.
Laura Jonsson
September 23, 2008
I remember Al as always being such a friendly guy. Although I had not seen him in quite sometime, I will miss him. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with his family. I am very sorry for your loss.
Pam Dirickson
September 23, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you always, I loved Al very much and I am so sorry for your loss.
Fred Bowen
September 23, 2008
I'm sorry to hear that Al is gone. I enjoyed being on the TOHS tennis team with him and seeing him at youth events at First Christian Church. Anyone that knew him would certainly not forget such a great guy.
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