- Date Of Birth: 1983
- Date Of Death: 2021
- State: Colorado
Russell Steven Espinoza, age 37, passed away at a local Denver hospital surrounded by loved ones on October 20th, 2021. A Colorado native, Russell was born on November 18, 1983, growing up in the foothills of Roxborough Park, located in SW Littleton, CO. He graduated from Douglas County High School (DCHS) in Castle Rock, CO in 2002. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Writing, followed by a Master of Arts Degree in Creative Writing.
While Russell loved Denver and returned home often, a bit of wanderlust led him to other cities. Throughout his life and travels, he demonstrated an extraordinary gift for nurturing and maintaining lifelong friendships. He was a big brother to his cousins, Bella and Sofia Espinoza; a whimsical uncle to his nieces, Avery and Reyna Vigil; and considered family by many of his friends’ children. He carried himself with the quiet coolness of a ’90s heart, yet was still tender. Russell was known for being loyal, playful, extremely funny, and caring.
He loved literature, words, and music since he was a small child. He would rather hold a newspaper, read an actual book (versus Kindle), and slide an LP out of its sleeve than tap a screen. He loved the Beatles, Pearl Jam, the Clash, Nirvana, the Cranberries, and Bruce Springsteen.
Professionally, he thrived as a writer in Arts & Entertainment, covering film, music, comedy, and sports, as well as copywriting and editing for local and national media outlets. His creative writing ranged from children’s stories to screenplays. Over the last few years, he spent his time writing an original script for a TV sitcom. He dreamt of finalizing this script and submitting it to agents in Los Angeles for consideration. Russell also helmed a feline- and fashion-forward T-shirt company called Duly Noted. The designs shone with his unique wit and even caught celebrity attention.
With his family, he never failed to part with a hug and an “I love you.” Those hugs, his warmth, sense of humor, and those big blue eyes will be deeply missed—but he will remain forever a cherished member of a large, extended family.
“I have wished for so long. How I wish for you today.” ~ PEARL JAM
The Second Wind Fund, which connects teens at risk for suicide to free counseling.
