Russell James Harlson
The night of October 16, 2010,
we lost a kind and loving heart. Russell James Harlson, 20
of Billings, was born on May 7, 1990 with his twin brother Leon
to Leon Harlson and Deanne Rapp in Hillsboro, Oregon. He
grew up in Billings attending St. Francis Schools. He
received his diploma from the Lincoln Center. Although
young, he was a man who worked hard usually having at least two
jobs. He was a member of the Teamsters Union working at
Food Services, Denny’s and just starting his own contracting
business. But he still found time to remodel, from the
ground up, his home which he owned proudly!
He loved riding his motorcycle, often without a helmet so the
girls could see how cute he was. He had a great spirit,
beautiful blue eyes and a smile that could warm your heart.
His biggest devotion in life and the one thing he loved most was
his son Landon. Although becoming a daddy at such a young
age, he never regretted it. Everything he worked for was
for his son. And if he could, he would hug him tight and
tell him “Daddy loves you and will be watching you grow up from
heaven.”
Russell was preceded in death by his Grandma Georgia Whitehouse.
He is survived by his twin brother; his son; his parents;
brothers, Jacob Swecker, and Taylor Harlson; sister, Ashley
Hughes; stepmom, Elizabeth; stepdad, Rodney Swecker;
Grandparents, Margaret Schmittou, Russell Rapp (Barb), Leon C,
Harlson (Helen); aunts Dusty Whitehouse, Jessica McKay, and
Bridgette Schmittou; great-grandparents, Marie Rapp, Albert and
Sally Tesch; great uncle Richard Harlson; numerous aunts,
uncles, cousins, and many, many friends.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, October 22, at New Creation Christ’s Church, 14 48th St. West, Billings. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Landon Crone Fund set up at Avanta Federal Credit Union or Stockman Bank.
His twin brother Leon could not have been prouder or loved him more. Russell, you will forever have a place in our heart. Thank you for being a part of our lives.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
My heart goes out to Russ’ family. I will
always remember his booming laugh.
Rest in peace our dear Russell. You were such a bright light in our office every time you came in to talk about Landon and remodeling your house so you could have a nice place for him to visit. We love and miss you very much, but we will meet again Friend in heaven! Paula and staff
Oh my Gosh, Deanne and family, my heart
is breaking for you in the loss of your son, Russell. I remember
him coming to work with you when he was just a cute little guy.
I too have lost a child and I
Want you to know how deeply I care and am
praying for you all right now. May the love, memories and events
of your life keep Russell close to you forever. His love remains
here with you all and I pray the Lord will bless you all with
those positive feelings to get you through this time. God Bless
you all.
Linda Lane
Dear Harlson Family,
Was so sorry to hear about your loss. I was neighbors to Leon
and Helen in Colstrip, so this really hit home.
My prayers are with you all, and may God bless you and give you
strength during this sad time.
Margaret, my prayers are also with you and your family.
Jane Smith
I was very blessed to have a great friendship with this awesome
young man! He came into my life when he decided to buy his first
home. Little did I know at the time that this young man would
become like a son to me. He was so uncommon in so many ways. He
had great character, a work ethic unseen, and a commitment to
his son and providing for him, that truly was his driving force.
He also had an incredible attitude about life and never felt any
degree of entitlement; he worked hard for everything that he
achieved. He was goal oriented and when he set his mind to it,
there really was no stopping him. He had an incredible
conscience and a desire to learn and become all that he could.
He was always looking for ways to make life better for his son.
Once in a lifetime, you encounter someone like this special
young man and I am glad that I had the chance to share in his
friendship, if even for just a year and a half. Thank you Jesus
for this wonderful young life, I know that you will enjoy his
presence as much as we did and thank you Russell for the time
you spent here with all of us, we will always love you and never
forget you.
Carey Chapman
Broker/Owner
RE/MAX of Billings
Russell,
It has been so long since we have seen you, but we know that you
grew into a fine young man. There was always something very
special about you. We are so happy for the fact that you are now
rejoicing in heaven, with Jesus. How awesome that must be. Your
son looks just like you! We know that you will be greatly
missed, and will pray for your family. Until we meet again…
The Owens Family
Robert, Amy, Taylor, Amber and Summer
Russell was one of the nicest and most positive young men I have
ever met. He had such a kind soul. I always enjoyed visiting
with him. It makes me very sad to hear about his passing. Our
world is poorer for it. My heart goes out to his family and to
the many, many friends I know he had and who loved him. He will
be missed.
Kerstin Beijer, MD