Obituary of Daniel Hopkins Russell

Russell, Daniel 9/11/1982 - 12/18/2020 Kalamazoo, MI Daniel H. Russell, 38, died on Friday, December 18, 2020 in his home town of Kalamazoo, MI. Daniel was born September 11, 1982 to Scott and Deborah Russell in Kalamazoo, MI. He was one of the first children with a technology-dependent medical issue to live at home, sparking a lifelong commitment to disability and healthcare advocacy. Daniel graduated from Gull Lake High School and received a BA in Biology at Kalamazoo College. He worked as a researcher at biotech startup Vestaron before going on to attended the St. Louis University School of Public Health. He spent time doing public health work in Liberia and was very involved in his church and community. He loved to travel and studied abroad in Spain. He was a lifelong NPR listener, and a regular at Water Street Coffee Joint, Sarkozy, and Bell's Brewery. He was known for his quirky sense of humor and appreciated a good pun. Daniel is survived by his mother, Deborah Russell, his twin sister, Margaret Russell (Oliver Lagman), and his grandmother Marjory Russell. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as many close friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Scott Russell, and his grandparents, George and Monica (Medill) Russell and James Russell. Memorial service details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Partners in Health or Open Doors Kalamazoo. Daniel had a deep passion for social justice and for helping others in ways big and small. He is remembered by friends and family for his intelligence, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity.