Such a man was veteran California
Highway Patrol officer and fellow Class of '78 graduate Scott
Russell. That rare individual who was made up of all the finest
examples of virtue and decency. In almost every way, the type of
man we would all like to see our own sons become.
Scott died in the line of duty on July 31, 2007 while attempting
to end a high-speed chase involving a career criminal. Friends and fellow
officers who knew Scott during his distinguished 22 year career
will tell you that he probably wouldn't have wanted to go any
other way...doing the job he had dedicated his life to; working to
make his community a safer, better place to live.
At Amador and throughout his life, Scott was liked by just about
everyone he met. A quiet, good hearted guy with a mischievous
sense of humor, Scott stood out as a linebacker for Amador
Valley's varsity squad. Following several years as a welder and
two years at Chabot College, Scott graduated from the Highway
Patrol Academy in 1985 and was first stationed in Hayward. After a
few years and a brief stint working with the DEA, Scott
transferred back to patrol status, relocating to the Placerville
station. While there, he
met and married his wife Lynn, whom he described to a classmate at
the 25 year Class Reunion as "the reason I get up every
morning".
At the time of his passing, Scott and Lynn were living in Folsom,
California. Scott reveled in his life in "God's
Country"; surrounded by such beauty, which he and Lynn
enjoyed to the fullest. Scott loved and followed the NBA and NFL
religiously, and both he and Lynn were avid golfers, loving to
travel as often as possible to play.
In every way, Scott's life became exactly what he always dreamed
it would be. A career of service to others, a wonderful home
surrounded by friends and colleagues who loved and respected him,
time and opportunity to enjoy his life, and a loving wife and best
friend in Lynn, whom he absolutely adored, to share it all with.
Would that God would make all of our sons so fortunate.
A
Memorial Fund for Scott's wife Lynn has been established. Those so
inclined can send donations to:
Folsom
Lake Bank
905
Sutter St. Suite 100
Folsom,
CA 95630
Make
checks payable to: Scott Russell Memorial Fund
Remembering
Scott Russell
Below
are comments and memories of Scott and an e-mail link through
which you may share your own memories, anecdotes, experiences and
tributes.
One of My Best
Friends is Gone...
I am Bob Dubanski, Class of 77 ( sister Angie, Class of 78).We lost a special person last week. I lived across the street from Scott in high school and
knew him well. We lived 10 miles away from each other in the Sacramento area Scott and I played a lot of golf the last 7
years. We talked to each other the week before he died to schedule a tee time. For those who knew Scott in high school, I want everyone to know that he became even more of a special person. He was one of the most caring and giving person I knew. He took pride in his job and treated everyone he knew as his buddy. His wife Lynn is equally as special.
I was one of the pallbearers at the memorial today in Roseville, Ca. The CHP did a
extraordinary job honoring Scott. The ceremony included bag pipes, 21 gun salute, taps and a fly by. Tomorrow, there will be a service for the family where Scott will be put to rest.
For those who would like to honor Scott, donations may be made to the CHP Officer Scott Russell Fund , c/o Folsom Lake Bank. 905 Sutter St. ,#100,Folsom.CA. 95630
Amador Class 1978 should be proud of Scott . He was a good person.
Bob Dubanski - Class of
'77
You
Will Be Missed ...
I
was never an athlete in school so my connection with our
talented Amador team members were limited to cheering in
the stands from afar. I remember always feeling
intimidated walking down the main hall past the "jock
benches" . However, there were a few warm faces I
remember that did offer comfort as I made my way through the
maze of cheerleaders and athletes in this highly trafficked
area, one of them that stands out is Scott. Scott
always had a smile on his face when I saw him on the benches, in
the halls or in the classrooms. In fact, I don't think I
ever remember a time that he wasn't joking around with someone
when I saw him.
I'm so sorry to see that he was taken from us so soon. Not
having met Lynn, I can only imagine how special a person she
must be to have caught Scott's heart. Rest in peace Scott,
know you will be missed by all of those whose lives you
touched....
Kim
(Longman) Wood - Class of 1978
A Class
Act ...
I met Scott at Alisal in 4th grade, and don’t recall ever
hearing him say an unkind word about anyone.
Even in the teen years when some young men confuse
cockiness with confidence, I was never aware of Scott trying to
put himself above others. He
was a talented musician and athlete, and a joy to be with.
He had
more bragging rights than most.
Yet, he seemed content to do his best and leave it at that.
In going over the news stories, words and phrases like integrity, a fine man,
a genuinely good person, honorable, dedication,
loyalty, and courageous kept coming up.
Though he may cringe at the recognition, Scott was a hero
in many ways.
His passing has left me with prayers -
especially for Lynn and his fellow officers ...
reflection ... treasuring the relationships I know are precious,
and wishing there were enough hours in a lifetime make close
friends of casual acquaintances ... inspired to become a better
person ... and a host of feelings that words will never adequately
express.
The world is a better place because Scott Russell
was in it.
Lisa
(Hodges) Jones - Class of '78
One Great
Guy...
Even though I did not know Scott as a friend, I can say I do remember his smile around campus. I knew he was a CHP officer and as I drove the highway/freeways, I always looked to see if it was Scott driving in the patrol car. I was hoping to attend his services but was unable to get away from work. For all of you that were close to him please do not forget his wife, Lynn. From what I heard on the news, she is fighting cancer and will still need the support of all around her. So please anyone that knows her, please give her the support and love that she will be missing from Scott.
Scott, one great guy that will be missed by his family and friends.
Sherri Hollister -
Class of 78
Lost opportunity...
Today I attended Scott's Memorial service. Scott and I had swapped emails since our 25th reunion. Both of us being avid golfers, we planned on getting out on the links. We were also both Sacramento Kings season ticket holders and
talked about having dinner together before a game. Unfortunately we never did get together, even though we live only a few miles from each other.
The service was attended by hundreds of law enforcement officers from all over the country. He was given the complete hero treatment that he deserved, 21 gun salute, bag pipes and a long line of honor.
Hearing from so many people that were close to him made me sorry that I hadn't gotten to know him better. He had a great sense of humor, a great devotion to Lynn, his friends and the CHP. Scott was loved by many. He was a special man to many people. He will be missed.
Gene Stanley - Class of
78
Thoughts
and prayers...
My prayers and heartfelt sympathy go out to his wife and family.
Rick Cross - Class of '78
Scott
was the genuine article...
I find myself profoundly sad and with heavy heart over this terrible news. There were only a few people in high school that I felt were genuinely good, honest, and sincere and that I held in high regard. Scott was definitely one of them. I am glad he made it to the 25 year
Reunion and that I had a chance to re-connect with him.
With Scott working in Sacramento and my frequent trips there from Portland, we made plans to hook up on my next visit. As things go, my next visit did not occur until 6 months later. I kick myself for not reaching out and making the time. I figured there would be plenty of time and opportunities. A hard life lesson to learn – yet again.
I will not be able to attend his memorial service on Monday although I will be there in spirit. I am sure
of this, given Scott’s genuine and positive nature, it will be heavily
attended by his friends, family, and peers.
This is truly a sad day.
Dan Knauer - Class of
1978
A
Fallen Brother...
Throughout our four short years at Amador we bonded friendships
that we thought would last forever, as some have. We get older and
find out that nothing really is forever, like they told us it
wouldn’t. Some of these long lasting friendship feel like they
are renewed over and over as we grow and careers develop, families
are born, still keeping in touch because no matter what we have
some of same common goals, beliefs, feelings
and goals we had in our youth.
I had just come
off a two day 47th birthday celebration when Rob called
I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach and was overcome with
emotion, as if I had lost my own brother. We talked for a while
and that felt great all the time I was having flashbacks of the
football games, Scott was not only a great linebacker but a fellow
offensive lineman and one I knew always had my backside. A few
minuets later Dennis called and with the same news! Our
conversation went on and on about our days at Amador, Scott and
all the good times we had and better ones to come. Thanks guys for
calling so soon, its hard knowing you can’t get there but its
great knowing people who know you care. Thanks.
Scott and I
also had a great time at the Reunion and had written since we were
both looking forward to getting together again. We will not get
that chance and for that I am sorry. Just know for all you did for
us at Amador and as a
CHP
Officer you will not be forgotten, your brothers here will see to
that.
Lynn
thank you for being a loving wife to our brother and our deepest
sympathies and regret go to you and your family. They also told us
Reunions, Weddings and Funerals would be our only reason to get
together when we “got older” and again they were right. I hope
to see all of you at the 30th, best wishes...
Chuck Grandon - Class
of 1978
Farewell
My Friend...
I didn't know Scott exceptionally well during high school. In
fact, I probably talked with him more during the three years since
our 25 year reunion than I did the entire time I knew him. I
remember him from the Amador days as being a fairly quiet guy,
always kind and good natured.
The night of the homecoming game during Reunion Weekend in 2003, I
was standing point in the parking lot, directing people to the
"tailgate" party near where the history classes used to
be. I felt a tap on my shoulder and heard a voice
ask..."Dennis?". I turned as he said, "Scott
Russell". I wouldn't have recognized him if he'd been wearing
a name tag.
That evening, a couple of times the next day before we teed off at
the golf tournament, and then later that evening at the Reunion, I
got a chance to talk with Scott. He was still the same kind, mild
mannered guy I remembered. I recall how impressed and happy for
him I was as he told me about his life. A beautiful wife he was
head over heels in love with, a career he was proud of and that
meant the world to him. A wonderful, quiet life in the gorgeous,
peaceful surroundings north of Sacto. What more could any man ask
for?
Scott and I talked a few times since the reunion, and I will miss
the opportunity to speak with him and see him and Lynn again. But
I am glad to have gotten to know him better in recent years and am
so very proud that I can call a man who gave so much of himself to
others and set such a fine example for the rest of us, my friend.
Dennis Jones - Class of 1978
Comments and
Tributes...
Send any comments, memories
or tributes, as long or as short as you like, that you want to
share about Scott, to memorial@amador78.org
They will be posted above within 24 hours.
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