Dang, that sucks. I've been here since the geocities days. Russ was always the first to be a smart ass and make stinging comments when warranted. He was also first to provide help and insight and a kind word. Ah, the old celery sandwich days, running celeron 300's @ 450 mhz while the rest of the (non overclocking) public was paying 5 times as much for 400 mhz parts.... good times.
I know Russ played a big part in getting rid of trolls and other undesirables from the start, helping to make AT forums (or then, forum) what it became.
RIP Russ.