A memorial service to celebrate Russell's life will be held at Whitestone Chapel,54 Weston Road, Oamaru on Saturday 27 June 2026 at 1.30pm.
Service details
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A beautiful tribute to a caring and wonderful Husband, Dad and Grandad. Thoughts are with you all.
Love and Prayers to you all family ❤️ biggest hugs from our whanau. Our sincere condolences are with everyone. ❤️❤️❤️
It was with much sadness that I couldn’t be there today but I was in spirit and watching online. What an amazing tribute to a truly wonderful and unique man. Russell would have been so proud of you all. The Payne family occupies a very special place in my heart and in my childhood memories. Such a treasured family in my family. Sending you all much love . Cheryl Pile
Rest easy great-uncle Russ. Such a great man. Loved watching the cricket through the binoculars in the living room. Our hearts go out to Denise and everyone who was close to you. All our love Luke, Ashley and Nora
Oh dear Russ , we were heartbroken when we heard the news. Our friendship goes way way back on the farm teaching Melissa to ride a motorbike,your wonderful trips to tahuna motorcamp in your camper. The good times with Arch and Eileen. You will be very very sadly missed. Our hearts go out to Denise and family. Ross Di Michelle & families xx
Such a great man. He’d always let me steal just one more piece of liquorice from the side of his chair growing up. And every visit he’d make us belly laugh. We will miss him. Sending love and hugs to his family x
Deepest sympathy to all the family. Fond memories of Russell in Perth. 4 words for you Russ and you’ll still probably get it wrong. Spud Spud Brusselsprout Brussellsprout. RIP Russell
Derek and I are so very sad to hear of your passing. I won't forget how welcome you made me feel when we first arrived in Oamaru. Derek will remember with fondness the hours spent with you at Centennial Park putting the world to rights as you tinkered with the grass. Rest easy now. X
I have such cherished memories of Russ. Many years ago he took me under his wing at Union Cricket Club. We have been friends for many years and even though I live in Australia it has always been a highlight of our trips to visit him and Denise whenever in New Zealand . Love to all his family
Russell was a long time family friend. A great man who always had time to have a yarn about life. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with Denise and all the family. Dale Kerr, Gail and family.
Russ was like a grandfather my whole life I was tritted terrible an till I joined this family the first time I met him he showed me respect Rip Russell
I couldn't have asked for a better father in law RSP, and the most wonderful Grandad to our girls. You had a very big heart, and you will leave a very big hole in all our lives. Xxx💔