Russell Wayne Veenstra

russell veenstra

 Russell Wayne Veenstra

 

Russell Wayne Veenstra, born May 22, 1931, in Grand Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 19th, 2014 after a very short battle with Melanoma lung cancer. He is survived by his sister, Joyce DeVries of Grand Rapids, MI, brother John Veenstra of Denver, CO and sister Ruth Ann Engelsman of Zeeland, MI. Additionally, Russ is survived by his (5) children and their families: Ruscel Veenstra of Surprise, AZ; Rick Veenstra and wife Cindy of Meridian, ID: Joel Veenstra and wife Cheryl of Centennial, CO: Jodie Veenstra of Englewood, CO; and Jon Veenstra of Englewood, CO. His surviving grandchildren are Nathan Veenstra and wife Janna of Dallas, TX; Megan Veenstra of Ft. Collins, CO; Emily Veenstra of Meridian, ID; Josh Veenstra of Greeley, CO; Jamie Manning and husband Matt of San Diego, CA; Cassidy Veenstra of Centennial, CO; Killian Riles of Englewood, CO; Christian Veenstra of Englewood, CO; Jordan Veenstra of Englewood, CO and brand new great-grandson Sawyer Manning of San Diego, CA.

As most of you know, Russ had a tremendous love of the outdoors and spent most of his leisure time in the mountains of Colorado. He was very passionate about camping, jeeping, fishing, motorcycling and ATV riding, boating and other forms of motorized recreation. He also had a fond love of firearms and spent many hours in the backwoods shooting with family and friends.

Russ’s career spanned many decades with 20 years spent at Martin Marietta in the aerospace industry, 10 years at RTD as maintenance supervisor in the bus garage, 5 years as owner of Supreme Lawn Equipment, 10 years at Denver Christian School System as Director of Maintenance and the last 5 years of his professional career at Keesen Landscape Management, in their service department, working on power equipment. After he retired, Russ spent approximately the last 10 years of his life volunteering at the Re-New Upscale store in Englewood, CO serving the community by repairing the various types of items that were donated in support of the Denver Christian School System.

His truest passion without a doubt was spending time at his cabin on the shores of Lake Granby. He absolutely loved sitting on his deck overlooking the lake and valley and discussing how to solve the world’s problems. His love of the Lord was most evident to all who knew him and as a family we spent many hours up there discussing all things of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His favorite past time and fondest memories were looking for wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park and taking his boat to the end of Columbine Bay, anchoring off to fish and watching the bald eagle’s soaring overhead. He was most at peace sitting there in the wilderness enjoying God’s incredible creation and through God’s Grace was able to spend one last weekend at his cabin with his family over the 4th of July this year. We are so grateful for the 83 incredible years we had with him and thank God for his influence in our lives.

We love you and miss you desperately.

Your kids and grandkids.

 

The Memorial Service will be held at Horizon Community Church at 11am MST on Thursday July 24. Horizon Church is located at 2121 Dad Clark Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126. 

 

Family and friends are encouraged to share stories and photograph's here on Russell's website. (click appropriate tab above).

 

 

 

 

 

 

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  1. I love you Uncle Russ and always will have near my heart.  I am craving Granby, just because I need to be near your spirit and lord knows that is probably right where you headed.  I will miss you beyond words, waiting for your annual tax call etc.  I hope you have connected with our Pa and Meme, as I am sure they snatched you right up.  I will cry for you, however they will mostly be tears of joy that you no longer have to hurt.  Loving you always your niece Tonia and her family. xoxo

  2. I was blessed to have spent a little time with Russ in the outdoors. He was very gracious with his time & possessions. You are missed Russ ! But I look forward to target shooting in heaven with you again some day.

    Fil

  3. I am so blessed to have known and worked with Russ.  He loved life and his great family.  He always had a great smile and made everyone around him smile with his sense of humor.  My thought and prayers are with the family.  May God help you through this sad time.

  4. So very sorry to hear of Russ' homegoing, and yet so very happy for him in his new Home !  Russ was always "Uncle Russ" to me and my siblings; a lifelong friend to my folks.  I'll always cherish memories of 4-wheeling in the Colorado mountains with Russ- and his wonderful laugh, great smile, and conversation!  My thanks to his family for sharing him with so many others- he will be missed !

  5. Such great memories of our road trips in Florida, California, Colorado or wherever the road would take us. Most of all the talks about our shared love for the Lord. And our talks at The South!!! This would usually be after we watched The Gaithers on a Saturday night. See you at The Big House dear friend!!!

  6. Thank you Uncle Russ for the all the fantastic memories that I will & have cherished for many years!!  I'm so thrilled I got to see you & hug you when my folks passed away! Camping & 4-wheeling were the best!! You will be missed but never forgotten!! We WILL meet again!!

  7. Russ seemed to always have a smile on his face and a word of encouragement whenever I saw him over the years.  He loved his kids friends and made us feel special every chance he could. I feel honored and blessed to have known Russ over the years!


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