We are deeply saddened to hear this news of a great loss to the Palo Alto community. Our 2yr-old's favorite day of the week is always "Teacher Russ Day." Our heartfelt condolences to the Wright family.

I'm sure I'm not speaking out of turn when I say to his family, that you have the support of the entire community. So sorry for your loss.

Rest in peace, Russ. Our family sends the Wright family our heartfelt condolences.

Russel was one of those people who make you retain hope for the human race despite evidence to the contrary. What an awful tragedy to have happened to this wonderful person, his family and the entire community. Terribly sad.

Tragic. So sorry. Thoughts and prayers to the Wright family.

So sorry to read this... Many feelings, but few words to express what teacher Russ meant to our family. His spirit and creativity in class were life-changing for my child. Russ was truly special and unique. His love of the outdoors was infectious. He will be deeply missed, but his essence will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. To Russ' family and friends--our thoughts are with you; may you know peace.

That is terrible news. Russ was so soft-spoken and gentle. His gymnastics classes were always relaxing and peaceful and so much fun for the kids. I will always remember those days fondly as part of watching my kids grow up.

I remember many conversations with Russ about hiking all over the bay area, and I know how much he loved being outdoors, so while this is truly terrible, I'm glad he was out doing what he enjoyed.

To the Wright family, please know that "Teacher Russ" will be remembered by so many in this community. There won't ever be a replacement for him. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I am saddened to hear this news. My child took his class when she was three and enjoyed it. Russ was a well-known and well-liked figure within the parenting community of Palo Alto and will be greatly missed!

I am shocked and sad to hear this news. So very sorry for his family. He was a wonderful teacher. My kids loved his class. He was so looking forward to this trip with his daughter--he told us about it many times during class. My heart goes out to his daughters, especially the one who was with him on the trip.

Very sad news. Feel sorry for his family. RIP, Russ.

Russ made such a difference in our lives. This is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to his family. Such a loss to the community.

Where can we send cards? Will there be a community memorial?

We are so sad to hear the news. He was a favorite for our kids too despite their moving on to a bigger gym. Just last week, my younger one was peeking into the room looking for Teacher Russ while we were at the Lucie Stern Center. Our deepest condolences to his family.

Class with Teacher Russ was a bright spot in the week for our entire family. His genuine joy and gift for opening up children to the wonders of life will never be forgotten, and his presence will always be a part of our lives. He changed everything for the better - truly a unique and wonderful individual. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Monica, I'm sure you know this, but Russ was so incredibly proud of you. We took many classes when my son was younger, and it was obvious how close you were. We are so sad for your whole family. Russ's classes were truly a gift to the kids, and to us moms.

I know there is little I can say of comfort, but we know how athletic Russ was and how alert and safety minded. It was just a tragic circumstance. You did everything possible, you could not have done more. He loved you so much and wouldn't have wanted the tragedy to hurt you, too, even emotionally now.

Weekly, publish only if you see fit. I'm not good with words and don't want to add to Monca's pain. I just want her to know how loved and respected her father was, how obvious it was that he loved her, and not to second guess herself because we know there was nothing else that could be done and her father would want her to live to her potential.

It's been many years since my kids took gymnastics and sibnastics with Russ, but we loved those classes so much. Russ created a unique place where they could just play and be kids -- it was rare and lovely. His was the only activity they always looked forward to. To his children: I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad made a big difference in so many lives -- no matter when he went, it would have been way too soon.

I had just thought of Russ yesterday, and also of Monica, even though it's been several years since my son took his gymnastics classes. What an amazing human being, gifted teacher, caring friend. He made a huge difference in my son's life, just by being himself. Thank you, Russ.

Russ was a treasure of a man, a kind and gentle soul and a very talented teacher. His open, relaxed nature was unequaled. Our two children have grown up with their weekly visits to Russ being one of their most beloved moments—he made so many people so happy. There are no words to express our deep, deep sadness, we'll keep Russ's family and loved ones in our hearts and minds.

wow Russ WE LOVE YOU!!!!
Our Community is at a loss for this man taught us incredible ways to be always positive,he was always soft spoken and healing,~ helping and healing us ,always giving an approving smile a word of encouragement or a good joke or a great song. I was blessed with making music with him on and off for 12 years and filled with Joy in knowing he never fought with anyone and most certainly though gone is still very close always. Now if I can be an example of his teachings,help his family or send a (((HUG))) to extended friends /family/tribe of Russ We will met up again,Russ!
God Bless you and Keep you! ~WE LOVE YOU!!! Pip,Jim,Kira & Ilya xoxo

Russ was a fantastic teacher for my kids. He was gentle, encouraging, fun and funny. He taught them to safely explore and learn. I enjoyed talking with him as well during the class and he did love to talk about his daughters. I'm so so sorry that this happened and send my deepest sympathy to his family.

I am deeply saddened to learn of this tragedy. Russ was a kind, gentle and caring man to whom my young daughter felt an instant connection. She took two years of gym classes from Russ, who made the class and learning environment fun, challenging and alway safe. He played the best music for the children: eclectic and delightful—jazz, rock, world, classical—not your usual nursery rhymes, which I so appreciated. I talked with him frequently, enjoying our wide-ranging conversations. Our family had just vacationed in Yosemite right before his terrible accident, and we had just swam in the Merced River. I am so very sorry for his family's loss and for the loss to the community.

I am so sad to learn about Teacher Russ's death. Both my kids, now teenagers, took his class for years and years! My kids loved him and his classes because they were *fun* and low key. Even after they aged out of his classes, we used to always poke our heads in the ballroom to see if he was in there. He always had a big smile on his face for us. We will miss him.

I took Russ's class for many years when I was younger and he is the one who truly made me love gymnastics. I loved his motto about gymnastics being about self-expression and not doing gymnastics to make yourself a professional athlete. My experience with him with stay with me forever even though I only have vague memories of him. :(

Teacher Russ was such an important part of our children's early lives. Our children took class after class, nearly six years in total, with Teacher Russ. He helped them grow agile and strong. In his wonderful, gentle way, he encouraged my kids to try new and zany things (like the rope swing)!

They had so much delightful fun in his sweet classes.

We all miss Teacher Russ so deeply. He was a special teacher to our littlest ones. Our deepest condolences to the Wright Family.

Our best wishes and thoughts are with Russ and his family and friends. He was a loved teacher by our family. Teacher Russ' spirit will live on in the hearts of many families throughout the area. We miss you,

teacher russ is one of a kind. our condolences to his family. such great times we had in his class - life time memories for my kids
russ in his tank tops and barefeet, stamps, ballons on the last class and ropes and tents. loved seeing him at the summer concerts and in the library slecting cds for his class
a great man!

NO matter which Gym program we tried, my son Neel asked me if he could still go back to the Stern Center with his coach with a pony tail. "I like Russ and his hair style too, Mom!" Russ connected with the kids so much! Very sad to hear this news. Rest in Peace Russ.

We're very sad to hear this. Teacher Russ brought so much fun and creativity to his toddler gym class. He would explain to 3 and 4-year-old why to jump on a trampoline with stright legs by throwing a man-sized hard block and a huge flexible object onto the trampoline and let the kids see for themselves which would bounce higher. He is a truly phenomenal gym teacher! Russ went out of his way to engage everyone in the class, got to know the parents and patiently showed us how to help the little ones safely do swing and jump and forward roll and have a blast at the same time. We love Russ' class! His gentleness and pony tail will be dearly missed by the community. Our heartfelt condolences to Teacher Russ' family.

We just heard the news about Teacher Russ after being out of town for a month. Needless to say, we are shocked and saddened that the community has lost such an extraordinary man.

My two sons took Russ's sibnastics class this past Spring, and absolutely loved it. He taught my elder son to be more confident in his abilities, and my younger son to be more patient. He was such a special man, and I so enjoyed speaking to him while the children explored the fascinating world that Russ brought to them weekly.

He made such a difference in so many lives, and will be sorely missed.