By Richard
The weekend based at Onich was terrific, and I'm sure Russell would have been delighted that we all had such a good time in his memory. I don't intend to monopolise the write-up of the weekend, and it'd be great if others would put in here a few details of what they got up to and how they enjoyed it.
Suffice to say my first experience of Tower Ridge was tremendous, and apologies to Helen M for not keeping the rope just that wee bit tighter... Events on the summit were very moving, and I was glad that my bit involved action not words - I don't think I'd have managed to get very far if I had tried to speak. The evening and the food was great, and I hope the music wasn't too tuneless. Jules, you did a great job in organising it all, and I was just sorry I had to leave early on Sunday, even though it was pouring with rain. I'm sure we will want to do something similar next year.
As I said to myself as the ashes drifted away: "See you, big man."
Russell's Ben Nevis day
Submitted by HelenK on Tue, 06/15/2010 - 05:29.
Thanks to Russell's sisters, son and daughters for letting us say goodbye to Russell in this way.
Most of my memories involve me saying 'Russell you can't do that'. To Russell that meant do it more!
I think he liked the debate in controversey.
Of how I remember him, it is difficult to put into words. But after disagreeing one week, I saw in a shop a 'TOXIC SLUDGE' sweet complete with radiation symbols (Russell worked with SEPA ). Laughing, thinking, got to give this to Russell. The cuddly animals could be over the top. But when he inadvertently left Bombus behind in a hut at Wales the temptation was too much to resist. 'Bombus' was returned at Karin's birthday bash, transformed with biker leathers, chains and helmet on Harry's motorbike. Having this kind of 'banter' with someone takes a special kind of character, and Russell had that character.
It is fitting that there will be memorial plaque in the hut to remind us and others of him.
Thanks to all who made the day possible.
A great day with great people
Submitted by JulesH on Tue, 06/15/2010 - 12:55.
I agree it was a great day and fantastic evening. It was so nice to see Russell's family and old club members who had met Russell.
The plaque was such a nice touch and it will look great in the hut once it is put up. Everyone pulled together to make Russell's Ben Nevis Memorial Walk such a memorable day. The fire on the beach was also a good idea.
Maybe we could have a hut meet later in the year to put the plaque up and cut the grass.
—
JulesH
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A few tears and a night to remember
Submitted by Matt on Tue, 06/15/2010 - 20:02.
It was good to see so many people out for the day, members old and new, a testament to how much Russell meant to the club. A good day on the hill, emotional ceremony on the top, and a excellent party in the evening, I am convinced Russell would have approved. Thanks to all who were involved in the organisation.
Matt
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Thank You!!
Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/15/2010 - 20:11.
Dear All,
A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who could make it at the weekend! You all made it a special day in memory of Russell. Many of you were involved organising things in advance and on the day. Thank you!!! I will never forget this day.
Karin
Russell's memorial day
Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/15/2010 - 20:11.
Saturday was a wonderful day, it was a day of really intense emotion. Immense sadness as the day really did bring home the finality of Russell's passing but also deep comfort in that it was clear that so very many of you cared about and appreciated Russell and were able to say good-bye. It is a great relief to be able to see Russell's clear and express wish being made reality at last.
I speak on behalf of Gaynor and myself in thanking Karin, Julian, Simeon, Martin, Kevin, Olwen, Helen and Richard and all of the club members for making the day special in so many ways.The BBQ on the beach was something Russell would have especially enjoyed. Russell was a lovely, lovely brother and he is missed desperately but Saturday was not only a real comfort,but a celebration of Russell, thank you all so much.
—
Denise
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Thank you for Russell's memorial day
Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/15/2010 - 20:12.
That was a most moving and beautiful celebration on The Ben of Russell's life.
Thank you so much Karin!
And thanks to everybody who helped make it such a memorable occasion.
Derek Thomas
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huge 'THANK YOU'
Submitted by admin on Wed, 06/16/2010 - 07:09.
And a huge 'THANK YOU' to all of you for making this such a special event. It was lovely to meet you all and thank you for remembering our lovely brother so well and for making us so welcome.
With all warmest and best wishes,
Gaynor and Denise xxx
And nieces and nephews Holly, Toby, Hanneke and Rowan xxxx
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ENORMOUS THANK YOU
Submitted by admin on Wed, 06/16/2010 - 08:31.
I also need to say an ENORMOUS THANK YOU to Karin for organising such a lovely event for Russell and for all the love and amazing support she gave Russell during some very difficult times. No one could have done more for Russell than Karin - an exceptionally wonderful person. Thank you Karin xxx
Gaynor Salisbury
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Russell and The Ben
Submitted by Cate on Wed, 06/16/2010 - 21:44.
Like everyone who was there, and everyone who's written something on the board here, I'm so glad I was there on Saturday on the Ben to celebrate and remember Russell and his love of the hills. Having been away from the mountains and glens for too long, it seems fitting that Russell's got me back in them again!
I'm glad I got to meet Russell's nieces and nephews and his sisters at the BBQ. I enjoyed sharing my sweets and some good chat with Hanneka as we puffed our way up. It was great to have Russell's family and friends all at the same event. And for that...Karin and Jules, thank you! And Olwyn with the food. And all those who took a part in the memorial stone - I heard it was another day on the hill finding the right stone and it looks wonderful. Great craftsmanship - Simeon, did you find the right man there? Anyway...
Glad I was there. Glad we were all there. May Russell rest in peace.
Cate x
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The poem
Submitted by Karin Grust on Wed, 06/16/2010 - 23:07.
So many different lengths of time (by Brian Patten)
How long is a man's life, finally?
Is it a thousand days, or only one?
One week, or few centuries?
How long does a man's death last?
And what do we mean when we say, 'gone forever'?
Adrift in such preoccupations, we seek clarification.
We can go to the philosophers,
But they will grow tired of our questions.
We can go to the priests and the rabbis
But they might be too busy with administrations.
So, how long does a man live, finally?
And how much does he live while he lives?
We fret, and ask so many questions
Then when it comes to us
The answer is so simple
A man lives for as long as we carry him inside us,
For as long as we carry the harvest of his dreams,
For as long as we ourselves live,
Holding memories in common, a man lives.
His lover will carry his man's scent, his touch:
His children will carry the weight of his love.
One friend will carry his argument,
Another will hum his favourite tunes,
Another will still share his terrors.
And the days will pass with baffled faces,
Then the weeks, then the months,
Then there will be a day when no question is asked
And the knots of grief will loosen in the stomach,
And the puffed faces will calm.
And on that day he will not have ceased,
But will have ceased to be separated by death.
How long does a man live, finally?
A man lives so many different lengths of time.