Age 82

Beloved husband of the late Cora. Dear father of Raymond (Susan), Maria (Tom) Piotrowski and Rebecca (Edward) Minch. Loving grandfather of Russell, Alex, Kendall, Cameron, Clare and Rory. Dearest brother of Joan (the late John) Conway, Rod (Ging) and Mary. Brother-in-law of Natalia Regis. Former father-in-law of Keith Torp.

Russ' battle with Alzheimer's is over. His journey came to an end on February 26.

No more confusion. No more pain. No more darkness and loneliness in the corners of his mind. No more suffering. Our family was so honored to surround him with love and comfort in his final days and hours. Holding him and guiding him into peace with unconditional love. Assuring him, it was "ok" to let go.

How fitting that he was a boy scout in his youth. He exuded those characteristics of respect and honor his entire life. Always helpful and kind. Always a gentleman. He was a devoted husband, a fun (and funny), supportive dad and grandfather, a loving big brother, and a great friend to many.

When someone thinks of Russ, they probably think of plaid! Perhaps that was due to his Scottish heritage. Plaid was his favorite "color," suspenders were his favorite "belt."

He was a car guy from the beginning and it was amazing how he could see a car driving down the road and instantly recognize the make, model and year. Being a car salesman for over 40 years helped him hone this skill.

A hard worker by day, a poker player by night. A man of simple tastes…peanut butter, vanilla ice cream, cheeseburgers, and ketchup…lots and lots of ketchup! He loved to spend time on the water. Some of his absolute favorite pastimes included fishing on the dock at his home in Pinckney and traveling to Evergreen Resort in Red Bay, Ontario for vacation with his family and closest friends. That was truly his "happy place."

Russ was a man who never complained. His mantra was "it is, what it is." When someone asked him how he was doing, he'd say "I'm fine as frog hair." The family has many fond memories of some of his "Russ-isms" such as….there was enough food to feed the Russian army….he was drunk and discourteous….if I was any better, it'd be illegal!...don't fuss, see Russ (for all your car buying needs!).

For those of you who have been with us in spirit on this journey over the last four years, you know that as time passed, we learned to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Car rides, sunsets, listening to his favorite country music, reading the paper, and eating ice cream cones.

It takes a village to provide the love, care, dignity, and emotional support a victim of Alzheimer's so desperately needs and deserves. Our village consisted of family, friends, compassionate caregivers and devoted staff at Waltonwood Carriage Park in Canton, and various health professionals from Kennedy Care, the Ann Arbor VA and the University of Michigan. There were also many kind and respectful people who befriended Russ and family through regular visits to the Max & Erma's and Red Olive restaurants of Canton and the Westchester Barber Shop in downtown Plymouth.

U.S Air Force Veteran of the Korean War.

Memorial Visitation Saturday, March 12, 9:30am followed by the 1pm Memorial Service at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 Inkster Rd., Garden City (Between Ford Rd. and Cherry Hill).

Family suggests memorials to The Alzheimer's Association.

There will be a luncheon served immediately following the service at Antonio's Cucina Italiana Restaurant in Dearborn Heights.