On Jan. 13, the car Owen was riding in was rear-ended, breaking three bones in his neck. The driver of the truck that ran in to him was texting on his phone when he ran into Russell's car. The Police are looking into vehicular manslaughter charges.
Russell Owen Memorial Service will be at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, northeast corner of Preston Rd. and Walnut Hill Ln., 9800 Preston Rd., Dallas, Tx. 75230, Phone 214-368-6348
Service will be in the main sanctuary at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 30, 2010. There is a large parking lot on the west side of the church, as well as parking on the east side and in front (southside). A reception follows the service in the atrium adjacent to the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so may make a donation to TCAT for New Textbook Coordinators Training (The Russell Owen Memorial Fund) P.O. Box 676 Pflugerville, Texas 78691 or may donate to their charity of choice in his memory.
for more information, click here!
SOME OF THE FOUNDERS OF TCAT
STANDING LEFT TO RIGHT, MARK ROGERS, AUSTIN ISD, RUSSELL OWEN, DALLAS ISD, ANNE TWEEDT, HUMBLE ISD
FRONT ROW LEFT TO RIGHT, BERT CURTIS, GARLAND ISD, MIKE SPRINGER, DENISON ISD
WHAT SOME FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES HAVE TO SAY:
As a ‘newby’ in textbooks, I so appreciate all that has been done in textbooks---and have the utmost respect for Bert ,Russell and the senior leaders that have done this for so long and laid a great foundation for everyone. For one to experience the loss of someone so close, is a loss for all. In my prayers and thoughts.
-Tawnia King, Celina ISD
How shocking and sad. I am totally stunned.
-Phil Brasher, Lancaster ISD
I am sorry to hear the loss of a loved one. My sympathies and condolences go out to his family, friends, and extended family, both in the Dallas ISD and the textbook world. We have lost a dear friend and colleague. God Bless to the one who has laid a foundation and a legacy for us all to look up to and follow.
My thoughts and prayers go out to us all. God Bless.
-Corey Ferguson, HEB ISD
My heart is breaking knowing Russell and how much he cared for every school district and student in Texas.
-Anne Tweedt, Humble ISD
My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family for their loss. I am shocked. He seemed to be doing so well for this drastic turn. Perhaps we could put his picture and something about him on our TCAT website for all to see as we have no idea how many, many lives he touched.
-Betty Adamson, Victoria ISD
I am stunned ... Russell and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
-Ann McGuffey, Duncanville ISD
I am so sorry to hear that. It’s been great reading about Russell’s continuing progress each week. What a shock! We’ll definitely pray for his family.
-Dave Barbieri, Chapel Hill ISD
Life is precious enjoy every moment. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
-Greg Wright, Leander ISD
I am saddened and send deepest regrets to his family.
-Sandy McCollom, Hayes CISD
Russell was such a good friend to all of us in textbooks. As one of the founders of both the NTTCA and TCAT, he was a pioneer in "sharing the knowledge" to fellow Coordinators. We will miss him greatly. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and co-workers.
-Chuck Kennedy, Irving ISD
Thanks for a job well done.
Dan Stewart, Hayes Software Systems
TCAT Webmaster
I was lucky enough to have known Russell for longer than most. He and I were active together in Boy Scouts and the Order of the Arrow in Dallas as youth and young adults. He was a mentor to me then and continued to be in my beginnning teaching, and then through TSTA activities, and finally reconnecting as a Textbook Coordinator. Russell was a true servant. He was always searching for some way to help others, whether in learning about textbooks and coordinating or as a friend to talk to.
It is a great personal loss to me, as it is for many others. But I have been blessed to have known Russell, worked with him, and had him as a friend.
And I also know that he has been a blessing to a mutitude of students, teachers, administrators, and everyone he came in contact with. Requiescat in pace, old friend.
Mark Stoddard
Asst Principal
Pleasanton ISD
We are all truly saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Russell Owen. Our thoughts and prayers will be with him and his family. Thanks buddy for all your hard work, contributions, and dedication you will be missed and never forgotten.
Abel Villarreal, Corpus Christi ISD
My thoughts and prayers go out to Russells family.. As a new textbookperson many many years ago he was one of the many that I turned to as I learned all about the world of textbooks. Russell will be missed at TCAT and NTTCA as he was a walking textbook of knowledgeFrankie Sue Bessinger
Change Your Thinking
It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking.
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room's only window.
The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end.
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window..
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.'
The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.
Do not keep this letter.
I pray you will forward it to all your friends to whom you wish God's blessings.Phil Brasher
What a great loss for TCAT and our Textbook Family. I am saddened and want to express my sympathy to Russell’s family and friends. Thank you Russell for your many years of service!
Susan Smith - Conroe ISD
Russell was always there for any question that I might have had about textbooks. Russell along with Mike Fowler got me started with T.C.A.T. many years ago. He will be missed.
Steve Hanson, Galena Park ISD
We Have lost a great mentor and teacher. Russell was the single most influential BOOK MAN I have had the pleasure of working with. He was a wonderful encourager who took the time to make a difference in the lives everyone he touched. Texas owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Russell for all of his contributions &to the Textbook community. We will miss him very much,
Mike Fowler
We are both humbled and inspired by Russell's dedication to his job and his role as a leader. With gratefulness for all he accomplished in his life, our thoughts are with his family.
Michael Hayes - Hayes Software Systems
Russell, Helped me great deal with TEA and EMAT, he will be missed.
Willis B. Welch, Jr.
Fort Worth ISD
Russell was my very good friend/brother and boss. I am deeply saddened that we have lost such an “Exceptional Man”. I am in total disbelief that he is gone, after only speaking with him just the night before. I felt he was on the road to recovery. Russell will always be in my heart and mind.
Mary Lozano-Baker
Dallas I.S.D.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family at the lost of a great man. He had helped me on several occasions and through his insight and wisdom I learned a great many things about textbooks. He will be missed...
Joel Lopez, Houston ISD
So sorry to hear this sad news! Our thoughts & prayers go out to Russell & his family.
Tom Neve-Follett Software
Russell has inspired many of us in so many ways. He will never be forgotten. I would like to thank the LORD for allowing us the blessing of his presence. He is a man of honor!
"We Didn't Get To Say Goodbye":
"We didn't get to say goodbye
We're devastated that you're gone
We'd've done anything to keep you here with us
Right here where you belong
We didn't know that life would take
Such an unexpected path
That you'd be separated from us so soon
Heartbreaking reality we struggle to grasp
And bitter though our losing you has been
And so profound is the pain that we bear
We're sadder still at no chance for goodbye
No final expression of our deep love and care
Yet believing that you're not too far away
That your Spirit still lingers quite near
We'll say our goodbyes in our words and our thoughts
Trusting that each one you'll hear
First, know that you were loved in the truest of ways
So deep that only our hearts can give expression
You'll be forever surrounded by our love
For we're sending it straight up to Heaven
Please know that you'll be cherished by each one of us
For your example and kindness we'll treasure
We understand now how your life was a gift
That was meant to bless us forever
And though we'll miss you terribly
We want your Spirit to be free
Free to enjoy all the wonders of Heaven
Not bound to us in our grief
So watch over us with happiness from Heaven ..."
God Bless you all,
Rosemary Castillo, TEA
Russell will be missed deeply. New Coordinators will miss out on his vast knowledge of the textbook world and veteran coordinators will miss his Legislative and SBOE knowledge. What a treasure we have lost.
Kellie Skarda, Goose Creek ISD
Russell was truly a professional in every sense of the word. During my tenure at DISD he was one of the most supportive, friendly, and knowledgeable "customers" I had the pleasure of working with. He always had a kind word for me - ALWAYS. I have never forgotten his generosity and kindness and regret that he is gone from us now. I am pleased though that he is no longer suffering and will now be peaceful. He will certainly be missed by many. Deepest Sympathies - Rose Kohut
There are good men and then there are good men who are great. There are loud men and then there are men who speak softly but whose words are loud. There are men who know everything and then there are men who really know everything. There are men who have an answer at all times and then there are men who really know the answers. There are men who always want to be first and then there are men whose servant spirit places them first in the hearts of those around them. There are men to whom no one listens and then there are men to whom all listen. Russell was truly the latter of these.
James Voss, Richardson ISD
Russell was an absolute mess. Great sense of humor, loved things to excess and played a mean game of backgammon and bridge. Had a great capacity to serve those around him and was a true teacher. While his passing is indeed sad and to many a surprise, it is his life that is to be celebrated. With love to his immediate family and friends.
Eric T Stoddard
Superintendent
Loraine ISD
I am saddened to hear of Russell's passing. He has been steadfast in his mission to teach each administrator the proper way to handle textbooks and materials on campuses. I think I have asked him the same question at least 5 different ways, and he always consistently supplied me with the answer...even when I wanted it to be something else. He was by-the-book and I am grateful that he always took time to help me whenever I needed it. I don't think anyone could fill his shoes in quite the same way. We will miss you, Russell. My thoughts and prayers to your family at home and your "family" at Textbook Services.
Pamela Nunez
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Russell was an honest man and that is a rarity. He will be missed.
Carol J Brown
Russell will always hold a special place in my heart for he was my first love. We shared many memories together. Life has many directions and obstacles and youth is not all knowing. I will cherish all of the time we spent together through high school and college. My heart goes out to Russell's family and all of his many friends along his path of life. He will be missed by all.Patricia Coats
I know Russell was a man of principle who was dedicated to his job and helping children. He was a compassionate man who was well loved by his family. My condolences to friends and family in particular!
Pat Black
Russell was our Textbook Rock, along with Bert Curtis and P. D. Thomas. I am so proud to have had them along my path during my time as textbook coordinator for FW ISD, And the fact that they were all friends helped us all. God Bless Russell's family and Bert's and P.D's too.
Betty Price
