Tom RUSSELL

After not hearing from you for a long time, I searched the internet and saw your death news. I have never forgotten the chat-filled days we spent with you during your years in Turkey. I will never forget you. I will always carry you in my heart. My friend, I wish God's mercy on you. Rest in peace.
I offer my condolences to your beloved family.

We are so shocked and sad to hear of Tom’s sudden passing, we had been looking forward to meeting up during this trip to Athens. Tom was a good friend since the early 1980s in Athens. He was a lovely person - intelligent, informed, calm, great sense of humour and great company. We were fortunate to have had a diplomat of Tom’s calibre.
To Kiki, Arthur, Alexander and Tom’s family we extend our deepest sympathies.
Gerry&AnnMarie

We were so sorry to hear of the death of our long time and very good friend Tom. Our deepest condolences to Arthur , Alexander , Kiki and the whole family.

My sincere sympathy to the Russell family on Tom’s recent death. He was a wonderful colleague as well as a special friend during my time at the Embassy in Washington DC. May he rest in peace.

To dear Tom’s family we send our deepest condolences on his sudden passing. We have lovely memories of his gentlemanly presence on visits abroad, ever supportive, professional and kind with a fine tuned sense of humour. An ambassador to be proud of. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.

Deepest of condolences to Tom's family and friends on his very sad passing. He was an absolute gentleman; kind, generous, witty and wise. Irish events in Athens won't be the same without him. He will be sorely missed.

Condolences to Tom's family and friends on his sad passing. We will remember him as a central figure during our time in Athens, quick to share stories and generous with his knowledge. Αιωνία η μνήμη. Michelle & Jack

I was so sad on Tom Russell's passing.
He was a nice and supportive person.
He will always be remembered as he served in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Ambassador (2004-2009). As a member of the local staff of the Embassy during that time, I have good memories of him and his family.
My family join me in sending our deepest condolences to Arthur, Alexander, Kiki and all his family and friends in Greece and Ireland.
May He Rest In Peace.

Abdul Fatah
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

I was deeply saddened to hear of Tom's death. I retain the warmest memories of our time working together in DFA.
Tom's hallmark qualities were integrity, intelligence, and kindness. He was never assertive, but presented and stood over his views with a quiet confidence that was always compelling. His innate courtesy and care for others set a standard for us all.
My sincere condolences to Kiki, Arthur, Alexander and the wider family.

Sincere sympathy to the Russell family and extended families on the sad passing of Tom. May he rest in peace.

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing, he was such a kind, gentle person with a wonderful sense of humour. Our condolences to all the family.

It was a pleasure to have known Tom in his diplomatic role in Athens, Greece.
He will be remembered as a true gentleman.
My sincere condolences to the family.
May he rest in peace.

Dear Kiki, Arthur and Alexander,

Please accept deepest sympathy from my wife, Rita, and myself on the untimely loss of Tom.

He was a great colleague, a friend and a great person. We wish you every strength in coming to terms with his passing.

Frank Sheridan

My deepest sympathies to Arthur, Alexander and Kiki. I had the honour of working for Tom in our Embassy in Washington DC. He was kind, patient and generous with his wisdom to this junior diplomat. His insights, graciousness and calm approach have guided me over the years.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ambassador Tom RUSSELL!
We made great memories during the 3 years that we worked at the Irish embassy in Ankara. He was a very good friend.
We use to have regular phone calls and we were planning to meet in Athens in April this year.
May I repeat that I am very sorry.
I offer my condolences to his family and all his loved ones.

IRISH EMBASSY OF TURKIYE

HAKAN DURU

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Arthur, Alexander, Kiki and the other members of the Russell family on Tom's very sad passing. He was a true gentleman and wonderful colleague who exemplified all that was best in our diplomatic tradition. His kindness, sage advice and wry humour were constantly on display and I considerate myself fortunate to have served alongside Tom as a junior colleague in Embassy Washington. May he rest in peace, ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Arthur, Alexander, Kiki and the other members of the Russell family on Tom's passing. Tom was a true gentleman and colleague who exemplified all that was best about our diplomatic service. His kindness, sage advice and wry humour was constantly on display and I considerable myself fortunate to have served alongside him as a colleague in Embassy Washington. He will be greatly missed, ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Claude and I were so saddened to learn of Tom’s passing and offer our deepest condolences to Alexander, Arthur and family. Tom was a much respected colleague with a deep sense of public service. We were so glad to have his friendship in Athens where we met often and appreciated his kindness and company. May he rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to Tom's family.

My deepest sympathies to Arthur, Alexander and Kiki on the untimely passing of dear Tom. As the tributes make clear, Tom was a much loved and respected colleague in DFA. There is an old saying that "Macroom never reared a fool" and Tom, as one its proud sons, was living testimony to the truth of that maxim! We were colleagues in Anglo Irish Division in the late 1980s and his discreet work on the ground in the North in those difficult days made an important contribution to the peace that would follow. Most of all Tom exuded the highest human qualities - decency, integrity, dedication and all wrapped in a gentle humour. He made friends everywhere he went and was such a wonderful Ambassador of Ireland in every sense of the word. Leaba i measc na naomh go raibh aige.

Deepest condolences to the family of Tom Russell. Tom served Ireland with distinction as an Ambassador and Diplomat. I saw this at first hand when part of a high level visit by Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2007. Tom had a total mastery of his brief and opened numerous doors for Irish business in the region. He also built tremendous links with the Irish Community.

Ar dheis Dé go raib a Anam,
Eoin

Ambassador,

I was shocked when I heard you have moved to the other side. You were a father figure for me besides showing me how an Ambassador has to be, when I was your PA. We have never lost contact, you always remembered the important days for me. I am sure you will be at the god side there. Rest in peace.

Deepest condolences to Tom's family on his sad passing. Tom was one of the kindest, warmest, insightful, wry, humorous and intelligent of colleagues and a true gentleman and all in the most understated way. We enjoyed some really good and busy times in New York at the UN General Assembly. RIP Tom.

My Deepest Sympathy to Arthur, Alexander,Kiki.

Tom was a truly wonderful man as I recall with fond memories his period as Ireland's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. A gentle kind soul who went about his diplomacy in an understated yet effective manner.

May Tom Rest in Peace.
Danny Cunningham,
Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia

Our heartfelt condolences to all the family. Tom was a true gentleman who always had a kind word for everyone. He will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace.

Our sincere sympathy to Tom’s family and friends on his passing.We met him thru his good friend Barbara McConnell Zotou.He was a true diplomat and gentleman.May he rest in peace.

Deepest condolences to Arthur, Alexander, Kiki, Sheila, John, and Tom’s extended family
I am very saddened to learn of Tom’ passing. May he rest in peace.
I have known Tom from the time he first arrived in Saudi Arabia as ambassador, and I have greatly valued his friendship ever since.
Tom was a true gentleman and a great friend. He was the epitome of what a diplomat and ambassador should be. He always represented our country impeccably.
He was always kind, supportive, witty, and intelligent.
He will be greatly missed.

I was saddened to learn of Tom's death. We were classmates and good friends in the Capuchin College Rochestown in the early 1960s. He was very intelligent, had a good sense of humour and was a good friend. My sympathy to his family and friends. Solas na bhflaitheas go raibh aige.

Very sorry to hear of Tom's untimely passing. He was a wonderful colleague and the best of company. I remember him fondly for his warmth and kindness, for his astute insights and for the shafts of wry humour which punctuated every conversation. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

I was very sad to hear of Tom's death . He was one of nature's gentlemen, who served his country with great distinction in a wide variety of posts. He was a kind, wise and good humoured support to colleagues.
My sympathy to his sons and to all the family

I was very sorry to learn that Tom had passed away. He was a kind, warm and humorous colleague, and particularly encouraging and supportive to newer staff, myself included. My deepest sympathy to his family on their untimely loss. May he rest in peace.

Sorry for your loss to your family and loved ones .

Bernadette and I were greatly saddened to learn of Tom's untimely death.
I have the warmest memories of Tom as an efficient ,reliable and intelligent colleague in Washington.His management skills were based on scrupulous respect for all he dealt with,although his wry humour showed he was fully cognisant of ''the crooked timber of humanity"The Greek word sophosryne summarises the virtues he embodied so conspicuously.
With sincere condolences to Kiki,their sons and Tom's wider family and friends.

My deepest sympathies to the Russell Family. I have fond memories of Tom as a great colleague and friend in the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Sincere condolences to the Russell family on the death of Tom. May he rest in peace

Tom was a warm, gentle and always courteous DFA colleague from the generation of ‘74. Our friendship grew as near neighbours in Dun Laoghaire and again after his return from his posting in Athens when we first met Kiki and later Arthur. Carmen and I are deeply sorry to hear of his passing, and extend our sincere sympathy to all the family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

Fond memories of my time in Washington with Tom who was a great friend and a true gentleman. He also had a wicked sense of humour and kindness in abundance. Sincere condolences to his boys, Arthur and Alexander, and to his extended family.

Mary and I send our deepest sympathy to Tom’s family. He was a popular member of our walking group in the 1970s and 1980s, always good-humoured and courteous, a true gentleman. We were delighted to catch up with him in Athens a few years ago, when we shared many happy memories. May he rest in peace.

Condolonces to John, Sheila and all the Russell family on Tom's passing. Good memories of him as a classmate and room mate in our years at Capuchin College, Rochestown.

Sincere condolences to Kiki, Arthur and Alexander. Good memories of working with Tom in Moscow and Washington. May he rest in peace.

Aiglie and I were very sorry to learn of Tom's passing. We were fortunate to be hosted by Tom during his time in Athens in the early 80's and Aiglie can still recall conversations with him about the history and culture of his beloved Greece. Our condolences to Kiki, Arthur and Alexander. May he rest in peace.

Very sorry to read of Tom's passing. We were classmates in Macroom, Mercy Convent School to 1954 and De La Salle National School to 1959, known in those days as Tommy he was always a very pleasant and intelligent Pupil. Condolences to all Tom's Family at home and abroad.

Sincere condolences to Kiki, Arthur and Alexander and other family members. Tom was a warm and generous colleague from our first days in the Department of Foreign Affairs and later when we served together in Washington. I will remember him fondly.

Very sad news to hear of the death of former colleague and friend, Tom Russell a kind wise and gentle colleague Ar Dheis Dé a anam.
Breandán Ó Caollaí Carmel Callan

Deepest sympathy to Tom‘s family. Tom was a wonderfully kind, witty, wise and great colleague. The world was a better place for his presence.

I was very saddened to hear of Tom’s death. He was a great colleague, a true gentleman and a fine diplomat. My sincere condolences to Kiki, Arthur and Alexander and the wider family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

Dear Kiki, Arthur and Alexander, sending you my sincere condolences on Tom's death. One of the "gang" who entered DFA in 1974, he was an erudite, kind and generous colleague over many years. A true diplomat and gentleman. He will live on in our memories. RIP, Tom.

I was saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a wonderful colleague. My sincere condolences to you all at this difficult time .

Deeply saddened by this news, we will always remember Tom as a kind, courteous and loyal colleague and as a great support to the Embassy during our time in Athens.

Our sincere condolences to Kiki, Arthur and Alexander on their sad loss. Ζωή σε σας!‎

Very sad to learn of the death of a friend, colleague and one time neighbour. Comhbhrón ó chroí lena chlann. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam.

I was very sorry to hear about Tom's death - he was an absolute gentleman and a kind, fun colleague who I thoroughly enjoyed working with. Sincere condolences to all of Tom's family.
Emer Rocke (Callinan)

Our sincerest condolences to Kiki and family on the death of Tom. He was a great colleague with a great sense of humour and with great common sense.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam

Sending my heartfelt condolences to Kiki, Tom, and Alexander.

When a loved one passes away our world changes forever and it’s never easy. I pray that God gives you and your entire family peace and strength during this very difficult time in your lives, that you and your family feel the compassion and love of the many people who surround you, and that all of the good memories you have of him strengthen you.

May he Rest in Peace.

Kindest regards,

Sondra
Consulate General of Ireland, Atlanta, GA USA

Our condolences to Tom’s family, he was a good colleague, a fine diplomat and a true gentleman. May he rest in peace.
Colin Wrafter and Aisling de Búrca

Dear Kiki, Arthur and Alexander,
I would like to extend to you my most sincere condolences on the passing of dear Tom. He was an exemplary diplomat and an exceptional colleague. His outstanding intellectual and personal traits were renowned. I always considered him to be one of our finest diplomats. As a young entrant to the Ministry, Tom was exceptionally kind to me, and mentored me along the way. I am deeply saddened. My husband, retired Ambassador Brian Nason, joins me in this expression of sympathy. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis. Geraldine

Marie and I were deeply saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom was a dignified, kind, soft-spoken contemporary whose presence always brought a reassuring calm to every situation. Our sincere condolences to his family and many friends at this sad time. May he rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy John Sheila and the Russell family on the passing of Tom.
I remember him performing with consumate elegance as one of the ladies in our annual school play Arsenic and Old lace when we were boarders in Capuchin Franciscan College Rochestown all those years ago.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Our sincere sympathy to Kiki,Arthur and Alexander and the wider family. Tom was a kind and gentle colleague and we gave fond memories of time spent together.

My condolences to Kikki, Arthur and Alexander. I remember Tom as a loyal, empathic and wise colleague blessed with a droll and quick sense of humour and a good word for everyone.

So sad to hear of Tom’s passing. I have lovely memories of working with Tom at Embassy, Moscow. Sending my deepest sympathy to Kiki, Arthur & Alexander at this sad time. Rest in peace Tom.