Hayward Russell Hamrick Jr., 82, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of curiosity, creativity, and devotion to his loved ones. Born and raised on the Main Line of Philadelphia, he was the son of Hayward Russell Hamrick Sr. and Katherine Hamrick (née McBirdy), and the younger brother of Joanne Thomas (née Hamrick).

He cherished his role as a father. Together with Anne Carney Hamrick, he raised four boys—Geoff, Rusty, Brian, and Chris—finding his greatest joy in their early years. He shared with them his love of model airplanes and camping, music, golf, and laughter.

For the last 25 years of his life, he shared love, laughter, and adventure with Connie Sheppard, his devoted companion. Their time together was filled with fun and merriment, a testament to the joy he found in life.

Russ loved other people but never seemed to want the spotlight on himself.  He would ask about you, your family, your life, your interests. Questions directed at himself were quickly disposed of, often with a joke or a phrase, so he could put the focus back on you.

His phrases were his verbal high-fives....

"Never felt better and had less"

"Ready with a strong back and a weak mind"

"this too shall pass"

"better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick"

"if I felt any better I'd be twins".

He loved this poem:

The Dash Poem

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning to the end.

He noted first came the date of the birth and spoke the following date with tears.

But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between the years.

For that dash represents all the time that they spent life on Earth.

And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash.

What matters is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard. Are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,

and always try to understand the way other people feel.

Be less quick to anger and show appreciation more,

and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile,

remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read with your life's actions to rehash,

would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?

-------------------------------------

In lieu of flowers, you should listen to some jazz.  Dave Brubeck or McCoy Tyner if you're not sure where to start.  Or you should go build something.  Or maybe go camping.  But he'd probably want you to do something, and to do something with someone you cared about.  That's where he seemed happiest - doing stuff with people he cared about.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.