June 23, 1998 – April 30, 2026
Regional Sales Manager — Holiday House Distributing
There comes a time in life when things just don’t make any sense.
To quote Charles Dickens; it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
On Thursday, April 30th, it was to be a very special day for now-President Barbara Russell. After 45 years in the OCS business, Lynn and I knew it was time to move on. Barbara, we have known each other since she was 15, babysitting our kids. She became a great salesperson when we ran an OCS business in New York. When she returned to us in 2008, we made a place for her. She has grown into a woman who has garnered accolades from both customers and vendors. She came up with the idea to hold training seminars for customers, whether the location was Florida, Los Angeles, Texas, or, in a few months, New Jersey. With the support of at least ten top-tier vendors, they became the go-to resource for hands-on training.
This was her day; to lead a small group of investors, including herself, into the next chapter of Holiday House.
But then her world turned upside down. Her son, Richie, was attending a coffee show in Miami. Many people were trying to reach him, but no one could. The hotel conducted a wellness check, and the worst happened. No one knows why.
Richie had been with HHD for about ten years. He learned from me. He learned from Anthony. He became a welcome sight whenever he showed up at a customer’s door. He knew how to work with a company’s executives, and then he was back in the shop cleaning parts during the repair of a commercial coffee brewer. He did it all, and he did it with heart.
He leaves behind his partner, Cheyenne, a young woman who is always smiling and full of energy. And no one can forget Winry, a little girl who lights up a room just by walking into it. Richie was Dad. Barbara and Richard were Grandma and Grandpa. We pray that those connections will never be broken.
Richie was a young man that I had the privilege to help mold into the well-respected and deeply loved individual he became. Lynn and I will slowly step back and let the new Holiday House Distributing President forge an even brighter path forward.
Richie, we will always love you.
Butch & Lynn
Founders, Holiday House Distributing
Richie Russell spent a decade at Holiday House Distributing growing into one of the most trusted and respected Regional Sales Managers in our industry. His customers didn’t just do business with him, they looked forward to seeing him. His colleagues didn’t just work alongside him, they were better for it.
He was 27 years old. He is survived by his partner Cheyenne, his daughter Winry, and the extended HHD family he helped build.
He will be deeply, genuinely missed.
To read his family's full public announcement, for information on funeral arrangements or to share a memory, click here.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to a trust established for Richie’s daughter, Winry. Every contribution, large or small, is a meaningful way to honor the father he was and the love he had for her.
Contribute to Winry’s Trust