Russell Hughes is my great uncle. He is the best thing that ever happened to me, in my life... I think he deserves more than what they describe him. He's a wonderful person and i love him with all my heart. I wont describe him, I'm just saying that he just be more known.
He deserves better.
70.29.250.88 20:56, November 26, 2010 (UTC)
Russ - someone must be helping you read this baby 'cause you don't know nothing about this stuff! All I can say is you are my brother and I miss you every single day - my kitchen is quiet and I never have half bagel sandwiches for lunch anymore. I wish I was there with you in Montreal right now contemplating and analyzing and generally being irreverent - and always no matter what laughing and laughing and laughing. I love you baby and I love that you love so many - especially your beautiful "Babe" - Monik! You are an inspiration - you make me remember that life is pretty damn awesome. On my travels (of which you know there are many!!), when I am perched on a bar stool somewhere, swishing around fancy hotels or on a roof top terrace, walking on some crashing beach or just standing on a street corner where real life is playing out the simplest and coolest things - I think of you. So many places and so many people have been made greater for knowing you ... well maybe there are one or two who were not - viva El Gordo ... love you - Muriel
We love you Russ!!! From Tristan :)[]
Russ it’s been an honour to have you come into my life. You were a breath of fresh air when you hit the Kew scene and everybody still misses you! My best times at Kew Gardens were with you Benny, Tony, Guns, Aussie Tony, Muriel, Bryan, Karl, Alfredo and Daddy-O.... (The list goes on and on of friends because you were the glue that brought everyone together!) I love sitting in the beer garden after a whole morning and afternoon of tennis smoking hot ones and listening to your amazing stories from your surf days in Australia, Cali, Brazil, and Mexico etc. I will take your advice and go down to Rio while I'm still young and meet the girl from Ipanema!!! You have truly lived an amazing life and have brought joy to everyone who has had the pleasure of crossing your path. I want to thank you for being a father figure to me and guiding this young "playboy" in the right direction. I'm still pouring "honey" on everyone I meet and embracing surfer boy lifestyle. I love you mate! Stay strong and let’s enjoy this great summer weather coming up!!
Love from your "sonny boy", "playboy", "T"
Tristan :)
The Champions!!!
There are a few quotes that I have posted on my facebook page, more to inspire myself than anyone else who might take the time to read them whilst visiting my page. The first is by John Cassis, who wrote " It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice." Another is by Elizabeth Sifton : " ... give me the grace to accept... things that cannot be changed, the courage to change things which should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other." I have always strived to avoid the pitfalls that many fall into, in particular living a mundane life, and not following one's dreams and one's heart. I have strived to avoid falling prey to the " relentless momentum of mediocrity."
number of years ago, I was fortunate to meet Russ. During what was a very difficult time in my life, his generosity of spirit, kindness and sense of humor, were integral in helping me come out of the cloud that I found myself in. He embodies many of the traits that I aspire to, those that are described in the quotes above.
Mate, I'll finish with a quote from my favorite film and in the hope that I will one day be able to shake your hand again and share an irreverent joke, say about the bloke that looks like a turtle. :) I love you, my brother!! " I hope I can Russ, you have inspired many with your courage, your path in life, and your spirit! You have lived a life that inspires me to this day, and have touched so many in ways that you cannot imagine. So many people love you, and we all pray that you will render your Houdini act again, and return to good health. Please continue to " Rage against the dying of the light", because that light makes the world a little more bearable. The world will be somehow darker, lesser without you in it! I don't know what happened in us losing contact, but I love you and always have, and it breaks my heart to hear that you are so unwell. I wish I could do something! You are my friend, and I would like to thank you for the privilege of having known you, and to let you know that you have made a difference in my life. get across the border. I hope I can shake my friends hand again. I hope the pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope." Always your mate, Miles (Tony) Easton
Hi Russell....when Larry and I saw you snowboard down the hill we both looked at each other and said....He is Good. Better than good....you never fell over, in full control gliding down the hill....just magic !
There's Larry wearing his 1973 to 1974 ski outfit...laughing all the way, ear flaps flying up, thick sunglasses. Larrys in Peru right now with Andrea and he will be back soon. The first thing he will say to me is....have you heared from Russell.
From our point of view : A BIG CHEERS, Love You .....Glen and Larry (and Larry is not my boyfriend !)
Kew[]
What a group! Noodles, The Escargot Hunter, Chelvis, the Savage/Prettie, the Playboy, Mono Loco, the Cock-a- Roach, the Turtle, and so many more. Was it Russ that coined all these nicknames? :) All came together, laughed, smoked hot ones, drank cold ones, and took the piss out of one another. Moments that brought some life to a strange little click that was Kew. Russ, Kew needs you mate! We can't leave it to the cockroaches, can we? Love to you mate. You are constantly in my thoughts, and I've heard from Muriel and Bryan. You should be so proud that you have opened the hearts of so many. These people, myself included, really do love you, mate. You have given the gift of your friendship, and in turn those who have been your friends have formed friendships themselves that will endure throughout their lives. I'll call you in the morning, and hope that your weekend was ok. Love from the Aussie south of the border. Tony E. xxxooo69.123.94.193 02:33, April 12, 2011 (UTC)
Dude[]
Spring is in the air, and it is time for you, Russell to get out an enjoy that warm sun. Kokee, I think you can manage this, but always feel free to give me a buzz if you need help. Next sunny day (and a temperature above 10C !!), want to stop by and see how everyone is doing and to chat up Russell. Apart from his amazing surf stories, his "turn of phrase" never fails to crack me up. You call it as you see it, Russell, and I love it.
See you soon, Dean
Russ,
EVER SINCE I CAN REMEMBER,
probably since when I was a kid and you took me on that motor-cross accident (I still have a scar on my leg!)...
OR since going off-roading with you in your YJ in South Cal and shouting rounds in the hills...
OR since my "family" visit you put up with in Byron (gotta mention Monik on that one... I love you!!!)...
OR since chilling with you during the holidays at the "Beaches"
OR since the involvement and mentoring you fed to my daughter' s love of the wave at Habitat and her quest for big water...
OR since burning wood and roasting fire-side on DeBerri after going "Burton" style down Owl's Head, Sutton, Bromont, Bruno and Orford...
OR thru your stories, jokes and criticism you so politely dish...
I ADMIRE AND LOVE YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE..... YOURSELF!!!!
You have taught me to enjoy life and be real... so thanks for it all. You are appreciated!
See you on the week-end!!! BBQ??? I' ll bring the Coronas...
Luc
10:25, April 13, 2011 (UTC)174.95.231.71
The Real Russell Hughes[]
What can i say that has not been mention before how about a guy that lives life like it should be lived ,we shared a lot of good times and good stories ,how about the first time we all went up to Blue man you were ripping down that hill and taking some good face plants as well "Come on Russ you can make that jump just follow me" haha ok so maybe you didn't make it but what other man would of tried it.Everyone knows how much of a impact you have brought to all our our lives and i thank you for that.Can't wait to see you again .
Love Always Jason and Petya
The Thief[]
I have not known you long but the time with you has always been special. My kids have a special bond with you and you taught them things I could never do. Kristen is now a surf nut and that's all thanks to you. The family is small, but with the addition of the new one "little Kokee", we are all blessed. I know people think I am a bit nuts, but nuts grow on trees and great Aussies grow downunder. So get me my roo. I will teach him to cook and clean and call him Big Russ. He better not poo!!
Small Poem
Jack & Jill went up the hill
to fetch a pail of water
Jack fell down because
a sweet potato was growing
out of the ground
then Russ took Susan's $10
xoxoxoxo Love you lots
Susan (transcribed by Dean as Susan broke her computer and Luc promises to fix it --- someday)
The Invitation[]
Hey Russell.
Hope you watched those Montreal Canadiens beat up on the nasty Boston Bruins. I expect to see you in Luc's hottub on Saturday night for the rematch game. Hottub Hockey starts at 7pm, but drinks start at 2 pm, or whenever Susan gets up.
A special spot is always reserved for you.
P.S. I will supply beer, you supply the hottub babes !! : )
Dean
Russell Hughes is my uncle[]
Dear Russ,
Firstly, you're the reason I started surfing, which changed my life, and I can't thank you enough for that. You've taught me many other things, and taught me well, by example. You taught me that surfing and life are all about balance. It is possible to be both a "real" man and a gentleman. You can be both a Warrior and a Lover. You can charge full-on, exploding with power, yet maintain style, elegance and precision. It's all about balancing Strength and Soul. I'm proud to say you have always been my idol, in and out of the water. Whatever you're doing, you always make it look smooth, easy and fun. Your positive attitude and energy are infectious. ...and you're so damn cool. How do you do it? I guess being an Aussie helps.
Love,
Erick
69.165.152.142 21:18, April 17, 2011 (UTC)Erick
Russell Surf Video[]
I found a surf video of Russ tearing it up on youtube. just click this link he shows up in the video at 1:32 mins. http://youtu.be/sgisHsJZ0vw a true surfing legend! Lucky I didn't have Russ surf into shore with those abs and steal all my Sheilas :) Russ you the best!!! Love you man!!
Tristan
A Kew Legend![]
Big Russ about to hit another ace on Byran! :)
Still holds the single season Kew record of the most hours on court in one summer that includes the tennis pros! We need U back at kew champ we need to take out Byran and noodles! :)
Tristan
Great song Russ! Just chick the link the blue writing :)[]
21 and Sunny today in T.O. thats more like it! The warm weather is coming my friend! Tennis and the Easter parade tomorrow in the beaches I'll see how many chooclate lindt bunnies I can wreastle away from the kids lol . Wish u were out playing with us we need a 4th. Anyways Russ I'll give U a call tomorrow but here is a song just click on the blue writing http://youtu.be/H9PHu_Mo-Rw This should warm U up if the warm stuff hasn't made it to Montreal. Love U man, stay strong! :)
Playboy
RUSSELL THE SNITCH
THANKLS FRO THE MEMORYS THERE ARE MANY THE DAY I MET YOU AT NORTH AVALONE YOU WHERE ON COMPO R FROM THE WEST END THE DELARUES SHANE FROM EASTWOOD AN THE EXCELCORE MODLE THE TRIP WITH WARDY IN THE SPEED BOAT TO OCEAN BEACH THE HOUSE AT NEWPORT WITH MANFREAD FISHER ALLGOOD THE THE BOARDS YOU CAME AN SHOWED ME THE DIFFENDEFER THE BREWER THE LOPZE AN ON AN ON THANKS FOR EVRY THING
"YOU CANT LIVE IN THEPAST BUT THE PAST LIVE IN YOU "
THANKS LOTD OF LOVE R\TILL WE MEET AGIAN DICK VNA STRAALEN
I didn't know Russell well but our paths
crossed a few times when we both
lived on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
He truly is an inspiring man and it
saddens me and many here in Australia
to here he is in such a tough spot.
Russell is one of Australia's greatest
surfers and the line-up will be
poorer if he can no longer paddle out.
Love and best wishes
Frank Pithers
He left us.[]
Tony Easton
I just found out that Russ passed away on Wednesday. Russ, you have left the world a better place for having been here. You were a truly unique person, and I'm sitting here in the Hamptons, New York drinking a cold one and remembering. Tears and laughter combined. I will miss you my incredible mate. I don't know if there's an afterlife, but I hope that there is, and that you're riding a crystal cylinder somewhere, free of pain and thundering along with that big splendid heart of yours leaping with joy! I love you!
I just heard the saddest news, Russell can't believe you have passed away and Im even more sad for not being in touch lately, have not been in the loop at all....I have thought about you guys sometimes, knew you were in Canada somewhere, haven't seen you since you last left Byron.....Monik, my heart goes out to you....he was so special and so lucky to have you in his life, we often remember some wonderful times when we would visit you guys in Byron and you always made us so welcome and laugh so much, and you were always so generous with your friendship....just wanted to pass on our love and thoughts and thanks again for some great memories, you were definitely one of the coolest people I've ever known......lots of Love from Lindy and Elle and Mitchell
121.217.250.3 03:05, May 28, 2011 (UTC) Lindy Morris (aka Lindy Mitchell)
I just can't accept that your gone, Russ. Like most of us who knew you, you were to us larger than life, invincible. Why do only the good die young? It doesn't seem real. I'd give anything to hear your laugh one more time. Man, do I wish e could all have one more afternoon in the beer garden. God bless my special mate. I will always love you, and you live forever in my heart.
Tony Easton
Regards from Chris Beacham[]
Russell was a true friend of mine... ever since he first came to Sydney from Queensland. We surfed and made boards in Brookvale together in those early years and had many good times. He made my life richer by knowing him, and I'll miss him dearly. My condolences to you all for your great loss. > Chris Beacham
A great mate![]
I would like to send a message every day for the next little while, both as a tribute to my mate, but also in helping me deal with my grief. I would also like to suggest that this page be kept open going forward as an ongoing tribute to a friend who will never be forgotten. I will share some words that I would use to describe Russell. Unique, trailblazing, warm, kind and generous in spirit. Brave, honest and humble also come to mind. He was one of the finest people I have ever met, and I wish I could give him a hug and kiss right now, but I can't. All I can do is write some words on a page and hope that his spirit lives in those that he touched, as it does today in me. Loved and missed, Russ. Loved and missed!
Tony Easton.xxxooo
A little history[]
One of Australia’s all time surfing greats from the 60’s and 70’s, Russell Hughes passed away in Quebec, Canada on 26th of May 2011 after a long fight with cancer.
Originally from Brisbane Queensland, Russell began his surfing career with the Surfers Paradise Surf Lifesaving Club in the early sixties. He left home at 14 years of age and headed for Sydney knocking on Bob McTavish’s door at the home of Paul Witzig announcing, “Hi I’m Russell Hughes and I’m here to surf!”
It wasn’t long before Russell took off to Noosa with McTavish surfing the uncrowded perfect waves of the Noosa points where his surfing really took off. “They called me the Mayor of Noosa,” recalls Bob “but Russell was the King of First Point!”
By 1966 Russell hit the big time placing third in the Australian Titles Open Men’s final at Coolangatta, behind Bob in second, and Nat Young the unanimous winner. It was the start of a whole new era of progressive surfing from traditional to modern manoeurves.
In 1967, Russell created a huge upset by defeating local Gold Coast hero Peter Drouyn at Burleigh Point for the QueenslandOpen Men’s State Title, (Eddie Sawden photo attached of Russell with the winning trophy at Burleigh, Gold Coast,Queensland).
Later that year he claimed his biggest win in the prestigious Newcastle Mattara Open final.
According to Midget Farrelly, “Russell was a real chance to take the 1968 World Title at Puerto Rico.” Russell placed third, behind Midget in second, and Hawaii’s Fred Hemmings deemed the winner. “He was so smooth and stylish in the big waves of Rincon, Puerto Rico,” said Nat Young, who placed fourth, and was a very close friend of Russell’s. Both lived in Byron Bay and regularly surfed Broken Head and Lennox Point during Alby Falzons “Morning of the Earth” movie and the early seventies period.
Hughes faded from competition and enjoyed cult hero status as a stylish soul surfer largely underground and avoiding the spotlight. Above all he loved surfing perfect uncrowded waves with his friends and adapted naturally from the longboard to shortboard transition.
By the 1980’s, Russell moved to California and then Mexico, but it was during this time that he incurred early cancer which he successfully beat with chemotherapy.
With his beautiful French-Canadian Partner Monik, he returned to Australia momentarily living at Margaret River in West Australia, surfing with old mates Robert Conneeley and John Adrian who organised a Legends Event that Russell won!
By the 90’s Russell and Monique moved back to Byron Bay living at the Belongil enjoying his surfing, playing tennis and keeping fit. Unfortunately the cancer returned and he decided to move back to Monik’s home in Quebec, Canada where he lived close to the snow.
Apart from being a super stylish surfer, Russell was equally proficient at windsurfing, kite-surfing and snowboarding.
A humble, courteous, and a highly individual character Russell Hughes was the ultimate style master with incredible charm and charisma who enjoyed his lifestyle and the freedom that it gave him while sharing it with Family and Friends.
Keep on soul arching brother; you’ll always be in our hearts and minds!!
R.I.P. Russell
Written by Andrew McKinnon
EXTRA: This commentary by legendary American surfer Micki Dora is edited from an article Authoritative Big and Small Wave Selections published in Surfing magazine, early 1968"...A fantastic surfer, he seems to belong in a scene from Camelot. An honest individual, his life is void of all deceptiveness, and this is reflected in his surfing.
Russell hails from Australia. and his spirit typifies that untamed land."
--I found this online. Thought those that loved him might be interested. Tony E.xo Read the Full Article
file:///Users/milestpro/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Masters/2011/05/31/20110531-223500/eddie-sawdens-phot0_660.jpg
Russell Hughes - RIP[]
I wrote the following piece about Russell Hughes on my surf blog:
Another great legend of the early longboard days of the glorious sixties era of surfing in Australia has passed away.
Sad news this week beginning to filter in as we learned that sixties and seventies reclusive stylist, Russell Hughes, has ridden his final wave.
After several battles with Cancer over the years, Russell aged 64, passed away this past week in Quebec, Canada, the home country of his surviving long time French Canadian partner, Monik Roy.
Originally from Brisbane in Queensland, Russell started his involvement with surfing and love of the ocean with the Surfers Paradise Surf Lifesaving Club.
Russell was a smooth wave rider and a true master of style. What Ernest Hemingway referred to as; "grace under pressure". He was a pathfinder and a bona fide Aussie surf pioneer in every sense of the word.
Attracted to the multiple point breaks, relative seclusion and clean living on the Northern NSW Coast in the late sixties, along with Bob McTavish, George Greenough, Nat Young, Chris Brock and the cutting edge crew, Russell was one of the handful of gifted surfers to be spearheading the avant-garde transition from clumsy longboards to modern responsive shortboards.
Always exhibiting style both in and out of the water. Who can forget Russell's classic floral Nehru-collared shirts during the flower power hippy era of the late sixties?
Researcher, biographer and curator of Cronulla's surfing legend; Bobby Brown, Queensland's Andrew McKinnon has penned a great exaltation on Russell's surfing history and achievements, as well as his recent past. I direct you to Pacific Longboarder's website to read a nicely written tribute.
One of my fondest memories of watching Russell Hughes surf, is that I was standing with a thrilled crowd on an offshore day at City Beach in September 1967, in Newcastle, NSW to see Russell take out one of his very rare major surf contest wins at the '67 Mattara Surfing Contest - in true contemporary style.
Despite his sparse list of contest victories and few podium finishes, he was regarded by all of his peers as one of our greatest surfers of his time. He was one of the headline surfers featured in Paul Witzig's 1967 breakout surf film 'The Hot Generation'.
Tributes are now beginning to pour in, not only from surfing's anointed royalty who shared many wondrous times over the years with Russell, but from a host of ordinary people who were simply touched by just knowing the this gentle and kind human being.
God bless you Russell, you will always be remembered in Australian surfing's folklore and your legacy of images will live on for many years to come. Time to join your old surfing soulmates Bobby Brown and Kevin Brennan who have been waiting in the line-up over that far horizon for some time now. I am sure you will be doing a beautiful, impressive, soul arch turn as you glide magically across the glassy waters in the straits between heaven's gates.
Steve Core
On Russell: Fashion fades - but Style is Eternal[]
From his home in Huntington Beach, California Peter Townned [1976 World Champ] just sent me an awesome shot of Russell from the late sixties in a Shane Surfboards Ad. And a great personal quote to go with it.
It inspired me to write another short story on Russell and style.
Entitled: Fashion Fades- But Style is Eternal. I just posted it.
Cheers all.
Steve Core
Kauai 69[]
The best time I remember with Russell was when he came to Kauai in 69. We got unreal waves at Hanalei, foraged for fruit and picked up his new board shaped by Dick Brewer in Hanapepe. We also drove up to the State park and viewed the amazing valleys you can see from the highest centre of this round island.. Like looking down the spokes of a wheel... Obviously impressed, Russell named his son after this special magic place.... The place is called Kokee.
Rusty Miller
Have a pint for Russ and a few hott ones[]
Russ and Jason know how to party until the next one my friend
Russ[]
Gone too soon Russ. Loved and missed, mate. Loved and missed! Time may pass, and time heals all. But the loss of one who made a difference in our lives can never be measured. Like most things in life, it is absence that makes us realise how much that, which is now gone, meant to us. There is a memorial to you to be held in Toronto this month. I will attend and remember, in the hope that as we all converge, there will somehow be a small spark, brought on by those that loved you. A spark that will somehow bring you closer to us, now that you are gone.
Your spirit lives on in those that you touched, and it will be alive that night. I hope to feel your presence my friend. You live in all our hearts. A kind and splendid man, who left many good memories, and made so many friends in the time that we were lucky enough to know you. I miss your voice buddy. I miss your laugh.
Miles Easton.xxoo
There is a great line in one of my favorite movies, 'A River Runs Through It', that in many ways defines what the essence of love is. I loved Russ, as those who read this page did. Without fully understanding one another, we find each other and somehow form bonds that stay with us. Why do we love some, and not others? I don't know, but I loved Russ!
" For it is true we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted. And so it those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them - we can love completely without complete understanding. "
Miles Easton. xxoo
"Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Thanks for your life, Russ, and for heeding Dylan Thomas' words.
I will forever be thankful for having known you, and hope to take the lessons you gave me about life,
and live my life as you did. With courage, laughter, friendship and love. I love and miss you my dear
friend.
Miles Easton.xxxooo
GREAT PHOTOS FROM JOHN WITZIG[]
Many thanks to the great John Witzig for the following photos. I sinceerly thank you on behalf of our family and friends for sharing these priceless snapshots with all of us.
Regards,
Erick Roy
Russell surfing the Point - photo by John Witzig
Garth and Russell - photo by John Witzig
Russell Surfing - photo by John Witzig
______________________________________________________________________________________.
LOVE FROM TONY[]
We all live a life, but few leave a legacy like you, Russ. So many people morn your passing, morn the loss of someone they loved. You are loved and missed, mate. Many of us will gather soon, myself and others traveling from far away to pay tribute to you and the life that you lived. I so wish that you could be there, and know that you would smile to see what an impact you had on Kew. Who would have thought that anyone could bring such a strange click together? Only you, mate, with that gift that was you-an ability to make everyone feel welcome. Just a splendid human being, a big hearted bugger who left a lot of broken hearts behind when you left us. I love and miss you, mate. I'm not the only one. Tony Easton.xxoo
Thanks for taking the time to get to know me Russ, especially when time was so very precious to you. You took the time to be a mentor, a friend and a confident, when you knew that you had very little time. I believe that in life, if we are fortunate, we come across Angels: someone who somehow helps you make it through the tough times, either through a kind word, some advice, or through a laugh and an embrace. You were that to me, and I never really thanked you. I Hope you know how very much you meant to me. I will make changes in my life: I will love my girl, family and friends more. I will love myself more, and take the life that was given to me, and live it to the full! All this because of you, my lovely, big hearted mate! The lessons that you gave me will live on, and hence, you will live on! Losing you broke many a heart, and mine is breaking as I write this. You were 'that Angel' to many, and you live on, buddy. You live on! I love and miss you, Russ!
Tony Easton. xxoo
Russ,
Tonight we met and celebrated your life, and remembered you. I met Kokee, and how amazing to see your son, and the remarkable similarities-the laugh, smile, and the mannerisms-amazing! You were truly loved, buddy! We laughed and danced, hugged and kissed. It was great to be around those that loved you, and I am so sad that you were not with us, laughing and partying. Life is not fair! I love you my dear
buddy!
T.xxxooo
Memorial to a great mate![]
I would like to thank Muriel, Kokee and Brian for their efforts in creating a memorial that was so fitting. Russ was many things: kind, magnetic, humble, and brilliant.
But the thing I will most remember is his verve for life, his laugh and how very happy he could make us. He made us all laugh with his wit, and in doing so, taught me that laughter is perhaps most important of all. There were times that I laughed at some ridiculous joke, and my heart was almost bursting with joy. That was your greatest gift, bud. Your ability to bring joy to people through laughter, and in doing so bring those around you together. The friendships that were formed because of you will live on. I and many continue to grieve, and perhaps there will always be part of us that left when you left, and is now gone. I know that Kew will never be the same, and I so wish that we could have you back. If there were a collection plate, and each of your friends could place a year of their life in that plate, and in return have you with us for a little longer, the plate would be full. That is how much you were loved, my man. The memorial was a fitting tribute, but the fact that that plate would be full, is perhaps the greatest testament to you.
Loved and missed, Russ. So greatly loved and missed! I love you very, very much, and will miss you for the rest of my life. Until we meet again, and in the hope that we will meet again.
Tony Easton. xxxooo
I love and miss you, my dear mate! I became a US Citizen on the 25th of last month, and as I stood there,
taking the oath of allegiance, I thought of you and your supportive words when I first embarked on this journey.
I wish I could share a beer with you in celebration of this milestone in my life. Your passing has so affected me,
Russ. I have forever changed. I dedicate this new chapter in my life to you, and to the lessons you gave me in
the short time that I was blessed to have your friendship. You live in me, and I will live better because of you.
Loved and missed, Russ. Loved and missed. Tony Easton.xxxooo
Russ, Loved and missed mate. The Thanksgiving and Xmas table will have an empty chair, but your spirit will be in the hearts of those that you brought joy to in your all too short life. I love and miss you, my dear big hearted mate! Tony E. xo
Russ, Take care of Carl up there, mate. So sad this year-we lost two of our gang. You will both be missed. Tony Easton xxoo
" See the pyramids along the nile. Watch a sunrise on a tropic isle. Just remember darling, all the while, you belong to me." Bob Dylan To my friends and family on this Xmas day: to the ones who I lost, and the ones who I cannot be with. Remember this: Love is not restrained by time, nor distance, but lies in my heart, and stretches out through the ether to all of you.
This Xmas will be a little less bright my old mate, because you are not here. Russ, I will forever love and miss your laugh, your humor, and your incredible light. Your humanity, that which you shared with all that you knew with such generosity, lives in us all. You are loved and missed, Russell Hughes. Take care of Carl and remember to smile down upon us in between those glistening crystal sets up there. :)
Tony Easton xxoo99.245.178.59 17:57, December 25, 2011 (UTC)
Big thanks to Bob for his write-up about Russell on his website[]
Have a look here:
http://www.mctavish.com.au/_blog/McTavish/post/Farewell_Russell_Hughes/
159.33.64.216 11:17, May 22, 2012 (UTC)Erick
IN LOVING MEMORY[]
It’s been a year since my dear uncle Russell Hughes has passed. Everyday I’m reminded of him, and I’m still learning about him.While reading through stacks of his Surfer’s Jounals (of which he was an avid reader) I often discover new nuggets of info about him. The other day, I discovered a November 1965 issue of Australian SURFING WORLD in his magazine collection. I found a few words about Russell, including 2 pics. I think they are very interesting, as they foreshadow Russell’s surfing, lifestyle and philosophy which he became known for over the years: free-surfing, soul-surfing, surf-tripping, performance surfing, whatever you want to call it.
The first article is by Paul Witzig about the Australian branch of the WINDANSEA Surf Club in Bondi. Australians emulating the Califormia surf scene seems like a strange phenomena today, but this was en vogue with the times – shortly before the “We’re tops now!” era – as coined by John Witzig. Anyways, of all things to import from Cali, I think Windansea was the perfect transplant, a good match with Australian surfing sensibilities. Here’s the tagline under Russell’s pic:
“Russell Hughes, fast gaining a reputation as one of Australia’s best boardmen, exhibits the keen enthusiasm and sportmanship which helps make Windansea one of the top clubs.”
The second mention is in a Bob McTavish article perfectly entitled: “The Neglected Greats”. It covers the many great Australian surfers that are under-represented in the media. Bob praises Mabbit, Birdsall, Murray, Black, Brennan and Hughes among others. Here’s what Bob wrote about Russ:
“... And now to naturals. First, Russell Hughes, who is plain great. Never received recognition because he’s never hung around photographers, and the more searching photographers have never liked him because he is a symbol of the carefree, ambitionless, casual, sleep-here-one-night-there-the-next class of fanatics. He must rate among the top five surfers in the country...“
Remembering Russell always.
We love and miss him dearly.
- Erick Roy and family
159.33.64.216 11:36, May 22, 2012 (UTC)Erick
God bless, Russ. You are forever loved and missed. I would so love to hear your laugh again, and share a cold one/hot one with you. I love and miss you till my dying day, my lovely big hearted mate! Easton. xxxooo
Russ once identified 2 types of poeple as we sat laughing, discussing, enjoying a sunny day. The first are ' Rich men without money, the second: poor men with money.' What a brilliant guy he was. Loved and missed, Russ. Forever in my thoughts, and heart. I love you, dear mate of mine. xxoo
Tony Easton
69.124.49.24 18:10, November 21, 2012 (UTC)
Never forgotten[]
I thought of you a great deal today, dear friend. Life in all it's glory carries with it such sadness, and no sadness is greater than the loss of a true friend. I hope to see you again, to shake your hand, and to share a laugh. You are loved and missed, Russ. Tony. Xxoo
Red: [narrating] Sometimes it makes me sad, though... Andy being gone. I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up DOES rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss my friend.
Today I remember my dear mate, Russ. You left the world better for having been here, made me better for having met you, but the world seems colder and darker without you in it. In my dreams I see you thundering down the face of a glassy wave, your big, splendid heart bursting with joy! I love and miss you my friend. Forever in my heart. Miles Easton xxoo 69.124.49.24 08:13, May 29, 2013 (UTC)
Russ[]
"Of all the words of tongue and pen, there are none so sad, than what might have been." You left too soon, bud. Xo Miles xo 69.124.49.24 08:12, May 29, 2013 (UTC)
Remembering you tonight, Russ. Never forgotten. Always loved and missed. I so miss laughing with you bud. A lovely, big hearted bugger, you left a hole in my heart. I love ya, buddy! Xxoo
Happy Australia Day, 2014, Russ. I think of you all the time, and it is my sincerest hope that you are riding that wave, the scent of salt water in your nostrils, healthy and strong, and heart bursting with joy in the knowledge, that the next set will be following this one, and perhaps bring better waves still. I, and many others, love and miss you today, and every day. I can't wait to see you again. I love you. xxoo
Thinking about you tonight, Russ. I hope I get to see you again. I miss your smile, your laugh, your kindness, and your joy for life. I so hope that I will get the chance to hug you again. I love and miss you, buddy. As Hank Moody would say, and you would love this show buddy, " till the fucking wheels fall off, buddy! Till the wheels fall off. That's how long I'll love you. Tony. Xxoo
Just want to let you know that I love and miss you, mate. I think of you every day, but today is particularly sad, because it marks the anniversary of the day that the world became a little less bright, and a little less hopeful. Love and miss you, my friend. Xxoo. Ellis Boy "Red" Redding: I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more grey. I guess I just miss my friend. Xxoo 124.185.25.130 06:39, May 26, 2015 (UTC)
love and miss you, my friend. Wish you were here, to share a laugh, tell a story, offer your wisdom, or just spend a lazy afternoon at the Kew beer garden. Loss is inevitable, butlove is forever. Love you, Russ. Xxoo ____
Midget has joined you, my friend. Another of the greats gone too soon. I know that you will welcome him home, show him around, and take him to the cleanest break up there. Love and miss you, Russ, my forever missed friend. Easton. Xxoo 101.162.31.63 14:50, August 8, 2016 (UTC)