Topic: THANK YOU FROM RUSS KNIPP FAMILY

[janice.knipp]

We also posted this on another weightlifting website, but we wanted to ensure readers at this website also receive our message of gratitude.
Thank you all, and God Bless ~ Jan Knipp
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A heartfelt thank you from the family of Olympian Russell Lowell Knipp.  A message from Jan Knipp, Russell Robert Knipp (Russ' son), sister Kathleen, brother Jim, and father, Robert P. Knipp.

We want you all to know--so many, many of his friends, fellow Olympians, fellow weightlifters--that we have read and are saving all messages in Russ' memory.  Your words have touched our hearts and comforted us at this time of such a huge loss to us.  We cherish all of your memories of Russ, what his life--both his strong character and his lifting achievements--meant to each of you.  He was a remarkable man on and off the lifting platform, as each of you have written about so eloquently.

Dan and Sandy Cantore, Fred Lowe, Joe Dube, Gary Deal, Dan Hollis, Wes Neal--there are no words, but I will try:  thank you for so perfectly honoring Russ' life and passing.  Your words about what he meant to you, how you were such a major part of Russ' life--and he yours--each of you have said it and shown it in your kind words and actions.  

ABOUT THE FINAL SERVICES-FOR THOSE WHO COULD NOT ATTEND:

>Fellow lifter and Pastor Dan Hollis officiated at the service.  Dan and wife Carla traveled with Russ and I for many years across the U.S. with the Athletes in Action Weightlifting Team.
>Fellow Olympian Dan Cantore and wife Sandy (and dearest close friends of ours) attended Russ' funeral services and shared at the service what Russ meant to them.  
>Olympian Fred Lowe sent a most beautiful floral arrangement and personal message.  
>Olympian Joe Dube and Cindy Stinger (U.S. Olympians Association) ensured we received the US Olympic Flag in time to display at the memorial services, which we did most proudly.  
>Willie Banks, president of the U.S. Olympians Association, sent us a very moving letter, which I also displayed at the services.
>Russ had served honorably in the U.S. Fourth Army, so there was the playing of "Taps" and the Honor Guard presentation of the U.S. Flag, which we had draped over Russ' coffin at the funeral service.
>Fred Lowe Joe Dube and Wes Neal:  I read key-excerpts from your personal messages during the funeral service because your words described Russ so perfectly, and he would have wanted that.  Please let me know your residence addresses so that we can write you letters personally and directly, and also send you DVD copies of the service.  
[and, of course, Gary Deal--I received your precious letter too late to read at the services, but I want to send you the DVD.].
FINALLY:
To all who have posted messages, and continue to do so, please know we are reading them all and saving them for a memorial album for his son, Russ’ pride and joy.
We are very confident that "Big Russ" is reading and seeing every word, and is also sharing in the memories you have been sharing upon his passing into eternity.  I truly believe that Russ remains among us, but is now transformed into a power and glory that is eternal.  A kind friend recently said, "Only difference now is Russ' weights are now in pure gold and every lift is a world record."  I love that.  Our phone number for anyone wishing to contact us directly: Jan Knipp or Russell Robert Knipp at 714-432-1268. Email to:  rknipp@adelphia.net -- Again, our deep and heartfelt appreciation to all.~ Jan Knipp