Download the Remembrance Book (PDF) - The National Fallen ...

Remembering
Russell B. Schwantes
Atlanta Fire Rescue Department — Georgia
Classification: Career
Rank: Fire Apparatus Operator
Date of Death: April 25, 2006
Age: 39
Russell Schwantes collapsed after participating
in mandatory physical training
on April 16 and was hospitalized
until his death on April 25, 2006.
Russell devoted his life to his
family, his work, and his community.
He was loved and
respected by everyone that
knew him. Russell married
his high school sweetheart,
Athena Williams, on
April 20, 1995. They were
raising their two beautiful
daughters, Holly and
Morgan, in Fayetteville,
Georgia. Russell loved his
family, and he was their
HERO. The bond was so
strong; he always put them
first. He loved and cared for
his parents until their death
and continued a loving relationship
with his sister, Patsy, who still
refers to him as her “baby brother.”
The kids in the neighborhood loved Mr.
Russell. To them he was fun, loving, and safe.
Russell had a big heart! He was always there to lend
a helping hand or offer encouragement to anyone
with a need. His motto was to always make good
memories and live as if today were your last. Russell
lived life to the fullest. Making someone’s day was
his lot in life. You could always see the gratification
on his face when he made someone smile. He
was much like the ARK, always committing Acts of
Random Kindness.
Russell always wanted to be a fireman. As a little
boy, he chased fire engines with his dad.
He was strong, confident, and courageous.
He believed, “You can only
fail by not trying.” In addition to
being a great fire fighter, he ran
a successful landscape business
and had recently ventured
into medical sales. His
friends joked that Russell
knew enough about everything
to get anything
accomplished. His friends
and coworkers trusted him
and knew if anything was
wrong Russell would take
bold steps to ensure that it
was made right.
Russell was an active member
of a men’s bible study group,
and the other men respected
him and valued his input. He
loved and believed in Jesus. Every
morning, without fail, he would cover
his family in prayer. He exemplified the
love of Jesus by the way he loved and interacted
with his family. This made it easy for his girls to relate
to how much more love Jesus had for them.
Russell, it broke our hearts to lose you; you did not go
alone. For part of us went with you the day God called
you home. You left us peaceful memories; your love
is still our guide. And though we cannot see you; you
are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and
nothing seems the same. But as God calls us, one by one,
our chain will link again. We love you!