It is with a heavy heart that we received the news from Peggy Arend that her husband, Russ and our fellow beagler and friend passed away Saturday morning, 7/11 at the age of 87. "They all definitely had a great run". Our thoughts and prayers are with Peggy, their sons, Randy, Lonnie, Rick, their wives and grandchildren, family and friends are granted everything they need to get through this difficult loss. God saw he was tired and didn’t want anymore suffering so he and the angels wrapped their arms around him and brought him home to peace and he can run all the dogs he wants now.
Russ's beagling began in Michigan and Illinois and his career was a policeman and then he started the state police school which brought the move to Florida. He was very successful and eventually retired. His sons have been very successful and they all reside in Florida. I think we all heard a few of his police experiences through the years. The beginning of his long time friendship with Bob Idalski (Merry Lines beagles) and partner continued on through the years and Bob would visit Peggy and Russ every Spring and attend trials with Russ. Russ ended up finishing over 400+ Field Champions between himself and all his partners. Every summer he went north to Indiana and Michigan to attend trials and see partners, John Johnson and Bob Idalski.
Russ was a definite Icon to our sport and worked very hard to keep brace beagling alive. Every time we lose someone, we just don't seem to have a replacement and another hole/void is felt very deeply. Over 20+ years ago an individual was doing all he could to put an end to brace beagling and Russ stepped up to the plate and got key individuals involved; Art Boger, Bob Kimber, Doc Humphrey, Mike Rowe working with AKC Doug Lungren, Jim Odle, Mel Stewart), was on the BAC and Bob Kimber went to NYC to attend the BAC meetings, etc; and as most of you know, that is why brace beagling is still surviving today and didn't come to an end back then. We need not forget all the hard work and help that Lisa King from AKC has been to each and everyone of us through the years. Russ became President of the American Brace Beagling Association (ABBA) around 2006 worked with beagle clubs in 2009 and we started having Derby Classics every year. The first one was held at George Vestal's farm and then moved to Catawba County and currently they are still going on at Bluegrass and Delsea beagle clubs. Through the years Russ worked with Purina, Russ Farr, Rod Carter, Carl Gunzer, Mike Luchetta, Mark Cascio for their help with donations, Purina Awards, feeding trials, sponsoring the federations, donations to the National, and we can't forget the help from Gail Inman and Barb Fawver with her pictures and write ups for the Award banquets, etc. Russ was past President of the Southern, Mid Dixie, served on Board of Directors, helped in anyway he could. Russ was very dedicated and devoted to our sport and did everything humanly possible to try and keep beagling alive. He served on the National/Purina Committee, worked with Hounds and Hunting and coordinated the Hall of Fame with Art and Bob Slike, Tom DePriest, Kaylynn Cole/Williams and now current owners, John and Chris Porter; Brace Beagle News (Steve and Bonnie Caldwell); Brace Beagling Today (Randy McClellan and Carol Urban); Breeders Hall of Fame Committee past Richard Butterworth, currently Richard Baumann and Bev Behm for her past certified pedigree service, and Sonny Price for doing the Producing Sire and Dam Hall of Fame. Russ listened to beagle clubs and beaglers to help keep beagling alive and sometimes that meant moving trials to another beagle club. If people had ideas or questions, they would talk to Russ for input or share information. We may not always agree, but his head, heart and soul was dedicated to our sport for as long as he could. We thank you for all your dedication, devotion, contributions and support to everyone in all areas. Beagling couldn't exist without everyone working together and trying to help.
Some of beagling highlights for Russ through the years was in 1992 FC Close Call Chico went into the Producing Sire Hall of Fame; in 1999 Russ went into beagling highest honor, The Traditional Brace Beagling Hall of Fame with Paul Erlenback. I believe that might have started a long time relationship, as Paul was my father and through the years Russ and I came to have a father and daughter relationship when I became a part of ABBA. He even told me I became the daughter he never had and beagling was definitely a big part of our lives and we tried to do the best we could for beagling. In 2009 FC Close Call Coy won the Overall Purina Award, Owners Russ Arend and Bob Idalski, Handler, Dave Kerr. In 2012 Firecracker Sir Cujo B won the Overall Purina Award, Owners, Russ Arend and Charles Allen; In 2015 Russ and partner, Bill Pope definitely made a showing when they won the Derby Award with Veterans BJ and made a showing in the 15" Derbies with Close Call Caveman, Owners Russ and John Johnson; and in 2018 Russ, Tom Couch, John Johnson made a showing in the 15" Male Futs with Tanglewood Banjo. Winning a federation is an honor/goal and to win the Overall is the Ultimate highlight in one's beagling career. Russ was a jack of all trades and when he emceed a banquet, there were a lot of stories and laughs. He emceed the Southern and Midwestern more than once and did the 75th Anniversary of the Eastern, IBF, and National. There was never a dull moment if Russ was at a federation, field trial, banquet etc. There have been so many cherished memories through the years and he definitely left footprints on the hearts of so many beaglers. He was a true treasure that has been missed beyond measure; but we are grateful he is at peace and no longer suffering. You can now Soar With The Eagles our Dear Friend and Rest In Peace! God Bless each and everyone of you!
Russ would tell the love of his life, family and friends..
Always There
When you remember me,
Please do not weep.
My body may not be there.
It has chosen to sleep.
I'm not that far away.
My soul lives on,
Looking down, watching over
You and everyone.
And when you feel sad
And life seems so blue,
Just remember
That my spirit has its arms around you.
And on those special days,
Times that you wish I could see,
That cool breeze flowing past you...
Well, that will be me,
So don't be sad.
Have no fear.
God has taken me under his wing,
But I'll always be near.
I still watch you
Every minute, every day.
My love and soul are with you,
And that's where they will stay.
I know you would tell us all if you could....
Heaven's Walk
It's time for me to take the steps
that lead to Heaven's Gate.
And with each step I'll think of
you and all the times we've spent.
I am going now to Paradise where
there's only love and no pain.
And I will wait until the time we
see each other again...
