Russell Brewster Ricou Jr.

Russell Brewster Ricou, Jr. was born on January 5, 1981 and died January 9, 2022. Born in Metairie, LA, he was raised in the beach community of Grand Isle, LA, where he remained barefoot, dirty and suntanned throughout his childhood. Russell also adored spending weekends and vacations as a kid with his nine cousins in River Ridge and Shreveport.

As a child, Russell spent his time fishing and hunting … hating every part of either activity that involved the actual act of fishing and hunting. His true love was sports and immediately started playing basketball and baseball throughout middle and high school for the Grand Isle High Trojans and summer baseball with the South Lafourche Bayou Boys and the Grand Isle Island Boys.

After graduating as valedictorian from GIHS, Russell went on to fulfill his dream of attending Louisiana State University, less for academics but more for the student-priced tickets to all LSU games. Russell thoroughly enjoyed his nearly decade-long tenure at LSU, earning a bachelor’s degree in dietetics and proudly co-founding a football tailgate krewe (the Krewe of Knowbodys) that still lives on 22 years later.

Russell later transitioned his education into the world of Occupational Health and Safety, working as a contractor at many locations from Grand Isle to New Jersey. A loyal Boston Red Sox fan, the irony was not lost on Russell during his stay in Yankees’ territory.

Russell is survived by his parents, Russell Brewster Ricou, Sr. and Leslie Silverman Ricou; brother Denis Ricou and his wife Mikelle; his sister Emily Ricou; his only nephew, Brody Ricou; and his dogs (his babies) Pearl, Payton and Bre’.

Other survivors include his uncles and aunts from his father’s side: Diana Ricou Smith and husband Brooks, Melissa Ricou, Roland Ricou and Jemma Sloan and Karen Hall. Uncles and aunts from his mother’s side include Daniel Silverman, III and his wife Jackie, David Silverman, Sr., Becky Weber and James Silverman and wife Tahamina.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Denis Ricou and wife Patricia, Daniel Silverman, Jr., June Ilgenfritz and husband James; and uncle: Justin Ricou, Sr.

While never married and without children, Russell was like a second husband to all his friends’ wives and a designated uncle to all of their kids. He was also the official godfather (referred to as “Parrain” in Cajun French) to Pierceson Besson and Drevin Dillon.

Known as a best friend to all, a loyal ally in any altercation and an extremely frustrating “little brother” to many, Russell will be forever remembered for his laugh, his strong language and gruff tone and his never-failing way of staying in touch with everyone he loved … at all times of the day and night. For all that continuously contributed to RBR’s growth and success, his family thanks you dearly.

While a confirmed Catholic, Russell loved attending Mass at Our Lady of the Isle in Grand Isle and learning about the history of Judaism from his mother’s side of the family. He was unwavering in his patriotism to our country and state; Russell went out of his way to thank all service members and first responders … particularly the ones he personally knew.

Whenever you watch an LSU, Saints or Red Sox game; whenever you hear “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive”; whenever you shake your head to try and comprehend this loss … think on Russell Brewster Ricou, Jr. Raise every drink a little higher, try and remember a little harder and toast to a Brother’s Honor.

For several reasons, there will not be a formal funeral service; however, a Memorial / Celebration of Life Service will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, his friends have set up a fundraiser to assist with certain costs associated with immediate arrangements as well as memorializing his life in the future: https://gofund.me/e1d02b30

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