Russell Christopher Imel grew up in Boulder, Colorado. Born in 1966, he was the third of four boys raised by Dottie and Ray Imel Jr., all with the initials R.C.I.
Early in life he demonstrated his father's gift for mathematics and memorizing details and his mother's sense of compassion and commitment to helping others. Russell graduated from Colorado Timberline Academy and Fort Lewis College in Durango. He worked as a sheriff's deputy, and in construction and permitting for many years. He has 13 years of sobriety at the time of his death from prostate cancer.
He was most proud of his children and loved them profoundly. He thought independently and often disruptively, pressing for change and paying a high price for his decisions. He struggled with a bipolar diagnosis and neuro-atypical experiences that often left friends and loved ones puzzled or exasperated and at times fearing for himself or their own safety. Homelessness and jail were soul-crushing realities at different times in his life. Aware of his mortality, one of his last wishes was for a 'celebration of life'. For him, that was a sober, tasty picnic with a fireworks display and live music at his family homestead near Jamestown, Colorado. No date has been set yet.
Those who wish to participate may contact [email protected].
Donations in Russ' memory may be sent to Craft Hospice, 1650 38th Street, Suite 101E, Boulder, CO 80301
