Local remembered for strong work ethic, love for family

REMEMBERING RUSSELL REEVES

When Lake Charles native and Galliano resident Russell Reeves took on a challenge, it always got his full attention and absolute best effort.

As a worker, he was determined and driven. The owner of an erosion control company for many years, Reeves’ labors were physically intensive, but yet no bother. He’d have it no other way – a firm subscriber to the theory that one must always earn his/her keep.

“I’ve personally witnessed young men throw in the towel within the first few hours because the work was physically too tough for them,” his son Brandon Reeves said. “But I don’t recall ever hearing him complain.

“His office was most commonly the bank of a steel canal in 100 degree weather.”

As a Louisiana-born Cajun, Reeves loved the outdoors. He hunted and fished every chance he got. He harvested exotic animals in the wild and caught tens of thousands of fish on trips he always enjoyed with an array of friends. Some of those animals fed another passion – a love for eating.

Reeves enjoyed fine dining and loved when a big meal was being prepared in the kitchen – especially when there were lots of people around to enjoy.

He was a people person who welcomed anyone into his home – just so long as they had time to stay a while to chat. It was even better if they had an empty stomach.

As a father, Reeves was stern – a product of his work environment. But he was loving and patient, as well, often willing to teach them skills that enabled them to be inclined to learn life’s lessons.

Brandon Reeves shared a story of his father – the first time he saw his father cry. It was a day that the son said allowed everything to sink in for him – that his dad loved and cared for him dearly.

“I don’t think I really understood the depth of my dad’s love, until I was leaving for basic training in the Army,” Brandon Reeves remembers. “He dropped me off at my house; I gave him a hug goodbye, and he began to cry. I had never seen my dad cry before. That one instance told me everything I needed to know – he didn’t have to say he loved me or how proud he was of me. In that moment, I knew exactly what he didn’t have to say.”

That same deep love bled into Reeves’ role as a husband. Those close to Reeves say he loved his wife Lorraine Cheramie Reeves dearly.

The two met later in life – both had a previous marriage. Opposites in personality in a lot of ways, those around them say they were perfect for one another. The two routinely made trips together to enjoy one another’s company. Lorraine Cheramie Reeves said they never had a major fight or argument – ever – during their marriage.

“I am so thankful she is part of our family,” Reeves said of his stepmother, calling her a guardian angel in his life.

And as a cancer patient, Reeves was an inspiration – someone that maybe we could all learn from no matter where we stand in life.

He was diagnosed with the disease when it was at an already-advanced stage. He had been undergoing aggressive treatments throughout the past several years.

Reeves’ medical odds for survival were never great, but throughout the fight, his optimism, faith in God and passion for life were displayed to everyone around, as he approached the condition head-on, never letting it defeat his mindset or mentality.

Reeves’ life journey ended on Jan. 10 when he passed away peacefully with family by his side. He was 63.

He is survived by his wife Lorraine Cheramie Reeves, mother Berna Dean Reeves and three children (Chad and Brandon Reeves and Amanda Winterbottom) and sister Colleen Reeves. He had two stepsons (Randy Cheramie and the late Corey Cheramie), and enjoyed six grandchildren.

Those who knew him best say they’ll always remember the traits that made him special.

“A lot of his family didn’t really know how sick he was most of the time because according to him, everything was always better than it actually was,” Brandon Reeves remembers of his dad. “I’m not sure that it was because he didn’t want people to feel sorry for him; I think it was mainly because he didn’t want family and friends to worry.”

In life, too often, we measure victory and defeat by metrics of life and death. It may be true that Russell Reeves is no longer here because of the damage the cancer did to his organs and immune system.

But those closest to him say that he is a survivor. He beat cancer and is now free – a product of his optimism for never letting the disease touch his spirits. They tout that his positive spirit will live in their lives forever.

“I can only hope to be as good a father, husband, brother, son and friend as my dad was,” Brandon Reeves said. “I never really knew the impact my dad had on so many until I heard so many share their stories with me at his funeral. I must have heard, ‘He was a great man,’ 100 times in just a couple of hours. I hope to aspire to the legacy that he passed down and teach these same traits that affected so many to his grandchildren.”

Galliano resident Russell Reeves was the kind of guy who loved to be around people. Pictured with his wife Lorraine Cheramie Reeves, son Brandon and two of his six grandchildren, Reeves passed away on Jan. 10 after a long bout with cancer. Those around him say Reeves was a kind, gentle man – who loved to have fun and eat big Cajun meals while talking with friends.

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