We were heartbroken to read of Russ Spencer's death. We felt Nick Welsh's article did a beautiful job illuminating Russ's sparkling qualities, while gently acknowledging that he also had personal challenges.
Of hundreds of
hours I spent with Russ — one of the first of many images that came to mind was
when Russ proudly took the stage at the Lobero Theatre after the world debut of
his wonderful documentary film Hana Surf
Girls. As applause rang out during the closing credits, Russ was beaming as
he motioned toward Monyca Byrne Wickey and Lipoa Kahaleuahi in the audience —
the Hawaiian natives who were the subjects of his film — to join him on stage.
Russ stepped to the side because he wanted these shy athletes take in the audience’s
ovation.
This was true
Russ, bringing the passion of his creativity as a writer and filmmaker to his
love of celebrating and sharing the varied richness of life's experiences and
the people he delightedly discovered.