Collin Bentley Russell

October 10, 1995 - December 26, 2018

Collin Bentley Russell was born on October 10, 1995, in Murray, Utah to Jonathan and Laurie Russell. His oldest sister Emma petitioned he should be named Alan - so it would be Emma, Jenna, Dallin, Alan...but the name Collin fit him perfectly. He was a bright light in our family, we all loved our baby brother Collin. He loved being with everyone and wanted everyone to be happy. He was a peacemaker and a great listener. In his early years he loved reading, drawing, and video games, and when he was a teenager he developed a deep passion for music. He loved attending concerts with his friends and was a talented singer and guitar player. Traveling was so exciting for him, he always wanted to get out and see the world. He had a very special relationship with his mom, who he spent many late nights with sharing his ideas, joys, and fears. They did everything together, including working at The Gap. Everyone he met immediately loved him and felt his special spirit. He was a natural when it came to modeling and his time doing it professionally brought him great joy. He loved sharing that passion with his sister Jenna. His brother Dallin was always a listening ear for him and supported him immensely. But above all, his father loved him fiercely through thick and thin. We lost him on December 26, 2018, to a tragic accidental overdose. His last years were difficult for him as he battled with depression and anxiety. His nephew Elliott and niece Ivy were a ray of hope amongst the darkness. He adored them and always made time to get down and play with them. Our last Christmas with him was a sweet time that we will always remember. We feel at peace that Collin is finally free of the many burdens he felt here on earth, and are so grateful to know we will see him again. Collin is survived by his parents, Jonathan and Laurie Russell, his siblings Emma (Isaac) Westwood, Jenna Russell, Dallin Russell, nephew and niece Elliott and Ivy Westwood, and grandparents Larry and Joy Beck, as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. He is preceded in death by his Grandma and Grandpa Marilyn and John Russell and cousin Brian Thaut. Funeral services will be held on January 2, 2019, at 11 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse at 5555 South 700 West Murray, Utah 84123. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the funeral at the same location. Interment will follow at Murray Cemetery. Please join us to celebrate Collin’s life. The family would love for you to share memories and photos of Collin. Please bring them with you or send them to [email protected]