Nancy, Brian, Kimberly, I’m so sorry for your loss. I would have been there if I could, my schedule just did not permit. I will also hold special memories of Russell Lee forever in my heart. I can still hear him calling me Kiddo. Must have gotten it from Aunt Elva, when I think of her I can hear her also. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, always.
Wendy Gustafson
Bridgman MI
Nancy,
My deepest sympathies to you, Brian and Kim over the loss of Russ. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I always considered Russ a good friend even though we had not seen each other for a long time. I have many fond memories of you and Russ as friends and neighbors. I will always remember how Russ kept the vehicles waxed and polished. He guided me in the fine art of high quality auto finsihes. He will be missed. Be strong, God is with all of you during this difficult time.
Lynn Hicks
Asheville NC
Nancy, Brian, Kim, and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know Russ was a great husband and father; no doubt he was a wonderful grandfather, too. I wish you all the best.
Stephanie Mathson
Mt. Pleasant MI
Nancy, I was so sad when I heard about Russ. You are in my thoughts and prayers. It’s been a long time since we spent time together, but I always remember the fun we had. Hug the kids for me and take care of yourself. Your friend always. Deb
Deb Price
Gulliver MI
Nancy, Kin and Brian
Russ and I started in security at about the same time. Being close to the same age brought us together as officers and we’re not about to let the younger officers out do us or out work us. We accomplished that. Russ and I made two pacts together. Pact number 1 was that we always had each others’ backs concerning security issues and for 12 years we accomplished that. When i was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2008 Russ was there for me emotionally. When a benefit was planned on my behalf, Russ was the first Non-family member to offer assistance. On the day of the benefit Russ was the first person there to help. He was even there before I was. I’m proud to say that Russ and I were friends. Our second pact was that I would be going to heaven first and I would save a place for him. Russ screwed that up and went before, but I know he will be saving a place for me. I’m one of the Honor Guards that will be at the funeral watching over Russ and I’m honored with that opportunity. My sincere heart felt condolences are sent to your family. May Russ rest in peace.
Bill Ross
Porterfield WI
To the Carlson Family, We send our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to you during this time. I worked with Russ in Security for a number of years before we moved away. He was everyone’s friend, and someone who helped his friends any way he could. Each and every time I visit Escanaba, a special stop at the Casino is always made to see old friends, and especially Russ. Russ greeted me each and every time with his infectious smile, one of a kind humor & a handshake. It was always like no time had passed since we had caught up last. When he had to get back to work, our parting words were always to keep in touch, something he always held to his word. Russ always had a way to make everyone feel important, feel like they truly meant something to him. He was of outstanding character, one who will truly be missed.
Pat & Jackie Anderson
Gainesville GA
Words seem so empty to express my feelings for your loss. I feel sorry so much time has passed with so few visits, but I always enjoyed them when we did see Russ and the family. The previous posts do justice to his always good great laugh and smile. Nancy our thoughts and prayers will be many for you and your family.
Dave Carlson
Brutus MI
Russ was a very sweet man. I knew Russ from my prior employment at the Island Resort and Casino. He always made me laugh. My heart goes out to his family and friends. He will be sadly missed.
Jami Richardson
Escanaba MI
Sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you in your loss at Christmas time.
Midnite shift @ McNaughton& Gunn
Saline MI
Nancy and family of Russ: I am so sorry to here about your loss I’m going to miss seeing him and giving him a hug when I walked into the Island. He’s gonna be a loving angel watching over all of you. My prayers go out to all of you.
Sirena (Neff) Braeger
Manistique MI
I am so sorry to hear of Russ’ passing, I’d known him from school and he was a good guy. I hope time will heal your sorrows.
Jim Raredon
Wetmore MI
I worked with Russ at the Casino a couple of years ago. He was always a joy to see each and every shift. He made me laugh and that’s a rare feat. I’m so sorry for your loss and know that he will be dearly missed by us all. Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Julie Kleiman
Wilson MI
I knew Russ from work. He always could make me laugh and we used to talk about things all the time, from goofy nonsense to serious life issues. He was a great friend, and he always made time to poke fun at me. I’ve been struggling with loosing weight and when I started my diet program, he was one of my biggest supporters. He always had a kind word to say about how successful I’d been thus far and the encouragement to keep me going. I know that he’ll be supporting me from Heaven now, which will give me strength to succeed. My thoughts, prayers, and condolences to his family. I know how much I loved him as a friend, I can only imagine how much he was loved as family. I’m so sorry for their loss.
Tiffany Kleiman
Wilson MI
Russ was a great man and a good friend. We worked at the casino together and he helped me through a rough patch. He was such a bright light and made working a joy. He will be very missed, there are no words… Sending love to his family and friends.
Melinda Dollhopf
Marquette Mi
Nancy… My heart goes out to you and your family today. Russ was a great guy and I’ve enjoyed knowing him and being friends for many years. I’m sorry to hear of your loss.
Todd Beauchamp
Escanaba MI
There is an empty space in my world without you my friend. You were my friend, mentor, and like a father…..I will miss the laughter & good times. Gone but not forgotten,R.I.P. Mr Carlson. My condolences to his family. Russ was a great man.
Anonymous
Nancy, Brian, Kimberly, I’m so sorry for your loss. I would have been there if I could, my schedule just did not permit. I will also hold special memories of Russell Lee forever in my heart. I can still hear him calling me Kiddo. Must have gotten it from Aunt Elva, when I think of her I can hear her also. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, always.
Wendy Gustafson
Bridgman MI
Nancy,
My deepest sympathies to you, Brian and Kim over the loss of Russ. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I always considered Russ a good friend even though we had not seen each other for a long time. I have many fond memories of you and Russ as friends and neighbors. I will always remember how Russ kept the vehicles waxed and polished. He guided me in the fine art of high quality auto finsihes. He will be missed. Be strong, God is with all of you during this difficult time.
Lynn Hicks
Asheville NC
Nancy, Brian, Kim, and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know Russ was a great husband and father; no doubt he was a wonderful grandfather, too. I wish you all the best.
Stephanie Mathson
Mt. Pleasant MI
Nancy, I was so sad when I heard about Russ. You are in my thoughts and prayers. It’s been a long time since we spent time together, but I always remember the fun we had. Hug the kids for me and take care of yourself. Your friend always. Deb
Deb Price
Gulliver MI
Nancy, Kin and Brian
Russ and I started in security at about the same time. Being close to the same age brought us together as officers and we’re not about to let the younger officers out do us or out work us. We accomplished that. Russ and I made two pacts together. Pact number 1 was that we always had each others’ backs concerning security issues and for 12 years we accomplished that. When i was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2008 Russ was there for me emotionally. When a benefit was planned on my behalf, Russ was the first Non-family member to offer assistance. On the day of the benefit Russ was the first person there to help. He was even there before I was. I’m proud to say that Russ and I were friends. Our second pact was that I would be going to heaven first and I would save a place for him. Russ screwed that up and went before, but I know he will be saving a place for me. I’m one of the Honor Guards that will be at the funeral watching over Russ and I’m honored with that opportunity. My sincere heart felt condolences are sent to your family. May Russ rest in peace.
Bill Ross
Porterfield WI
To the Carlson Family, We send our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to you during this time. I worked with Russ in Security for a number of years before we moved away. He was everyone’s friend, and someone who helped his friends any way he could. Each and every time I visit Escanaba, a special stop at the Casino is always made to see old friends, and especially Russ. Russ greeted me each and every time with his infectious smile, one of a kind humor & a handshake. It was always like no time had passed since we had caught up last. When he had to get back to work, our parting words were always to keep in touch, something he always held to his word. Russ always had a way to make everyone feel important, feel like they truly meant something to him. He was of outstanding character, one who will truly be missed.
Pat & Jackie Anderson
Gainesville GA
Words seem so empty to express my feelings for your loss. I feel sorry so much time has passed with so few visits, but I always enjoyed them when we did see Russ and the family. The previous posts do justice to his always good great laugh and smile. Nancy our thoughts and prayers will be many for you and your family.
Dave Carlson
Brutus MI
Russ was a very sweet man. I knew Russ from my prior employment at the Island Resort and Casino. He always made me laugh. My heart goes out to his family and friends. He will be sadly missed.
Jami Richardson
Escanaba MI
Sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you in your loss at Christmas time.
Midnite shift @ McNaughton& Gunn
Saline MI
Nancy and family of Russ: I am so sorry to here about your loss I’m going to miss seeing him and giving him a hug when I walked into the Island. He’s gonna be a loving angel watching over all of you. My prayers go out to all of you.
Sirena (Neff) Braeger
Manistique MI
I am so sorry to hear of Russ’ passing, I’d known him from school and he was a good guy. I hope time will heal your sorrows.
Jim Raredon
Wetmore MI
I worked with Russ at the Casino a couple of years ago. He was always a joy to see each and every shift. He made me laugh and that’s a rare feat. I’m so sorry for your loss and know that he will be dearly missed by us all. Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Julie Kleiman
Wilson MI
I knew Russ from work. He always could make me laugh and we used to talk about things all the time, from goofy nonsense to serious life issues. He was a great friend, and he always made time to poke fun at me. I’ve been struggling with loosing weight and when I started my diet program, he was one of my biggest supporters. He always had a kind word to say about how successful I’d been thus far and the encouragement to keep me going. I know that he’ll be supporting me from Heaven now, which will give me strength to succeed. My thoughts, prayers, and condolences to his family. I know how much I loved him as a friend, I can only imagine how much he was loved as family. I’m so sorry for their loss.
Tiffany Kleiman
Wilson MI
Russ was a great man and a good friend. We worked at the casino together and he helped me through a rough patch. He was such a bright light and made working a joy. He will be very missed, there are no words… Sending love to his family and friends.
Melinda Dollhopf
Marquette Mi
Nancy… My heart goes out to you and your family today. Russ was a great guy and I’ve enjoyed knowing him and being friends for many years. I’m sorry to hear of your loss.
Todd Beauchamp
Escanaba MI
There is an empty space in my world without you my friend. You were my friend, mentor, and like a father…..I will miss the laughter & good times. Gone but not forgotten,R.I.P. Mr Carlson. My condolences to his family. Russ was a great man.
Michelle Strahl
Spalding MI