Memories of Russell Gregg Merrill

Me and Zissi often think of Russ. Unbelievable it now has been 6 years since he left us! We miss him dearly, his laughter and his personality. He visited us in Sweden once and we stayed with him in Florida over 1 Christmas Holiday. R.I.P Russ.

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Katie Colpaert

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Katie Colpaert

Hi Peter & Zissi! Thank you for your thoughts and remembrance of Russ. We feel the same way and miss his... Read more Hi Peter & Zissi! Thank you for your thoughts and remembrance of Russ. We feel the same way and miss his great smile and presence... Read more Hi Peter & Zissi! Thank you for your thoughts and ... Read more

Kelly Nicholl

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Russ passing away. I was his San Diego roommate from 2015-2016 and will miss him dearly. He loved God, working out and cooking healthy meals. He loved his trips to Mexico and driving along the beach in his MB. He loved having discussions and was quite opinionated with a great sense of humor. I wish him eternal peace and I'm glad our lives crossed paths. Blessing to the family, Kelly Nicholl

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Katie Colpaert

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Katie Colpaert

Thank you for sharing this Kelly. We miss Russ and your note brings warmth to our hearts. 💕 May God bless... Read more Thank you for sharing this Kelly. We miss Russ and your note brings warmth to our hearts. 💕 May God bless you! Thank you for sharing this Kelly. We miss Russ and... Read more

Kelly Nicholl

Hi Katie, yes, I can't believe it's been 6 yrs. He loved the Lord and I'm happy to know he's at peace now.... Read more Hi Katie, yes, I can't believe it's been 6 yrs. He loved the Lord and I'm happy to know he's at peace now. Hi Katie, yes, I can't believe it's been 6 yrs. He... Read more

Katie Colpaert

Hi Kelly - Thank you for your sweet note. We miss Russ and think of him often, thankful for the memories... Read more Hi Kelly - Thank you for your sweet note. We miss Russ and think of him often, thankful for the memories we have. I see memories... Read more Hi Kelly - Thank you for your sweet note. We miss ... Read more

Peter Karlsson

Another year has passed, Russ is still in our thoughts, even more on October 12 each year of course. We really appreciated his great laughter and personality. RIP Russ!

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Katie Colpaert

Kelly Nicholl

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Katie Colpaert

Thank you Peter for helping to keep Russell’s memory alive. We miss him and think of him so often. Russ’s... Read more Thank you Peter for helping to keep Russell’s memory alive. We miss him and think of him so often. Russ’s older brother Jim, recently... Read more Thank you Peter for helping to keep Russell’s memory... Read more

Peter Karlsson

2022, Forshaga, Sweden

3 years have passed since Russ left us, me and Zissi often talk and think of him, all very good memories! He will always be missed!

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Katie Colpaert

Kelly Nicholl

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Katie Colpaert

Hi Peter, It's hard to believe that 3 years have passed by. Thank you for keeping Russ's memory alive. ... Read more Hi Peter, It's hard to believe that 3 years have passed by. Thank you for keeping Russ's memory alive. We miss him greatly ... Read more Hi Peter, It's hard to believe that 3 years have passed... Read more

Harry Walker

Katie, Jim, & Bill,

I think of my friend, Russ very very often. We travelled a lot together and were always laughing. I will always miss him.

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Katie Colpaert

Kelly Nicholl

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Katie Colpaert

Harry, thank you for sharing your reflection of Russ. Laughter is the stuff of great memories! A wonderful... Read more Harry, thank you for sharing your reflection of Russ. Laughter is the stuff of great memories! A wonderful way to keep Russell... Read more Harry, thank you for sharing your reflection of Russ.... Read more

Carlos de la Flor

I found out about my old friend Ross. I have been back in Spain for the last 30 years, and was about to look for him after these recent bad times. He will be one of my best friends in memory. Share my sorrow with those who loved him.

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Katie Colpaert

Kelly Nicholl

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Katie Colpaert

Thank you for your kind words thoughts and for sharing your connection with Russ. We will always miss him,... Read more Thank you for your kind words thoughts and for sharing your connection with Russ. We will always miss him, and are comforted ... Read more Thank you for your kind words thoughts and for sharing... Read more

Carlos de la Flor

So long, Ross. Its been 30 years since we shared living, apartment, and good times in Santa Barbara and San Diego. Miss you, old friend.

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Katie Colpaert

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Wayne Hall

I just found out about Russ. I am so sad about this. He was a good friend and we had many happy moments together. He was a wonderful man.

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Katie Colpaert

Thank you for sharing condolences for Russ. He would have been 73 today. We miss him and are keeping his ... Read more Thank you for sharing condolences for Russ. He would have been 73 today. We miss him and are keeping his memory close in heart.... Read more Thank you for sharing condolences for Russ. He would... Read more

Randal Jay Ehm AIA

I just learned of Russ' passing. We met as he assisted my niece in a real estate transaction, on a salon project for which I served as Architect. Russ and I quickly became friends, meeting regularly to talk about life and the Lord. I last spoke to him in October 2019, apparently right before he passed away. It was not uncommon for us - as busy as our lives were/are - to go a few months without contact. I did reach out earlier this year via email, but figured that he was busy and maybe in Florida dealing with his former business association there. My wife asked me for his phone number just now so she could call and ask him for real estate advice. Finding both numbers disconnected, we feared the worst and performed an online search. Our hearts are heavy, but we take solace in KNOWING that our brother Russ is with the Lord even now!

Russ wanted me to design a new home for him in Baja California Mexico, using shipping containers as the primary structural element. He had established strong associations with local builders and was about ready to move forward when we last spoke. In fact, he had been looking for just he right waterfront parcel and expected to have one under contract by Thanksgiving. We considered him to be a dear friend, and will miss him until the day when we are reunited! Rest in peace, my friend.

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Katie Colpaert

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Katie Colpaert

Thank you so much, Randal, for adding your memories of Russ here. It means so much to see pieces of his ... Read more Thank you so much, Randal, for adding your memories of Russ here. It means so much to see pieces of his life. Russ was very ... Read more Thank you so much, Randal, for adding your memories... Read more

Garritt DuBois

I just saw this tonight. I met Russ at Grief Share at my church after my oldest son died in a car accident. This was in 2009 and I don't remember the circumstances as why Russ was there, but I enjoyed his friendship over the next several months. I remember he was involved with a ministry in Mexico with orphaned children or something like that and was spending a lot of time there. I remember the love and caring heart he had. Rest in peace brother ✝️ 💔😢

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Katie Colpaert

Kelly Nicholl

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Katie Colpaert

Thank you for your kind words Garritt. God bless you! Thank you for your kind words Garritt. God bless you! Thank you for your kind words Garritt. God bless you!... Read more

Kelly Nicholl

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Russ passing away. I was his San Diego roommate from 2015-2016 and will miss him dearly. He loved God, working out and cooking healthy meals. He loved his trips to Mexico and driving along the beach in his MB. He loved having discussions and was quite opinionated with a great sense of humor. I wish him eternal peace and I'm glad our lives crossed paths. Blessing to the family, Kelly Nicholl

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Katie Colpaert

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Sherry Hayward

Deeply saddened when I heard the news of Russ’s passing. I hope your family is finding a way to fill the void of not having fun loving Russ around. Russ & I hit it off the day we met as I recognized the accent, being myself from a New England town called Milford. Russ is surely missed by his west coast friends- My deepest condolences, Sherry H.

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Katie Colpaert

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Katie Colpaert

Thank you Sherry, it means a lot to hear from Russ's friends. Your kind words and thoughts are very much ... Read more Thank you Sherry, it means a lot to hear from Russ's friends. Your kind words and thoughts are very much appreciated. Thank you Sherry, it means a lot to hear from Russ's... Read more

Bill Cavanaugh

Wow. Just found out. Sad news. Always a smile and a friendly conversation. Condolences to family.

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Katie Colpaert

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Katie Colpaert

We greatly appreciate your words Bill. Thank you for connecting. We greatly appreciate your words Bill. Thank you for connecting. We greatly appreciate your words Bill. Thank you for... Read more

Peter Karlsson

2008, Rosarito, Baja California, Mexiko

"Russ, Zissi and myself spending time at Calafia, Mexico"!

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Katie Colpaert

Kelly Nicholl

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Peter Karlsson

It is so sad that Russ is no longer with us. I just found out today. Me and Zissi visited Russ in Florida... Read more It is so sad that Russ is no longer with us. I just found out today. Me and Zissi visited Russ in Florida exactly 1 year ago. ... Read more It is so sad that Russ is no longer with us. I just... Read more

Peter Karlsson

2019, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA

"Russ and I enjoying a beer in January 2019 when me and Zissi visited Russ from Sweden"!

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Katie Colpaert

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Katie Colpaert

Hi Peter & Zissi! Thank you for sharing the photo - Brad, the kids and I enjoyed meeting you at Disney Springs... Read more Hi Peter & Zissi! Thank you for sharing the photo - Brad, the kids and I enjoyed meeting you at Disney Springs with Russ during... Read more Hi Peter & Zissi! Thank you for sharing the photo -... Read more

Peter Karlsson

Hi Katie. Me and Zissi are shocked! It was great meeting you nad your lovely Family as well. I would like... Read more Hi Katie. Me and Zissi are shocked! It was great meeting you nad your lovely Family as well. I would like to get some more info.... Read more Hi Katie. Me and Zissi are shocked! It was great meeting... Read more

Katie Colpaert

Hi Peter- Yes, we all were shocked, too. My email is colpaert@me.com Hi Peter- Yes, we all were shocked, too. My email is colpaert@me.com Hi Peter- Yes, we all were shocked, too. My email ... Read more

Katie Colpaert

I hope to hear from you in email and we can exchange contacts. I hope to hear from you in email and we can exchange contacts. I hope to hear from you in email and we can exchange... Read more

Peter Karlsson

Thanks Katie. I have sent you an email. Thanks Katie. I have sent you an email. Thanks Katie. I have sent you an email.

Eric Luna

2003, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA

Russ enjoying a Scotch and cigar while celebrating his birthday w/ friends

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Katie Colpaert

Kelly Nicholl

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Katie Colpaert

That wonderful smile will always be in my heart! Thanks for sharing this great shot of Russ. That wonderful smile will always be in my heart! Thanks for sharing this great shot of Russ. That wonderful smile will always be in my heart! Thanks... Read more

Kirsten Johnson

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Kirsten Johnson

The news of Russ’s passing is still such a shock to me and my family. Russ has been a dear friend for years,... Read more The news of Russ’s passing is still such a shock to me and my family. Russ has been a dear friend for years, we shared the enthusiasm... Read more The news of Russ’s passing is still such a shock to... Read more

Katie Colpaert

Poem by Russell's brother, Bill Merrill - "Hope"

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Katie Colpaert

The words are not very legible in the photo above so I'll rewrite the poem here. Notice the name of the ... Read more The words are not very legible in the photo above so I'll rewrite the poem here. Notice the name of the boat is "Hope." The words are not very legible in the photo above so... Read more

Katie Colpaert

Dreams and Hope belong to the past.                                                                   Hope's journey has ended, at long last.                                                                               Though I bail and bail to save my Hope,                                                                          I work in vain knowing Hope won't float.                                                    Memories remain of sailing free,                                                                             where currents and tides were friends to me.                                                   Hope now fears a watery grave...                                                                                          with no Hope of freedom upon the waves.                                                                     But now I know my Hope is found,                                                                                      beyond this world of sights and sounds.                                                                            Hope now sails on Heavenly seas,                                                                                       My Hope re-born sailing eternally free.                                                                                 Merrill 3-17

Dreams and Hope belong to the past. Hope's... Read more Dreams and Hope belong to the past. Hope's journey has ended,... Read more Dreams and Hope belong to the past. ... Read more

Heather Revens

We just heard the news that Russ passed away. He was a groomsman in our wedding 20 years ago. Although we lost touch with him, he always remained in our hearts. That great voice and intoxicating laugh! May he rest in peace.

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Katie Colpaert

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