Thanks for taking the time to visit this JustGiving page devoted to the memory of Russell Slack 1967-2013.

On the evening of Tuesday 26th February 2013, Russell passed away at the age of 45, after losing a short, fierce battle with liver cancer.

We all had the privilege to study part-time with Russ for 3 years during the MSc Ornithology course at Birmingham University and the BTO headquarters at Thetford. I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that we remember him, all to briefly, as a passionate birder and very personable chap.

The following tribute comes from a close friend, Jono Leadley's Birding Dad blog:

I remember heading east for a seawatch in October 2011 at Flamborough. As dawn broke, the conditions were great and I had a quick look from just past the lighthouse while waiting for Russ to arrive. 15 minutes later I had recorded over 100 Sooty Shearwaters (an incredible start) and was literally effervescing when Russ turned up, who shrugged and said "Well, let's hope it picks up a bit". Brilliant!

And this, fromPeter Roworth on the Lower Derwent Valley ringing blog:

I will always remember one particular occasion when I had been mowing rough vegetation on Bank Island. It was 5th October 2006 and I had flushed out a Spotted Crake. But I knew there was another still left in a narrow strip of uncut vegetation. I wanted another birder to come and verify the record...managed to get Russell who appeared in seemingly seconds from Wheldrake! The final cut was made, the elusive bird scurried out and flew low in front of Russell. I can see him now punching the air with delight, saying "Spotted Crake"... plus a big smile! The record was thus confirmed.

And these touching words from his best man, Alister Benn, on birdguides:

I had the great fortune to know Russ for over 20 years, from when we first met birding at Wheldrake Ings in the spring of 1992. Over those years, he and I shared more adventures and crazy times than I could write about in a series of books, and find it impossible to believe that a dozen years after writing the best man's speech for his wedding, I'm writing his obituary.

Russell has left behind his wife Linda, and their two young daughters, India and Ruby. Surely it is the memory of his soft voice, wry wit and his kind, sincere eyes that will live on in their hearts.

Russ was the only son of Sue and Ricky, and the boy they nurtured had a passion for two things: statistics and birding. His two books — Rare and Scarce Birds of Yorkshire and Rare Birds: Where and When, Volume 1 — are monumental in their analysis, information, passion and readability. The birding world has lost an encyclopaedic knowledge — one of the good guys, whose motives and actions were always just, and had the birds' wellbeing at their core.

The idea behind this is to raise funds for the much-needed refurbishment of Pool Hide and adjacent boardwalk at Russell's local patch, Wheldrake Ings. As a keen birder, I think it is safe to assume that Russ would've spent many an hour there 'self-finding' his next garganey, pectoral sandpiper or spotted crake.

Every penny raised will help Yorkshire Wildlife Trust fund the repairs needed for the hide and boardwalk for many birders to enjoy in the future. A permanent plaque in Russell's memory will be placed nearby.

For those that may be new to JustGiving: Donating is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thanks for reading and here's to one of life's good guys.