Alec's Service

I would like to say a few words on behalf of the Jimbour Crew (we are the folk who worked along side Al and were lucky enough to be able to spend time with him on a daily basis whilst he was at Jimbour). Then I will hand over to Michael Laurence who was one of Al’s mentors in the flying fraternity – then I think someone from the gliding club has something to present to Al. What a beautiful soul Alec was and was so many things to many people – the word UNIQUE comes to mind – at most funerals of a 71 y/o you would expect to have family and close friends – 50 people or so – I’m not sure of how many people are here today, but there is way more than 50 which of course is a tribute to Al and the kind of person he was. I remember Mum pulling me aside not long after we moved to Jimbour and telling me that I will be meeting a Mr Russell – he will be a little different than what you have been used to, but he has a heart of gold and you will watch your manners. And of course I met Mr Russell and in no time at all he became Al and part of our family and it has been that way till now – going on 48 yrs. You know Al was a fortunate man in so many ways – yes he was dealt an ordinary hand of cards at a young age, but he had a family that was able to give him the support and confidence to succeed in life, but equally as important he had a community that supported him. He was accepted by all with few questions asked and became a part of so many families in the community – you know what I reckon we were the lucky ones. Taking nothing away from Al himself – he worked very hard – particularly on his flying and was able to achieve results that most of us would only dream about. We have had many comments on Face book responding to Al’s passing – there has been literally hundreds – far too many to read out, but there is one that I would like to share with you. It is a text sent to me by a local who organizes Cocktails For A Cure at Jimbour and I think it sums up Al in his home environment to a tee. “I have just heard the terrible news of Alec’s passing, and I want to express my deepest condolences to you all. Alec was a wonderful man who had the most unique qualities. He brought a certain flare to Jimbour and he will be greatly missed by all. I know I will miss seeing him wandering around having a chat to everyone. Thinking of you all at this sad time.” Beer O’clock was almost a ritual when Al was home – not that he drank much, but he really enjoyed the comradery and interaction, particularly with the people he felt comfortable with – the Jimbour Crew. A few of us were fortunate enough to have a beer with him the evening before he died – how lucky are we – and that infectious laugh that we all became so familiar with. In closing – there is one thing of which I am absolutely certain – and that is if we all had more of Alec Russell’s traits this crazy world of ours would be a much better place to live in. It is going to take us a while to get used to the fact that Al won’t be joining us for smoko, lunch or Beer O’Clock. He is and will be missed - R.I.P. MATE.