Honoring Linda Russin
On April 17, 2019, Linda Kay Hamlin Russin, loving and dedicated member of the Key West community, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes.
Linda was born on Dec. 23, 1949, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Robert and Bernis (Bivins) Hamlin. She received her English/Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1968. Linda taught English, journalism and cheerleading at Westminster Christian School in Miami, and was a trade journal editor before becoming the Public Relations Director at Victoria Hospital in Miami. She then became the Public Relations Director at Memorial Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, where she met her husband, Dr. John Russin. John and Linda married in December 1987 and raised their daughter, Alissa, who is a mechanical engineer in Boston.
John and Linda acquired Key West’s WIIS-FM Island Radio in 1995, and Linda began working at the station full-time in 2008. Linda was the owner, operator, station manager, sales representative, DJ, community outreach coordinator, news director, programmer, weatherman, maintenance manager and cleaning crew for Island 106.9 and one of her greatest thrills was when she went to a business and heard that they were playing her radio station for customers.
Linda was currently serving as secretary of The Rotary Club of Key West and was slated to become president for the 2020-2021 Rotary year. Serving her Key West community through Rotary since 2005 was one of Linda’s greatest passions and she dearly loved the Rotary family she had joined.
Linda was interested in history and genealogy and was a standing member of the Cherokee Nation. She loved Southern-style cooking, Oklahoma Sooners football, exercising, reading mystery books, keeping in touch with friends through social media, and helping anyone in need.
Always up for an exciting adventure, Linda went skydiving with the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights, made a tailhook landing on aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, flew in the U.S. Navy Blue Angels C-130 “Fat Albert” and went to Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island.
Linda was preceded in death by her father, Robert, her mother, Bernis, and her brother Steve. She is survived by husband John, daughter Alissa, brother John (Margaret), sister Jane (Nick) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Linda will be laid to rest next to her parents at the Ramona Cemetary near her beloved hometown of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on Monday, April 29.
Honoring Bev Blue
Honoring Jason Leahy
Honoring Hetty Speelziek
In honour of my beautiful Mother whom passed away September 10th, 2012.
Immigrated from the Netherlands to Canada, after WW2 with her parents and 3 siblings. Met and married my Dad in 1960, and had four children, Brenda, James, Debby and Edward.
My Mother was a feisty, strong-willed Dutch girl whom instilled the same in her children. My Mother fought thru Alzheimer’s for almost six years.
I miss her terribly, as does our family. Love you Mommy, till we meet again. 💔
Honoring Bella
Honoring Yankee Jack
Jack was a singer/songwriter/entertainer in Key West for 30 years and before that in the Boston area. He wrote many songs about life in Key West and loved living on this island. He left behind two daughters, four granddaughters, a lot of great friends and fans and a loving fiancee, Kathy.
Honoring Carole Ellis
Mother ,spouse, sister, grandmother .
She was a strong caring soul!
Her family and their care meant so much to her. Faith and love of God kept her strong. Glue in the family. She passed to young. Her spirit lives on in our hearts as we continue to celebrate her life!
1953-2015
Honoring Tom Randolph
If you don't know what to do, ASK TOM.
Honoring Loretta Detmer Tulacz
Loretta Detmer Tulacz, a first generation Polish American, was born in 1921 and unlike the expectations for women of her day, Loretta embraced adventure. At age 21 she enlisted into the Women’s Army Corps during WWII, left her hometown of Poughkeepsie, NY, and traveled to Florida for basic training. Upon completion she boarded a Navy transport ship and sailed to Italy where she served with the 40th WAAC HQ and the 1847th WAC, reaching the rank of Technical Sergeant. She was stationed throughout Morocco, Italy, and Egypt, working as a stenographer, chaplain’s assistant, and chief clerk.
She became a jeep driver for a General officer and was promoted to classified courier for the American Embassy in Cairo. Loretta told numerous stories of her many exciting experiences overseas including being in active combat zones, living in bombed out buildings, and traveling with top secret documents handcuffed to her wrist. She was highly decorated and has her name included at the Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C.
After the war she worked for IBM, got married, and had two children. She remained active through involvement with extended family and organizations such as the local bowling association, the Catholic Church, the American Legion, and the VFW.
Her hobbies included roller skating and she often competed in figure-skating and couples skate- dancing. She was an accomplished seamstress, making her own clothes and skating costumes.
Loretta and her husband Ed moved to Florida in 1979 and enjoyed an active retirement. Loretta loved to oil paint and regularly sold and donated her artwork. Having loved the warm Florida weather, she took up cycling and accumulated over 12,000 miles on her bicycle. She had a full long life passing away gracefully at the age of 95.
Honoring David Alan Graves, Jr. aka "Big Daddy"
David Alan, aka Big Daddy, loved life. He lost his life to a heart attack at the age of 34. He loved his 2 boys, Michael and Wesley, most. He would do anything for anyone. He loved to drive his race car and he loved to drive his semi trucks. He will forever and ever be loved and missed by all. He is now in heaven with his daddy and Dale Earnhardt whom he loved as well.
Honoring Raymond and Cecilia Rath
Married for 71 years, Ray and Ceci had a fulfilling and adventurous life together. After 20 years in the Air Force and raising 6 great kids while living in MN :-), they set out on a 6 year sailing odyssey which took them half way around the world. Upon returning to dry land and becoming landlubbers once again, they took up residence in northern MN on 1200 acres of prime forest and farm land. Ray spent the next 30 (or so years) indulging in his second love of gardening, while Ceci spent her time preserving the fruits (and vegetables!) of his labors. Ray and Ceci (94 & 93 respectively) are missed very much by their 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Honoring Ronald Bowman
Honoring Christopher (Mo) Marino
Honoring Ray Rolston
Ray “Papa Ray” Rolston passed away on April 30, 2019, at his home in his beloved Key West, Florida. He was born in British Guyana on Sept. 29, 1947, to Dolly Kirton and Lancelot Rolston.
Growing up amid dense rainforest with an infinite tropical climate, trade winds and bright sunsets inspired him to be a naturalist. At an early age, he started painting the landscapes surrounding his hometown. The many waterfalls and rivers of the region became the subject of his works of art as a young adult. After migrating to the United States and spending more than two decades in New York City, he relocated to the Florida Keys. Ray called Key West his home for more than 20 years. The lush tropical scenery, colorful conch houses, landmark buildings and magnificent sunsets became his inspiration for Key West Colors. His signature artwork, which consists of vibrant hues coupled with breathtaking views, earned him the title of one of the premier artists of Key West.
Ray enjoyed traveling all around the world, painting, and taking photographs. He relished in the many trips to the Amazon region and the coral reefs of the Caribbean where he found unbridled inspiration for painting coral scenes and seascapes.
His coffee table book titled “The Art of Ray Rolston,” co-published by Vassi Cheragava, became a fan favorite. His vast body of artwork includes commissioned paintings, abstracts, portraits, and tributes to some of his favorite musicians. For the past 20 years, he has been a premier artist at the world-renowned Sunset Celebration at Mallory Pier.
Honoring Duncan Forbes
Duncan's loving spirit will be forever eternal
Honoring Greg Coffey
Larger than life itself, Greg loved Key West, where he lived for over 9 years. He was known and loved by many of the locals and worked at Rick's for a number of years. He won the "Best Bartender Award in Key West" at least once and led a number of Key West charity activities.
Honoring Jeffrey M Fuller
Jeffery M. Fuller was born in Tampa, Florida on April 14, 1959, and passed away on Friday, October 20, 2017. He was born to Josephine and Millard Fuller and attended elementary school at St. Lawrence. He graduated from Jesuit High School in 1977, then received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida. Jeff went on to successfully practice law in Tampa until his recent retirement in 2016. Jeff enjoyed many hobbies such as coaching team sports, golf, and fishing whenever he could. He is survived by Dianne, a special and cherished woman in his life, and by Dexter, his loyal companion. He was also survived by three children whom he loved dearly, Andrew Fuller, Katherine Bender, and Caroline Sutton; his brother, Gene Fuller; and sister, Nancy Vail; plus, many nieces and nephews, as well as many beloved relatives and many dear and faithful friends. Jeff loved being involved as a coach, mentor, or just being a “Dad” for his children.
Jeff had a quick wit and loved playing practical jokes on his many long-time friends. Jeff had many friends, which he had known since a young age, and remained friends until his unexpected early passing. Some of the long-time friends were his fellow classmates from Jesuit High School and those boys had been known to pull some crazy antics. One of his close friends was Joe Crehan of Key West and Jeff always enjoyed the craziness of the Keys during his visits. In recent years, he enjoyed his time spent at his place in Steinhatchee, Florida, where he, Dianne, and Dexter could just roam about the laid-back area or enjoy their time on the water. Jeff had a unique relationship with Dianne and they enjoyed each other’s company tremendously, traveling, and their time together even though it was unexpectedly cut too short. Jeff was highly respected in the Tampa legal community and always had his clients’ best interest at heart. The law profession does not produce lawyers like those of Jeff’s integrity and character any more. While Jeff is missed every day, he still remains in the hearts of those he loved and shared such good times.
Honoring Capt Gene Chrzanowski
Honoring Linda Patchett
LINDA PATCHETT
AUGUST 1945-JANUARY 2019
OPTICIAN EXTRAORDINAIRE FOR OVER 50 YEARS.
THE OP-SHOPS IN MIAMI AND KEY WEST.
CONCH KIDS COMMUTE - TRANSPORTING THE KIDS OF KEY WEST.
EYE-EYE-EYE - MAKING WEARING GLASSES A THING OF BEAUTY.
MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, GREAT FRIEND, GREAT HUMAN BEING.
LOVED MUSIC, LOVED JAZZ, LOVED NEW ORLEANS.
LOVED ANIMALS. LOVED LIFE.
ANOTHER KEY WEST "EYECON" PASSING THROUGH.
LONG LIVE LINDA PATCHETT.