lizhand ([info]lizhand) wrote in [info]theinferior4,
2011-03-17 08:18:00
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Russell Dunn 1958 - 2011

Last Monday, March 7, my friend Russell  suffered an aneurysm just days after his 53rd birthday.  After being in a coma for eight days, he died this past Wednesday.  We first met in 1974, when I was seventeen and Russ a year younger, bonding (and often arguing) over a shared love for rock and roll, theater, and Lou Reed's "Berlin."  He was my oldest and closest friend, my muse, the inspiration for numerous books and stories, especially Illyria, which was a fictionalized biography of our lives together.  The numinous, llife-altering  dream of the boy in the tree which I had in November 1974 was inspired by him.  He never stopped inspiring me.  He was the genius loci for Katonah, which became my fictional Kamensic Village; in later years we explored the Maine islands, Iceland, and Bisbee, Arizona, where he moved three years ago.  He was an extraordianrily gifted performer, with a vocal range that could encompass falsetto renditions of Feste's songs in "Twelfth Night" as well as Iggy Pop's "Turn Blue.  (You can hear him singing his song "Imaginary Girl" on my website: scroll down to media).

In the 1970s, he studied acting with Stella Adler, and most recently produced, dircted and co-starred in a successfull production of Sam Shephard's "True West" in Bisbee.  When we last spoke, a few days before he was stricken, he was ebullient and talking about doing Yasmina Rena's "Art."  He leaves behind four children, his mother and four siblings, his wonderful partner Patricia Morris, and myriad friends. 


And what should I do in Illyria?
My brother, he is in Elysium.

— William Shakespeare, "Twelfth Night"

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  • 22 comments

[info]relby

March 17 2011, 13:57:45 UTC 1 year ago

I'm so sorry for your loss. He was far, far too young, it goes without saying. Thinking of you at this difficult time.

[info]lizhand

March 17 2011, 15:52:09 UTC 1 year ago

Thanks, Robert. Yes, far too young. A reminder that we should treasure every passing day ...

[info]kestrell

March 17 2011, 14:22:04 UTC 1 year ago

I'm so sorry you have lost your friend, but what a wonderful gift to have known your muse.

[info]lizhand

March 17 2011, 15:52:58 UTC 1 year ago

Thanks Kes. But it's true, I've always felt so fortunate to have had Russ in my life, and for such a long time. His memory remains a gift.

[info]nancyblue

March 17 2011, 14:33:33 UTC 1 year ago

Liz, I'm so sorry to hear this. I remember you telling me of him. My heart and love goes out to you. *hugs*

[info]lizhand

March 17 2011, 15:53:44 UTC 1 year ago

Thanks, Amy. Sorry I missed you in UK — things got overshadowed by this. We did have a wonderful visit to Zennor — how was your work in Bodmin?

[info]nancyblue

March 17 2011, 17:01:02 UTC 1 year ago

I'm glad you enjoyed Zennor, especially given this news. The work in Bodmin was simply amazing. This project continues to astound me. I think you would love this artist I'm working with.

And although I'm sorry we missed each other there, I know we will meet again. We have a fab new house in the Bay Area and you are welcome to visit anytime.

[info]jophan

March 17 2011, 14:53:24 UTC 1 year ago

I'm so sorry to hear this.

[info]lizhand

March 17 2011, 15:54:00 UTC 1 year ago

Thanks ... xo

[info]mouseworks

March 17 2011, 17:06:34 UTC 1 year ago

Sorry for your loss.

[info]brucechrumka

March 17 2011, 18:17:32 UTC 1 year ago

Very sorry for your loss, Liz.

Anonymous

March 17 2011, 19:03:40 UTC 1 year ago

Very sorry for your loss, Liz. Sometimes I just don't understand life. . .or death.

Jeff P.

[info]ellen_datlow

March 17 2011, 19:44:16 UTC 1 year ago

Liz I'm so sorry to hear this. I'll try to give you a call tomorrow. In the meantime, a virtual hug.

[info]voidmonster

March 17 2011, 21:19:55 UTC 1 year ago

I'm so sorry.

[info]lizhand

March 17 2011, 22:49:39 UTC 1 year ago

Thanks, and thanks to everyone who expressed condolences. xoxo

[info]bibliofile

March 18 2011, 07:08:53 UTC 1 year ago

I'm so sorry. It's so difficult to lose such a friend.

Anonymous

March 18 2011, 17:55:17 UTC 1 year ago

same...

Hi Liz,

Sorry to hear about your friend. Our thoughts are with you.

Cheryl & Joey

[info]lizhand

March 21 2011, 19:56:12 UTC 1 year ago

Re: same...

Thanks -- you guys would've loved him. A kindred spirit!

[info]parttimedriver

March 21 2011, 16:30:37 UTC 1 year ago

I can't tell you how sorry I am. Deepest condolences.

[info]lizhand

March 21 2011, 19:57:21 UTC 1 year ago

Thanks, Brett. At some point I'll send you a link to a youtube post of a song of his from the 1980s — he was still performing, but this was a real blast from the past & right up your alley.

How was ICFA? It's snowing here AGAIN ...

[info]sfarmer76

April 5 2011, 22:42:42 UTC 1 year ago

Sorry to hear about your friend Liz...

Sorry to hear about your friend.

--sfarmer76

[info]lizhand

April 5 2011, 23:02:34 UTC 1 year ago

Re: Sorry to hear about your friend Liz...

Thanks, Steven. I'm starting to resurface, and will try to do a proper post in the next few days ...
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