My email is bornagaintrans@gmail.com. please contact me as this site will be shut down by tonight.

Russell was my very first boyfriend I was maybe 13 or 14. We met at North Venice Little League Baseball Field.  He played for the Angels.  It was love at first site, his long hair and his feisty attitude drew me in.    He used to ride me around Venice on the handle bars of his bike.   He gave me his St Christopher necklace and we had our first kiss. Very shortly after, my parents told me they thought he was too ‘mature' for me, him being a year older than me and so we parted ways. We went to different high schools so we didn't keep in touch.    I ran in to him in Venice at Maxwell's Café 5 or 6  years later, we shortly reconnected and then I heard from him again about 8 years ago when I was preparing to leave for the UK to live and teach in a Buddhist Meditation Centre.  We spoke on the phone a few days before I left and he wanted to talk and connect more than I had the ability to at that time.  I can say that I am sorry I never got to know the grown up Russell.  He seemed quite mysterious to me.  The posts on this site have given me some insight to Russell that I would never have known otherwise, because we knew each other at such a young age.  It is wonderful to see he is loved by so many.  My condolences go to his family. If anyone would like to share pictures of him with me I would really appreciate it.  I only have the young Russell in his baseball gear image in my head. Thank you

My brother, so sad.... Literally cut from the same cloth, childhood memories, protecting me like only a big brother could, sharing our father's resemblance, thank you for you... I'll miss you til' I see you again. Hug mom and fish with pop! 
Love always,
Michelle Soto

Sweet dreams, my friend.. Until we meet again.... What a beautiful day.. and what a wonderful family that you have. Please watch over your family and Anita. They need you ...give them peace.. I love you and thank you for being my friend. Rest in Peach...

Rest in peace Russ.  We had many a good paddle together over the years and a few good laughs over a beer or two as well. You were an inspiration to many on and off the water and will be greatly missed.  Now that you have stepped accross to the next life it will be you standing there on the beach holding the canoe and urging each of us, as our time will come, to hurry up and jump aboard for a very fine paddle.  Aloha, until we meet again.

Russ, you'll be missed.  Thank you for being part of BTS's Marathon Team last year : )

--Christopher Patrick King ("Coach Chris")

"Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in one another still."  -William Penn

Pleasant journeys, Russell.  We'll see you on the other side.

Malissa and Phil Phillipuk

Russ was my brother from another mother as we say...His broad shoulders was the first thing that I recalled when we first met.  He teased me while I was sitting on the couches at Beit T Shuvah in my Clippers jersey and asked me who I was cheering for.  We hit it off immediately.  What did an Asian guy from the OC have in common to the guy from Venice?  Everything!  I kept asking to room with him although he was hesitant when he heard that I snored.  Eventually, I moved in with him and we were like "Twins" ala Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.  He would motivate me to work out until midnight and then we would eat Subway sandwiches and watch movies until 2 a.m. and regret having to wake up at 6:30 a.m. for Torah studies.  We shared laughter and sorrow about our loved ones.  We made plans for our future.  We argued like brothers would and then shake it off by splitting the last cold can of Diet Coke.  He was truly an guardian angel to me in my darkest hours.  He wouldn't let me get down and always try to make me see the brighter light near the end of the tunnel.  We shared our faith in God and that's why I know that he is in a better place tonight.  He belongs in Heaven with the other angels.  I was told tonight to cherish the memories of my friend and to celebrate the short time that I got to be with him in on Earth.  I will miss him dearly.  

Bill T. Tran (Irvine, CA)

Rest in Peace Russ. I always enjoyed your quiet strength while paddling with you.  
See you in the afterlife.
Shannon T. Egan

Russ was a quiet, serious man.  He came to BTS shortly after I arrived.  He would poke his head into my room almost daily to say hello or borrow a movie.  He just loved movies.  He worked so hard and never seemed to run out of energy.  I was not on the marathon team, but I liked to walk with the team and help keep them motivated.  Russ didn't need to be motivated, he just was.  His energy keep others going.  The longest marathon training walk I did was with Russell and two other team members.  We walked 20 miles that night.  We were so tired at the end.  We all really pushed each other.
Russ was my friend and there is not much else to say, accept that he was beautiful and I was blessed to have known him.

The first time I met Russell was enroute to Pacific Palisades in which 4 of us were to walk 18 miles through 8 cities and finish in Santa Monica. I hadn't seen him before in the training and thought it quite enterprising that he or any of us were going to do the 18 (my personal longest distance) Somehow I was a snack delegate and those muffins were a hit with Russell!  We each had several prior to the walk and took some for the walk itself.  I'm saddened to learn of Russell's passing, as I met a genuine, intelligent and industrious human being, friendly and kind with a consistent determination.  May those that love Russell find peace in knowing his living made a difference.

Russell was my walker!!!  I'm a big power walker and most people can't keep pace with me...but Russell could!  I was impressed.  Ducks hat, check. Sunglasses, check. Backpack, check.  He was always ready and helped to motivate all of us.  He will be missed:(

Russell showed up to the Beit T'Shuvah Marathon team training on his very first day with enthusiasm. He didn't quite have proper shoes but it didn't matter to him. He was a walker on our team and it didn't matter how far the distance was or how long it would take him - he always insisted on going the distance and finishing. He never wanted to take the short cut - even when he got lost, he said it's ok I want to finish! And he did finish - he crossed the LA Marathon finish line at exactly 7 hours, 55 minutes. He had determination. He thanked me all the time for the muffins I'd bring to training and told me that's what kept him going. I never thought that was the case but it brought a smile to my face. We went on a couple night walks together and he was like this strong moving force in the night. He often came by my office just to say hi. He would rarely say much else, but his sincerity of heart was enough. He had a gentle sweetness about him that I will never forget. I will cherish those very short moments I shared with him.

The Beit T'Shuvah marathon team does a couple night walks during the season. I went on one of the walks and during one point, I was practically alone except for Russell who was about 100 feet ahead of me. It was dark and I had no idea where I was going but seeing Russell made me feel comfortable and safe. I don't think he had any idea that I was behind him but at that moment, Russell was my guide. I had a very spiritual experience that night and tell that story often. Russell was taken too soon. I have lost a friend but gained an angel.

OBITUARY

Robert Russell Soto, III

May 12, 1962 – August 20, 2013

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Smith Salsbury Funeral Directors

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