— from Keri Lago —
On November 14th, 2015, Russell Lee Post Jr., known fondly as “Rusty”, passed away peacefully with his wife, Debbie, and four children by his side. He was born in 1937 in New York City.
Rusty lived on Orcas Island, WA for over 20 years and was actively involved in real estate, the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, the Senior Center and his weekly writer’s group. He loved hiking around Cascade Lake, catching up with people at the grocery store, attending the farmer’s market, and telling stories about his children and grandchildren. He loved to work. His favorite place to be was in the middle of all the action. He loved the island and always said it would be his last home.
In earlier years, Rusty served as a State Representative and State Senator in Hartford, CT and also practiced law. He loved people – the more the merrier! He had an open, curious mind and was always interested in ideas and issues as well as the communities he lived in. He had a quick wit and valued experiences over material things. Rusty loved a good debate and always looked for a “win-win” solution to problems. He believed in the inherent goodness of people. Although he was a lawyer, a politician and a real estate agent, he was never a used-car salesman!
He loved chocolate milkshakes (especially from Vern’s), Peppermint Patties, and lots of sugar in his coffee. He was a lifelong peanut butter and jelly sandwich eater and in fact, it was his last meal.
He attended Yale and Yale Law School and was a member of the Whiffenpoofs, an a capella singing group that traveled the world. The group stayed connected throughout the years and remained an important part of his life to the end. Not only did he have a beautiful voice, but he was also known for his high, clear whistle.
Rusty had an adventurous spirit and loved to take his family on grand expeditions. He will be remembered for his incredible generosity and his positive outlook on life. He was a genuinely happy man and will be missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Post; his children, Rusty Post, Lincoln Post and his wife Emily, Katherine Post, Alison Post and her husband Jason Lerner, Keri Lago and her husband Ed, and Joe Duenn; and his grandchildren, Rowan Post, Anna Post, Haley Post, Sonja Lerner, Iris Lerner, Alanna Lago, Diego Lago and Romero Lago.
A memorial service is being planned for sometime early January 2016.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Rusty was my college classmate. He was the president and I was the technical director of our college radio station. We lived in different worlds, Rusty sitting making sense at the desk in the office and I doing things in the basement electronic shop. We lost track for many years until I learned that he was living on Orcas. Aging brings divergent paths parallel, and we struck up our friendship anew. I feel very lucky that I had the chance to know and enjoy the wise and humorous Rusty that I had known in college.
Rusty was a great Orcas character. He had quite the beautiful mind and a deep love of community. He brought joy and curiosity to each interaction. Sail on, sweet friend.
Rusty took it upon himself to be the sweetest welcoming committee when I came to Orcas. His stories of days past were filled with such spirit and energy. His current stories filled only with love for his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Even when the fog of past and present, the confusion between reality and fantasy, took over; his love for his family remained his ongoing story to be lived and told.
What a dear soul, who’s voice is now perfectly in tune with the heavens. God bless you Rusty, and may your family find comfort in your legacy of your memories.
Always happy to see you on the streets of Orcas, dear Rusty. We’ll miss your presence in our community and appreciate all you brought to life. Thank you for being such a fine fellow.
Thinking of family and friends in this time of loss.
Gretchen
I sat in front of Rusty in the CT House of Representatives and as if yesterday, i remember his pleasure as his Bottle Bill passed.
I sat across the CT Senate Circle from Rusty and got to watch and listen to that wonderfully logical and compassionate mind.
Rusty became my attorney in a family matter and over the years and many hours i was overwhelmed with his sensationally logical mind dealing with thousands of variables.
As i sit here in sadness, I realize how fortunate I have been to have known Rusty, worked with Rusty and of course, laughed a lot with Rusty.
May you rest in peace my dear friend. Thank you Rusty.
Phil
We have the fondest and most fun memories of Rusty (and Debbie) which we will treasure forever! We were so lucky to have been members of the Writers Group, to have so many laughs and joy in being together! WE MISS HIM!!
We enjoyed seeing Rusty at the Library on a regular basis, as a reader, raconteur, and brave adventurer into the world of information technology.
What a wonderful tribute that truly shares Rusty’s heart and soul. We worked together, shared together, laughed together and he was a shining example of seeing the best in everyone and everyday. R.I.P. dear friend, Elaine
Rusty introduced me to the world of real estate on Orcas Island years ago and to this day, I treasure and practice his wise advice. In addition to work, he brought much laughter and utter joy to my island life. We would take long walks with our dogs around Cascade Lake and I will always hold those precious times in my heart. Rusty was a true Renaissance man and I will miss him always…with a smile.
I’m so sorry to hear of Rusty’s passing. Condolences to his wife and family – he will be missed. I didn’t know him well, but knew he was community man who dearly loved his family and this island.