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Celebrating the life of
Russell Kern
Passed away on July 30, 2019
Owner Aveda Salon Tribe, Savannah, Georgia
Russell Kern, 51, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at Memorial University Medical Center. Russell was a ten-year resident of Savannah and the creator of the Aveda Salon Tribe on Liberty Street. Prior to that Russell was a hair and make-up designer on Broadway in New York, and Opera companies in Washington, San Francisco, and Birmingham. He will be remembered as a kind and loving husband, son, brother, uncle, and sorely missed by many, many friends.
Surviving are his husband, Cliff Murse of Savannah; parents, Ron and Linda Kern of London, Ohio; three brothers, Jeff (James), Ron (Heather) and Rick (Diane) and nephew, Stephen (Tia) and their children Addison and Owen.
The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 3, 2019 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service.
Interment will follow in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery.
Remembrances: The Humane Society for Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr., Savannah, GA 31406.
So sorry for your loss... prayers to his team and family.
- Michael Brooks, Savannah, Ga
I was so sorry to learn of Russell's passing. I enjoyed working with him and it was always so obvious from our interactions how much he loved the salon and his team. Sending so much love to his husband, family and the Salon Tribe team during this difficult time.
- Eleanor Blalock, Houston, TX
I am so heartbroken for Russell, his husband and family. Just learned of his passing today. I had the privilege of having Russell cut my hair. He was so personable! I loved the cut and looked forward to seeing him again. Savannah won't be the same without him. God Bless him and his family. Donna
- Donna Scarboro, SAVANNAH, GA
My most profound condolences to the Kern family and to Cliff. I both worked and was roommates with Russell years ago, through Elsen Associates in NYC, when we lived in Jersey City. My ex and I also saw Russell in Ohio after we moved there, and I had need and regards passed back and forth through mutual friends over the years since. I'm coming to Savannah in 2 weeks, and Russell even offered a room in his home! We were planning on getting together, so this is a shock to me, as well. He was a delightful man, and I'm very sorry I won't get one more fun time with an old friend. Again, my sympathy to the many people who lived him.
- Georgia Eberhard, Buffalo, NY
Russell you were hands down an extraordinary human among us. I’m saddened beyond belief. Anyone who was lucky enough to call you friend knows the world is a little less bright without you. Until we meet again, rest easy
- Dana Bertagnolli , Savannah , Ha
My sincere sympathy to family and friends. A good man gone too soon. My thoughts are with you today
- Elaine Boggs, Hinesville, Ga
My sincere sympathy to his family and friends . Such a good man Leaving us too soon .
- , ,
Don and I are both so very sorry for your loss. Russell was such a great asset to the city and the community as are you, Cliff. You, your family and friends are in our thoughts. With sincerest condolences, Mark Conway and Don Callahan
- Mark Conway and Don Callahan, Savannah, GA
Dear Cliff and Kern family, We are so saddened by this news. Tom and I have such wonderful memories of Russell at Megan’s wedding and baby shower and through stories and pictures of many other shared occasions. I always looked forward to visiting the salon when in Savannah knowing I’d get a chance to catch up with Russell! Please know that you are all in our hearts and we hope that your wonderful memories will bring you peace.
- Tom and Sue Benson, Jamestown, NY
Cliff, We are so sorry to hear about Russell. Sending all of you our love and deepest sympathies.
- Jim & Julie Lewellyn, Pooler, GA
The last time I saw Russell he was so happy. My memories of him make me smile. I send my love and prayers to Cliff, the Kern family and everyone on this sad day. I will miss Russell in my life.
- Betsy cooksey, Savannah,
Russell and I worked for Elsen Associates, doing operatic wigs and makeup, throughout the USA, back in the late 80s-early 90s. I will always remember his smile, the twinkle in his eyes and him sharing his mother's homemade Buckeye candy. I had only recently reconnected with him on Facebook and was happy to see he was doing well, both personally and professionally. He will certainly be missed.
- Teri Wertman, Farmington Hills, MI
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cliff and the Kern family.
- Matt & Laurie Murse, Wetumpka, Al
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cliff and the Kern family.
- Matt & Laurie Murse, Wetumpka, Al
Rusty was a beautiful ray of sunshine as a child and a wonderful delightful human being.
- Maggie Lowe, Columbus, Oh
My deepest sympathies to all family members & friends of Russell. I was a client of Russell's since the opening of his beloved Salon Tribe. Right from the get go I found him to be such a nice gentle caring soul with a great sense of humor and an adventurous spirit. I'll miss talking to him...
- Margo Plaunt, Savannah, Georgia
You will forever be missed. You were one of the faces I love to see in the morning. Your favorite locker number was #45. From the gym FOB I extend my condolences to the family. You were more than a member to me, I always enjoyed our quick chatty catch up before working out.
- Monique "Nikki" Barnes, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear of Rusty's passing. My heart goes out to everyone. He will be missed by many.
- Chuck Davis, ,
Cliff, we are heart broken. We have loved you and Russell from the day we met you. You and your host of friends will be in our thoughts.I know he will be sipping Veuve Cliequot with the angels and in all our hearts forever. Helen and Ron
- Ron & Helen Leigh, Huntersville, NC
Deepest sympathy for the loss of Russell ... may you be blessed with precious memories of his goodness. In comfort and peace, Diane Anselmo
- Diane Anselmo, Bluffton , SC
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Russell. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
- Patti Finucci, Savannah, Ga
We are very sorry to know of your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Russell will be missed. With much sympathy, The Serenity Day Spa & Salon Employees Statesboro, GA
- Christa Anderson, Statesboro, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Barbara Schuur , Georg
So sorry for your loss... prayers to his team and family.
- Michael Brooks, Savannah, Ga
I was so sorry to learn of Russell's passing. I enjoyed working with him and it was always so obvious from our interactions how much he loved the salon and his team. Sending so much love to his husband, family and the Salon Tribe team during this difficult time.
- Eleanor Blalock, Houston, TX
I am so heartbroken for Russell, his husband and family. Just learned of his passing today. I had the privilege of having Russell cut my hair. He was so personable! I loved the cut and looked forward to seeing him again. Savannah won't be the same without him. God Bless him and his family. Donna
- Donna Scarboro, SAVANNAH, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Enrique Vega , New York
My most profound condolences to the Kern family and to Cliff. I both worked and was roommates with Russell years ago, through Elsen Associates in NYC, when we lived in Jersey City. My ex and I also saw Russell in Ohio after we moved there, and I had need and regards passed back and forth through mutual friends over the years since. I'm coming to Savannah in 2 weeks, and Russell even offered a room in his home! We were planning on getting together, so this is a shock to me, as well. He was a delightful man, and I'm very sorry I won't get one more fun time with an old friend. Again, my sympathy to the many people who lived him.
- Georgia Eberhard, Buffalo, NY
A candle has been lit!
- Pat Burns , Georg
Russell you were hands down an extraordinary human among us. I’m saddened beyond belief. Anyone who was lucky enough to call you friend knows the world is a little less bright without you. Until we meet again, rest easy
- Dana Bertagnolli , Savannah , Ha
A candle has been lit!
- Lauren Maleki , Georg
My sincere sympathy to family and friends. A good man gone too soon. My thoughts are with you today
- Elaine Boggs, Hinesville, Ga
My sincere sympathy to his family and friends . Such a good man Leaving us too soon .
- , ,
Don and I are both so very sorry for your loss. Russell was such a great asset to the city and the community as are you, Cliff. You, your family and friends are in our thoughts. With sincerest condolences, Mark Conway and Don Callahan
- Mark Conway and Don Callahan, Savannah, GA
Dear Cliff and Kern family, We are so saddened by this news. Tom and I have such wonderful memories of Russell at Megan’s wedding and baby shower and through stories and pictures of many other shared occasions. I always looked forward to visiting the salon when in Savannah knowing I’d get a chance to catch up with Russell! Please know that you are all in our hearts and we hope that your wonderful memories will bring you peace.
- Tom and Sue Benson, Jamestown, NY
Cliff, We are so sorry to hear about Russell. Sending all of you our love and deepest sympathies.
- Jim & Julie Lewellyn, Pooler, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Julie Lewellyn , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Julie Lewellyn , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Maryann Heil , Georg
The last time I saw Russell he was so happy. My memories of him make me smile. I send my love and prayers to Cliff, the Kern family and everyone on this sad day. I will miss Russell in my life.
- Betsy cooksey, Savannah,
Russell and I worked for Elsen Associates, doing operatic wigs and makeup, throughout the USA, back in the late 80s-early 90s. I will always remember his smile, the twinkle in his eyes and him sharing his mother's homemade Buckeye candy. I had only recently reconnected with him on Facebook and was happy to see he was doing well, both personally and professionally. He will certainly be missed.
- Teri Wertman, Farmington Hills, MI
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cliff and the Kern family.
- Matt & Laurie Murse, Wetumpka, Al
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cliff and the Kern family.
- Matt & Laurie Murse, Wetumpka, Al
A candle has been lit!
- Sandy McClendon , Colorado
A candle has been lit!
- Sandy McClendon , Colorado
A candle has been lit!
- Lea and Glen Scarbrough , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Kim & Ron Dometrovich , Alabam
A candle has been lit!
- Kathy Wysocki , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Amy Dunn and Family , Georg
Rusty was a beautiful ray of sunshine as a child and a wonderful delightful human being.
- Maggie Lowe, Columbus, Oh
My deepest sympathies to all family members & friends of Russell. I was a client of Russell's since the opening of his beloved Salon Tribe. Right from the get go I found him to be such a nice gentle caring soul with a great sense of humor and an adventurous spirit. I'll miss talking to him...
- Margo Plaunt, Savannah, Georgia
You will forever be missed. You were one of the faces I love to see in the morning. Your favorite locker number was #45. From the gym FOB I extend my condolences to the family. You were more than a member to me, I always enjoyed our quick chatty catch up before working out.
- Monique "Nikki" Barnes, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear of Rusty's passing. My heart goes out to everyone. He will be missed by many.
- Chuck Davis, ,
A candle has been lit!
- Danna Rosedahl , Virg
Cliff, we are heart broken. We have loved you and Russell from the day we met you. You and your host of friends will be in our thoughts.I know he will be sipping Veuve Cliequot with the angels and in all our hearts forever. Helen and Ron
- Ron & Helen Leigh, Huntersville, NC
A candle has been lit!
- Donna Corbett , Georg
Deepest sympathy for the loss of Russell ... may you be blessed with precious memories of his goodness. In comfort and peace, Diane Anselmo
- Diane Anselmo, Bluffton , SC
A candle has been lit!
- Diane Anselmo , South Caro
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Russell. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
- Patti Finucci, Savannah, Ga
We are very sorry to know of your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Russell will be missed. With much sympathy, The Serenity Day Spa & Salon Employees Statesboro, GA
- Christa Anderson, Statesboro, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Vickie McKay , Georg
Dearest Cliff, family and friends ~ my heart is so heavy for all of you as I'm just now learning of Russell's untimely passing. I had the WONDERFUL pleasure of working and meeting him doing the National Tour of 'Sunset Boulevard'. His energy and smile were infectious and his light and energy were bright and plentiful. Sending and wishing you all peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
- Dante A. Sciarra BSN, RN, Johnston, RI
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200