Ralph Oakeson
I met Russ and Shelley through business activities. It was one of my greatest business connections in all of my professional work. There were so many things I appreciated about Russ. Let me list a few.
(1) He did what he said he would do. In today's society, that is rare. You could count on him. He also took it further. He took the initiative and did what you hoped would be done or were surprised at what had been accomplished.
(2) He was a true professional. We worked in a sales environment and to this day, I do not think I have met a more productive salesman. Why? Because he knew his offerings and most importantly he knew how to work with people. To this day, I regularly recall how he could be someones acquaintance in two or three sentences combined with the tone of voice he used. Here is the thing, it was not insincere. He was a friend to everyone.
(3) He was a hard worker. He did the things that others would not do. He made things work for him. It was remarkable to witness his devotion to a task and his word to himself and others.
(4) He was a very important to me in the business. I regularly sought him for counsel and it was always spot on.
(5) As everyone knows, his upbeat and positive demeanor was so important for all that were around him. He was a bit of a jokester as well, and that was fun.
(6) Russ was also a great teacher. We often shared training in the business and he was seen as authoritative, knowledgeable, and always an example of excellence. He and Shelley worked together and they were an amazing sales team in this environment.
(7) He loved Shelley and his family. He always spoke well of Shelley and he was an example of holder her in high esteem and edifying her whether she was present or not. (8) There are many other attributes, especially considering so many other dimensions of life that I was not familiar with. Including that he always retained his personal values and standards in everything he did. He was a man of honor and faith.
We knew each other in a business context. I consider Russ to be a friend and an important influence to me. I had hoped we could do more together, undoubtedly more for my support an benefit.
I wish Shelley and the family well during this difficult time and into this earthly future. My faith reassures me of the reunion that will occur in time.
Ralph Oakeson
