Russ Irwin
With the heaviest of hearts we share that Russell Dean Irwin, 81, a lifelong resident of Fairport, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Russ was a great man, loved dearly by many. He was an asset to the community, mentoring kids and fostering relationships with families near and far. He and his wife, Shari, opened their farm year-round to local kids, teaching, training, and providing a sanctuary for all. They grew Playmor Farm into more than just a working farm, but an experience, nurturing and rescuing animals and providing hands-on learning for so many, sharing their knowledge and love of animals to people of all ages.
Russ was a man of many talents. A thinker, a storyteller, nature lover, teacher of uncommon knowledge, farmer, fixer of all things, photographer, and animal lover. He was so many things to so many people, and cherished by all. He had a way with children, and teenagers, and his friendships ran deep. You got the best of him in small, comfortable settings; the dinner table, walking a horse, paddling a canoe, or sitting by the fire.
He was clever, knew a little about everything. And wise, a lifetime of absorbing knowledge and sharing tidbits of meanings or origins of things, or deep explanations of how things work. He had a story about everything, he was such an interesting person. Russ had a great sense of humor, he was witty and a bit of a prankster for those that knew him well. His laughter, his sense of humor, and his stories will be forever remembered.
Russ valued family, loved his children, grandkids, his nieces and nephews, but most of all, his wife, Shari. From the first time he took her out for ice cream to his final breath, a love and partnership that was admirable and envied by all.
Russ is survived by his kind and loving wife, Shari, of 33 years, his children Theresa (Greg) Hays, Gary (Rosa) Albrecht, Janice (Brian) Hopkins, Lisa (Rob) Menna, Diane (Bill) MacCowan, Scott (Leslie) Irwin, and Alicia Irwin as well brothers-in-law, Gary (Susie) Phillips, Jim Phillips (Donn), 18 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, Kenneth and Leila, and brothers, Wayne and Robert Irwin.
Calling Hours will be Friday, March 17th from 4:00-6:00 pm at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY 14450. A service will be held at the same location 11:00 am on Saturday, March 18th.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Begin Again Horse Rescue, P.O. Box 28, Honeoye, NY 14471, to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association.
Comments
10 responses to “Irwin, Russell Dean”
So very saddened to hear of Russ’s passing. I am the loser for not making it a priority to get over and visit with you both. The memories of many years of growing up with you and your family (like my own family!) are ever present in my thoughts. Please accept my & Gene’s sincere condolences and know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Shari and family so sorry to hear about Russ any thing mary or I can do please reach out. CAM.
What beautiful words for such a kind hearted man. I regret allowing the pandemic to keep me away these past few years. My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family. Russ was very special to me, especially after my father died. Thank you for sharing him and his hugs with me. He will be missed dearly. Loving prayers of comfort for the family
Dear Shari,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Russ. I am thinking of you and all your family. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Janice Barnum (Shari and I worked at Kodak together)
We are so very sorry for your loss. Such a wonderful man. Our condolences to the family.
I remember Russ from school but moved away in 8th grade returning to Fairport years later. I had an opportunity to be at your home for a small class gathering several years ago, Unfortunately, lives get busy and did not make the effort to reach out further. … my loss for sure confirmed by this Beautiful Tribute to Russ . Please accept my deepest Heart felt Sympathy to you and your family.
Betty Wood Shamblen
I worked with Russ at Kodak. Russ is a genuine and true individual We developed a great friendship When Russ left Kodak I lost a very special friend. Rest in peace my friend. God bless you and your family
Heaven will be a better place
Russ will be missed by so many whom he came in contact with. He was a great brother-in-law to me, and everyone who shared his love of animals and kids. He loved and cherished where we all call home, Playmor Farm. Until we meet again, cheers Russ!
Shari sending you lots of love. The world has lost another great Man. I truly hope he has met up with pops and they are sharing a lot of laughs..
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