Longtime Menlo Park resident Bill Russ passes away at age 89

Long-time Menlo Park resident Bill Russ passed away recently at age 89.

His wife Sally emailed: “He loved the Lord, scripture, his church community, and most importantly his family.

“The Russ family invites you to a celebration of Bill’s earthly life — which was just shy of 90 years — May 31, 1934, to January 21, 2024. His celebration will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 3:00 pm at New Community Church, 1100 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park.

“A reception at the church will follow immediately after the service. The family sincerely hopes that you are able to join us. We will have a time of ‘recollections’ so please bring your favorite memories to share with others.

“No RSVP necessary. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Real Options, Obria Medical Clinics – San Jose, in memory of Charles William Russ III.

“One of Bill’s requests is that this is a true celebration — no neckties and  people wearing colors instead of black. He is not mourning being with the Lord.

“New Community Church is on the corner of Middle Ave. and Arbor Rd. Note: there is no parking on Middle. We recommend Arbor Road on either side of Middle Avenue for parking.”

InMenlo followers will remember Bill as the site’s founding local weather watcher, promptly and accurately reporting the rainfall for each 24 hour period.  Why the fascination? He told us in 2020 when he handed off the weather watcher reins: “It’s something old guys do.”

The accompanying photo of Bill with his gauges was taken by InMenlo founder Chris Gulker in 2010.

Bill enjoyed walking around the neighborhood with Sally, and they could be spotted even as his health declined.

Photo by Chris Gulker (c) 2010