Charles Russell Ellwood

Priscilla's Eulogy

It seems somehow appropriate that the group gathered here this evening to commemorate Charles Russell Ellwood did not know him. You are here out of a sense of loyalty and friendship--two of Russ's greatest virtues. Perhaps you are here to share in the potluck supper, which he also would have understood, especially if you're planning to wash it down with a generous portion of something that warms your innards. In any case, we are very grateful for your presence.

My father grew up during the depression so he naturally embodied the qualities associated with that era: hardworking, honest, loyal, frugal. He also served in the Navy during WWII as a fighter pilot and fought in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Pacific. So add to that the qualities of devotion, bravery, and patriotism.

Russ raised a large family--3 children to which were added 7 stepchildren when his first wife, my mother, died. So add the qualities of perseverance, self-sacrifice, generosity, and steadfast love. There were many times in my life when his love provided a refuge for me. Two very dramatic examples were when I almost married my highschool sweetheart (a big mistake) and when I nearly lost myself to the drug culture of the 70's. He modeled for me a person who was quite simply true to himself, without pretensions, which helped me to find my center.

Perhaps his greatest quality was his humor which seemed to bubble up even in the most unpredictable moments. For example, when we had just delivered our firstborn and called my father to tell him we were honoring him with the name Charles Ellwood because they bore a physical resemblance, Russ replied, "Don't worry. All newborns are ugly--he'll grow out of it."

In thinking about Russ's life, I am tempted to dwell on the last 6 1/2 years which he spent as a quadriplegic. For that period he was in too much pain even to sit up, and four the last four years he took his nourishment entirely through a stomach tube. You could say that through him I have spent the last 6 1/2 years contemplating the great mystery of suffering. How can something so difficult and incomprehensible produce something so beautiful and joyous. Is it selfish to say the most treasured moments we shared were at the height of his suffering? Is it crazy to say that this humble, selfless man who knew so little about religion, who made me laugh and feel good even to the end, taught me something about Christ?

So really it is with great joy that we should be celebrating tonight. Joy for the fellowship we share and for a great soul who has found his way home.

Russ in 1944, ready for battle

Russ Ellwood as "Poster Boy" for the HP Real Estate Calculator
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