In Memory of

River

Joseph

Russell

Condolences

Condolence From: Elizabeth Perez
Condolence: I just read River's obituary and it broke my heart. I pray the family will heal from this and have peace in their hearts. Many prayers still sent out to you.
Wednesday January 06, 2021
Condolence From: Michele Mullican
Condolence: In honor of your memory River. Now that you are an angel will be able to watch over help protect many people. I know your family will be safe with you protecting them.
Sunday July 14, 2019
Condolence From: Dylan Atkinson
Condolence: Remembering my friend River Russell today. Such a short time I got to spend with him but those nights that we were washing dishes at Chick-fil-A really distracted me from my own issues. We would stay later than pretty much everyone else just talking about stuff. There was this ongoing debate between us about who was the better artist, Ronnie James Dio, of Black Sabbath, or Johnny Cash. We both had good arguments on both sides but could never really come to a good conclusion. (I still think Johnny Cash Is better but that’s besides the point.) River was a good person. And one of the funniest people you’d ever meet, if only you understand his version of dark comedy. We bounced off eachother really well in that aspect because mine is very similar. We had this ongoing joke about Adam Sandler, because we feel that Adam sandler will say yes to any movie that someone brings in front of him. So we started this joke where we made up the stupid movie titles saying “Adam Sandler in..”, and if you knew us you’d know that joke could get pretty dark. But that was the fun part. River introduced me to a whole new world of music, the British punk rock style like the Sex Pistols and dead Kennedys. And to this day I still go back and listen to them. I’ll never hear Mr. brightside by the killers without hearing river singing it (quite well I might add.) this one time while we were closing at Chick-fil-A after a long night, river was supposed to leave at 9 because that’s when his shift ended. We knew he was super tired just like the rest of us but he wanted to stay and help, we were short handed and he knew if he didn’t stay we were never getting out of there. We were still there late but the energy that river brought with him everywhere he went was all I needed to get through the night. We talked for hours washing thousands of dishes those few months we worked there together, but I wouldn’t take back a second of it. Those nights are honestly one of the reasons I stayed with that job for so long. River never failed to keep a smile on my face or really anyone who came in contact with him. When I saw him on the schedule I knew we were gonna have a great night because freaking river was there. I wish I could’ve hung out with you more. But you never know how fast life can end until it does. Unfortunately we both left chick fil a and got other full time jobs so hangout time was pretty much impossible. But if I had known, you can bet I would’ve been spending a lot more time with you, raising all heck everywhere we went. Having more ridiculous conversations, listening to more insane underground music I’ve never heard of. But unfortunately that didn’t happen. But you’ll live on in our memories and in our hearts. And because of you so many other people will live healthy lives because of your decision of becoming an organ donor. I just wonder how they’re going to fit such a big heart into someone else. I love you man. And hopefully one day we’ll be shouting the lyrics to “take on me” again. Rip River. I’ll never forget you.
Saturday July 13, 2019
Condolence From: Denise
Condolence: I have a very difficult time putting my thoughts and feelings into words, but I feel this is important enough to try. When I heard of River’s death I was very shocked at first, then very saddened, then angry and back to feeling such sorrow. Sorrow for his family and close friends, for strangers lives he impacted and for all of those he had yet to meet. For the life he didn’t get to finish. I first met River and Natali when he was just seven sweet years old. He started Cub Scouts in our Den, I went on field trips with their class, he had been to my house countless of times as a kid and an adult. I, as the adult and then as the older adult, should have been a positive role model. Was I? Was I a good example? Did I in any way make a positive impact on him? I will never know and that has brought me such sorrow, yet hopefully has taught me a life lesson. I do know that River was never disrespectful or rude. Oh how he loved my dogs and they loved him too! He would roll on the floor and play with them and have a great time! His work ethic, at an early age should be an inspiration to us all. He was determined, motivated and responsible. I think what I’ll remember the most about him though, is how respectful he was and how much he loved his family. In River’s honor I have also registered as an organ and tissue donor with Donate Life Texas. www.DonateLifeTexas.org And made a donation to Life Gift https://www.lifegift.org/ To Natali and and all of River’s family and friends I’d like to say how very sorry I am that he was taken away from you and I pray you will find God’s peace and comfort especially in the deepest, darkest times. And remember how giving he was, not just once, but often. I hope we all remember River the next time we see the donation box for Ronald McDonalds house or have the opportunity to donate to St. Jude’s like he would have. I’m hoping to not simply do one Act of Random Kindness, but strive to adapt that mindset that River lived.
Thursday July 11, 2019
Condolence From: Sue
Condolence: My heart was caught when I read you lost your precious son River and I wanted to send my warmest condolences to the family. To lose such a beautiful child, a part of you, can bring such overwhelming grief and our words may not help but Jesus assures us at John 5:28,29 that you will have your son in your arms once again without the pain we see today. Until God’s promises come true may every good thought, every memory of the love you felt, flood and overtake you with calm and peace to help you through the dark moments. Please go to jw.org for more encouraging scriptures and videos to help heal your broken heart 💔 Sue https://tv.jw.org/#en/mediaitems/VODMinistryTools/pub-imv_4_VIDEO
Thursday July 11, 2019
Condolence From: Traci Russell
Condolence: My sweet River thanks for teaching me how to be a mom before I was blessed with your little sister. I have so many fun memories from when you were a child. My random act of kindness is following in your footsteps and becoming a registered donor. I love you.
Wednesday July 10, 2019
Condolence From: Jennifer Ordonez
Condolence: Even though we did not know River well, it is clear what a heart of gold he had from reading Natali's eloquent descriptions about who he was and his giving actions whenever he saw a need. We first met him as a cute little baby, but by far my favorite memory of River was as ring bearer at Tanner and Natali's wedding as he was walking up the aisle and, in a moment of panic, held up his hands and asked, "Where are the rings?" I pray that all the memories you hold dear of River will bring you comfort, joy, and peace until you meet again. River's love of animals prompted our donation to Sierra Club with symbolic adoptions of wild animals to help protect them and the wild places they call home. "The LORD Bless you and keep you! The LORD let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26 Love and continued prayers, Jennifer, Carlos, Cody & Jamie Ordonez
Friday July 05, 2019
Condolence From: Hannah Perry and Channing Lloyd
Condolence: In honor of River, Channing and I have chosen to donate to the LifeGift organization. Him being an organ donor shows how beautiful and caring a person he was, and we felt it was only right to continue on his way of helping others.
Thursday July 04, 2019
Condolence From: Cecilia McCarthy
Condolence: I am so encouraged & inspired by your strength Natali, and by River's spirit and the legacy he has left. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting him at CFA with my whole crew. He was so incredibly kind and patient as we ordered (what felt like) 879 things. I still haven't forgotten his sweet smile and my kids excitement as he handed them their treats. Thank you for sharing his story so well. We are praying hard for you all.
Thursday July 04, 2019
Condolence From: Alan Ping
Condolence: As a random act of kindness in tribute to River, I'll be picking up litter along the county roads of Brazoria County during the month of July. Although I did not know him, I feel he'd be cool with that and I respect him totally for donating organs so others may live. God Bless him and his Family.
Wednesday July 03, 2019
Condolence From: Carmen Chauviere
Condolence: A Tribute to River: As Random Act of Kindness made in honor of River J Russell, we have made a donation to CASA, a national organization, which advocates for children who have been neglected or abused. River was passionate that no child should ever experience abuse.
Tuesday July 02, 2019
Condolence From: Mary Lefton
Condolence: I don't know how to put in to words what my heart is feeling. All l know is this is a special family to Jim and me. From Carmen and Glenn, Lonny and Cindy, Jack and Gail to Natali, Tanner and Blake to River, Lily, Noah and Amber. I can see where the compassion, love and caring has past from generation to the next. Sometimes you just come across people just love and that is what Jim and l feel for all of this family. I know as they grieve this family's strength, faith and love will see them through
Tuesday July 02, 2019
Condolence From: Angela Gheen
Condolence: I know you have sooo many people reaching out and I don't want to take up time you need to focus on so many important things. I just wanted to reach out to you. Paige has extremely concerned as many others. She follows every detail talks, and texts me if she's not with me about it everyday. Immediately when I told her she reached out to her church youth pastor and had many people praying. She acknowledges she didn't get to know River as well, but I wanted you to know that through all the heartache this tragedy has caused. She is incredibly inspired by the way River lived his life, as well as making such a selfless decision that saved so many others upon his loss. Also how amazing your heart is. Forgiving and full of faith. I know non of this lessens your pain, and i am sorry beyond words. I wanted to let you know how positively you and learning so much of River is effecting her,myself and without a doubt so many others. Which I feel is an amazing thing for her and other teenagers, as well as adults, to take this tragedy and learn so many important lessons about how we should all make a better effort to be living. I truly wish these lessons weren't brought to light in this way. Knowing you're family has been a blessing. Please, in your own time, let Lilly Noah and Amber know they are on our minds (Jayde very much so). I don't need to tell you to stay strong, I'm blown away at your strength. Keep being the beautiful person and family you always have been. And please if you need something from me, know that I'm here.
Tuesday July 02, 2019
Condolence From: Virgene Mau
Condolence: To the family of River, my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. As you cope with your loss, may you find comfort in knowing that God promises to put an end to all the things that have plagued mankind for centuries including death (Revelation 21:3,4. May you find peace in knowing that your dear one is safe in the memory of God, who will remember that your dear one is safe in the memory of God, who will remember every detail about them and bring them back again (Job 14:13,14). May these words from God’s word, the Bible give you comfort now and strong hope for the future, My deepest sympathy.
Tuesday July 02, 2019