Dick Russell 11/7/38 - 7/22/09

Dick Russell was a coworker of mine for the last 4 - 5 years. Recently, he has been having health problems that lead him to reduce his hours, then finally resign a week ago. He was supposed to have surgery this past Wednesday to improve the circulation in his legs. However, he passed away Wednesday morning from congestive heart failure. He was 71. His memorial service is today at 4 PM at Turrentine, Jackson, Morrow in Allen.

I liked Dick. He was a nice guy. Before he worked at Carpenter, he was a patron. He would walk everyday. He would hang out by the counter and talk. When he got the job, we all got to know him better. He went to Penn State and has a Master's from Harvard. He was a football player, a soldier, and a CEO. There were many interesting things about him. Dick always played (and won!) in the Carpenter Football Pool. And this year, during "Mary Gate," Dick continued to play the Football Pool with me and Stephanie after everyone else quit.

Dick and I clashed about work stuff every once in a while. Sometimes the kids at the center got on his nerves and he wasn't afraid to show it. The computer work we do was a little confusing for him too. I now regret how mean I was to him. I would get so frustrated sometimes. I'm sorry Dick.

He are some of the pictures I could find of him. I have one at work that I really wanted to scan. Hopefully I will remember on Monday.

Dick at Steve's Going Away Party 2007.

Halloween 2006

Dick is former Cowboy coach, Bill Parcells.

Always in character.

Christmas 2006

It Was Nice Knowing Ya!

We had a little "See Ya Later" party a few weeks ago for Steve. He got promoted and is moving to the new Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center. It will open possible in August. I forgot my camera, so these pictures were taken on Jodi's. We went to El Norte in Plano and had a nice dinner and few margaritas. Cindy made Steve give a little speech and he talked about how we were all "friends that just happened to work together." Isn't that sweet? Anyway, I am not too thrilled about these pictures because the light was so low. And think there was more that didn't turn out. But at least I look good. :)

I have no idea what Dick is doing in this picture, but I am sure it involved nachoes...

Steve with the Iowa Crew. Send help!

Before.

After.

Fab 4.

Christmas at Carpenter

This year, we were entered in a holiday decorating contest. We didn't win the grand prize, but at least we tried. Our theme didn't really come together as we planned. Steve created a tree with pictures of patrons who were involved in the military. Each ornament had their picture, rank, favorite place stationed, and years of service. We did get an honorable mention award for "Best Chocolate Treats" for my chocolate peanut clusters. I slipped the recipe to the ex-Chief of Police, so that helped a lot.

The Veteran's tree

Dick and Coffy behind the counter.

The pillar of strength.

The entry.

Merry band of elves.

How most people feel about me taking pictures...

Sponge Bob, Doc, Princess, Witch, & Wizard

Princess, Doc, Big Tuna, Wizard, & Sponge Bob

Sara & Coffy

Taken by George Sr.