Rusty - Thanks for the many great memories. You were always the center of attraction and we all loved your performances. We all want to thank you for having the energy and determination for keeping in touch, and bringing many old friends back together. You will be missed but not forgotten.

Dear Alison and Nat,

How can I express to you a share in the deep loss you must feel? Rusty was a beautiful, generous man with an enormous talent. How fortunate we all were to have been given moments of his extraordinary talent and generosity. I will remember his enthusiasm and humor for the musical theatre that we both so deeply loved. My prayers are with you and your family and Rusty-sing on and swing it, man! Love, Charles

Dear Alison, Nat, and Family,
Even though I'm feeling so sad that Rusty is gone, I don't want to write anything sad. That's just not what Rusty was about. I've never known someone as full of life as Rusty. Our connection, starting with Lyle and Nat's preschool playdates, constantly reminds me of Rusty's vibrancy and enthusiasm. I've never seen a dad who could match Rusty in playing "pirate" with the kids!! (I'm remembering a particular rendition in the backyard in Shawnee, when the boys were about five years old.) Rusty was truly amazing, even when faced with such a debiliating illness -- he tackled it with his usual indominable spirit. We enjoyed every minute we were with him -- as Lyle puts it, he was always fun to be around. We will all miss him.
Love, Tami, Kevan, Lyle and Austin

Dear Alison, Nat, and Family,
Even though I'm feeling so sad that Rusty is gone, I don't want to write anything sad. That's just not what Rusty was about. I've never known someone as full of life as Rusty. Our connection, starting with Lyle and Nat's preschool playdates, constantly reminds me of Rusty's vibrancy and enthusiasm. I've never seen a dad who could match Rusty in playing "pirate" with the kids!! (I'm remembering a particular rendition in the backyard in Shawnee, when the boys were about five years old.) Rusty was truly amazing, even when faced with such a debiliating illness -- he tackled it with his usual indominable spirit. We enjoyed every minute we were with him -- as Lyle puts it, he was always fun to be around. We will all miss him.
Love, Tami, Kevan, Lyle and Austin

Dear Alison and Nat, Please know that we are thinking of you both all the time and that we send to you our most loving thoughts. I don't think we ever talked to Rusty without walking away smiling and happier simply because we spent time with him. As an artist and human being he enriched our lives in a way that few others have or will. Take good care of yourselves. All our love, Kate and Richard

Alison and Nat,

Knute Rockne (the famous Notre Dame football coach) used to show his young players a picture of a grave marker on their first day of practice. It had a birth date, a date of death and a dash between them. Knute would tell them that everyone is born and everyone dies. What separates the great from the ordinary, Knute would say, is what you do with the dash. What Rusty did with his dash was to entertain, to love, to laugh and to make others laugh. And the legacy of his talent for making others feel good about themselves will endure in his music.

Rusty made the most of his dash, and the world will be celebrating it for many generations to come.

Love,

Frank

I'm so very saddened by Rusty's passing. I'll miss him terribly, but always be proud to have known him as both friend and colleague. My heart goes out for the loss to his family; and to all of us who were, and are still to be, touched by his art. I know he must be at peace knowing what a magnificent legacy he's left behind.

i would like to send my regards to nat and alisonand that we will alwaysremember rusty and keep him alive in our harts

-alexander henry schoenbaum segal

Dear Alison & Nat,

Here is a photo (click to enlarge) that I just found from 30 years ago at Exeter showing how I will always remember Rusty-- always making everyone around him smile.

Love,
Robert

Alison:
I just wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you and Nat at this difficult time. Rusty was so wonderfully talented and I shall miss hearing new work from him.
Much love,
Eric Schorr