Ruthann Jackson
The two pictures of Russell in casual attire were taken at our company Christmas party in 2005. Back then, it was held in our shop/garage at Arborilogical. The other two pictures of Russell in the nicest business suit at the conference ;) were at the Texas Chapter ISA annual conference when he took home the award for "Arborist of the Year".
Russell Peters was a brilliant Master Arborist who loved to share his knowledge. He was a professional mentor for so many of us at Arborilogical, but Russell was much more than that- he was also a dear friend.
Everyone who works in the Wylie office enjoyed Russell's weekly office day because he spent most of the day with us in the office, working out of our conference room. He is the only arborist who spent their entire office day in the office with the staff, on a regular weekly basis. It kept us close to him...he knew what we were up to, who was going on vacation, who lost a family member, and who was welcoming a new baby into their family. And were aware of his going's on...in both his professional and personal life. We felt like we knew his cantankerous cat, we knew how Russ was feeling even if he didn't come right out and say it.
When Russell learned I was visiting Germany this past spring...he had told me about his trip to Germany with his parents when he was a teenager. He told me about the castles he visited and how beautiful the countryside was...and how, as a teenage boy who didn't want to leave his friends, he barely paid attention to his surroundings or his parents.
He was so grateful they made him go and he only wished he had been able to appreciate it as much while he was there as he did now. He spent a half hour reminiscing about his trip and tried to recall every place he had visited in Germany. His memories of that trip were better than my memories are now of my trip to Germany in April 2026.
Russell will be missed. I had hoped he would have time to enjoy retirement, but I am told he preferred to be working. It kept him moving and active and I can understand that at 60. Rest in peace Russell. And, thank you for blessing us with your knowledge and your friendship. In fond remembrance, RuthAnn