"A man of integrity, honor and loyalty. I've been blessed not only to work with Russ for over half my life, but Bob and I consider him a true friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the the family and all at Sigler. Sissie and Bob Shank Chas Roberts"
In loving memory of
Russell Loy Sigler
Russ passed away on January 7, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born on January 23, 1917, in Nowata, Oklahoma, to Jack and Mary Sigler. He is survived by his six children: Lanny (Becky), Ann (John), Jack (Carey), Susie, Richard, and Bill; grandchildren: Mark, Chris, Deana, Jessica, Kristen, Sean, Kelly, and Jamie; and 11 great-grandchildren. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jomax, spouses Elaine and Dort. After graduating from University of Oklahoma with a BS in engineering, Russ enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He served throughout the Pacific Theatre for the entire duration of WWII, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Among other citations, he was awarded the Legion of Merit. Upon return, he studied the "new technology" of air conditioning with the man who invented it, Dr. Willis Carrier, in Syracuse, New York. After working for Carrier, he worked as a contractor then opened his own distributorship in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He grew his business from twelve employees to 650, with branches in six states. At the time of his passing, he was still actively involved in his business. Russ, the eternal optimist, loved life, people and ideas. He was innovative, entrepreneurial, patriotic, humorous, enthusiastic, caring and generous. He touched the lives of many and was an inspiration to all. He said his best accomplishment was raising six kids who liked each other. There will be a private service, but condolences and anecdotes are welcomed in his online guestbook at https://hansenmortuary.wpengine.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Honor Flight Arizona at http://honorflightaz.org/.
Tributes
"Our deepest condolences to the Sigler family. It was a pleasure to meet such a wonderful man, so full of life and always smiling. He will be greatly missed. Thank you for the memories."
"It was a pleasure working with the Sigler organization and having had the opportunity to meet a great man who inspired all who he had a chance to meet. God Bless You Russ."
"My Condolences to the family of an admirable man and of great respect."
"I feel blessed to have known Mr. Sigler. He was truly one in a million! My fondest memory was the day he came by my desk to get an envelope and told me "I'm so glad you're here". No, Mr. SIgler, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you! Sending my thoughts and prayers to all who feel his loss. Until we meet again Mr. Sigler."
"it is with heavy hearts that we sun city air conditioning offer our sincerest condolences to mr Russell l. sigler,employees and friends respectfully willie Hernandez/Fernando verdugo"
"Dear Sigler siblings, Russ and I shared a birthday for almost 60 years, and I loved having such a heart-y relationship with someone who's life was so different to mine. Growing up in Albuquerque, Russ included me in his family life on the ranch - horses, cows, rural New Mexican life and more kids than I'd ever imagined and a milk machine in the kitchen (!), I'm a very different kind of Faigen for it! He also included my dog Samantha for a while at the ranch, and she never loved anyone or anywhere as much! Russ was a big-hearted, happy, fun-loving, life-loving family friend, and I feel lucky to have had him in my life for so many years. I am sure Burt did, and Zelda does, feel the same way. Russ had a good innings and won't be soon forgotten by any of the Faigens. Kind regards from Australia Deb Faigen"
"To the Sigler family. Russ and Dort lived just across two fairways from us In Mazatlan. Years ao I used play bridge with Dort before Russ and Tina would arrive for vacation. I don't believe I have ever met a man so soft, loving and intelligent. I had the pleasure of playing a round golf with him in a couples tournament and the other players and Russ won. He was so happy and said he enjoyed it so much that he wanted to shoot his age this year. .I'll never forget that sweet smile! Keep on swinging Russ.What a pleasant memory to have known him and Tina."
"What joy to have know Russ! I did not know him well but every time i spent with him was special. That twinkle in his eye : ). He will be missed here in Mazatlán. I am sorry for your loss ."
"As a supplier to the Sigler organization, I was always warmly greeted by Russ at company events and treated as if he had known me for ever. He had a knack for making people feel very comfortable. He was an incredible ambassador for the company that bears his name and I know his presence will be missed. Rest in peace Russ."
"I only had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Sigler once. He was very kind and I was very impressed he insisted on meeting every new employee. We will do our best to continue his legacy."
"It was with great sorry I read of Russ's passing. Infact I had bought his 100th birthday card just the day before the notice appeared and was ready to call to ask Russ and Bill for dinner as I did for Russ on his 99th.He was like a little boy when he asked if he could take the 99 shaped candles home. Russ was a beautiful person, so warm and generous. Glen and I have played many hands of bridge with Russ and Dort. Russ was so proud of his office and we hope he managed to achieve the goal he had set for himself as displaced on his office wall. Rest in peace sweet Russ"
"What can be said that has not already been said. I was lucky to have meet Russ a few times when he would come to the branch. Always with a smile, happy to meet you. Respected by all. My sincere condolences to the Sigler family."
"Mr sigler a true last pioneer in the industry I remember the few times speaking with him about his days with dr carrier. He will always be remembered"
"The Lord has a new angel and his name is Russ Sigler. My prayers are with the Sigler family during this time of sorrow. Russ was an amazing man, it was with great pleasure to work with him. He had a smile on his face always. He will be truly missed."
"The Lord our God has a new Angel and his name is Russ Sigler. My condolences to your family Russ will be truly missed, God bless all of you."
"Bill, I want to express my condolence to you and your family. There are no words to express the saddness in our hearts, I lost my dad at 92 last year. Please know that my deepest sympathy is with you and your family."
"My condolences and prayers. Russ always treated people with respect and warmth. I especially appreciated his warm smile and professionalism. He was a great man and an example to me. He will be missed in the HVAC industry."
"Hello Sigler Family... today Mr. Sigler's obituary was in the Journal. No matter how or when we lose our parents, it's difficult. I hope each of you will have fond memories and in time, healing hearts. Fondly, Bev Quinlan"
"Dear family, Heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your dear Russ Sigler. My son, Joseph Kramer, is an employee at Sigler for about 15 years, and Russ was like a father figure. In 2012, when my mother, Vicky Moe, was celebrating her 100th birthday, Joseph asked Russ if we could use the conference room since we were expecting about 75 guests, and Russ said "Yes, as long as you invite me." Russ did attend my mother's birthday party, and the next two birthdays, Russ and Joseph took my mother out to lunch. I met Russ when the brand new SIGLER WAREHOUSE in Buckeye was having their grand opening, and Joseph introduced us. So, I knew Russ through these lovely, generous, kind gestures to my dear son, Joseph, my mother, and my family. My heart goes out to all of you at this time of sorrow and celebration of a life well lived. Cecilia Roulston"
"Russ was an amazing person. It is an honor to work for Sigler and to have known Russ. He is an icon of the HVAC industry and he truly cared about all of his employees. One of the greatest men I have ever met!"
"Dear Lanny, Richard, Bill , Jack, Susie and Annie and all The Sigler Family, I want to thank God for having had Russ Sigler as my friend, he was my oldest friend. I met Russ when I was 18 years old, now I am 62. I have fond memories of Russ, we became such good friends, we both smile when we were together. We enjoyed talking to each other, our conversation was mostly dominated by him, I always wanted to learn from him, and he always share experience, good reading, he was a good human being all around. Although I will miss him greatly, I am so happy he was one of my best and favorite friends, and I will remember him with love, I love Russ. A song written by Alberto Cortez says...When a friend goes away an empty space remains, that cannot be filled by the arrival of another friend. Russ will be in our hearts. José and Donne Jiménez, Mazatlán, Sinaloa., México."
"As next door neighbors, we would sometimes salute each other when we were wearing our WWII baseball caps which was a common occurrence. His sweet smile and our special bond will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies to Russ' family and friends."
"[…] There will be a private service, but condolences and anecdotes are welcomed in his online guestbook at hansenmortuary.com. […]"
"I would like to send my condolences to your family. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time."
"Russ will forever be a part of my life. He was such an impressive person who loved life. I don't think I ever seen Russ without a smile on his face and Tina (his dog) following right behind him where ever he went. I admired him for his business sense, his pleasant demeanor and the way he always took time to listen and talk to his employees. He was truly the best employer I have ever had the chance to work for. I am so saddened by his loss and I will miss his wonderful smile and his warm hugs. My prayers are with the Sigler family. God Bless Russ I will miss you."
"I'm very thankful and grateful to Mr. Sigler! He will be missed by many, but definitely will never be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers for the Sigler family!"
"Russ was a true gentleman and one of the kindest, and warmest people I have ever known. He will be sorely missed by all of his friends, and most certainly his family that was so blessed to have him for so many years. You have my deepest sympathy."
"It was an honor to know Mr. Sigler and work for Russell Sigler, Inc. I had the privilege to eat with Mr. Sigler during Veteran's day. A very truly dedicated person to his employees. In the short time that I knew Mr. Sigler, he motivated me to be part of this great company. Every time a staffing agency representative came to visit Sigler to partner up with us, I had the opportunity to tell Mr. Sigler's story of how he founded this company and who he knew and work for (Carrier) at that time. Mr. Sigler's legacy will live forever in our hearts. My deepest sympathy to the Sigler's family."
"I am glad I got to meet Mr. Russ Sigler! He always had a smile on his face and a great attitude! A wonderful spirit, leader, successful business man and an inspiration to me and everyone who knew him! My condolences to us who knew him, miss him and especially his family."
"There are a few people in this life who truly touch your heart and inspire you not only to be a better person but to believe in the goodness of life. Mr. Sigler was one of those people. I have my top 5 and 2 of those are individuals I've met since being an employee of Russell Sigler, Inc. I believe that is a true testimony to Mr. Sigler as a person who was kind, thoughtful, good humored and wise. He was obviously a great businessman but as important, if not more so, a truly valuable human being who gave more than he took. We will sorely miss his presence, his friendly chats, wonderful smile, inquisitive mind and tender hugs. How Lucky we were to know him. I hope he, in spirit, can hang around a while to make sure we are doing his legacy proud but I'm sure he has more important things to do beyond the pearly gates. Now heaven above can share in the joy that was so graciously blessed upon all that knew him."
"A dear man that created a lifetime of memories for us. Russ was a Family man, Veteran, Business man but most importantly a Gentleman. Men like Russ are harder to find these days.You will be forever missed. God Bless your family during this difficult time. Bil & Laura Wolfington Incentive Travel"
"I only met Russ once, at a HVAC convention. He was dancing and having such fun! He must have been 95!! What an incredible man. Hugh loss for the HVAC industry.. Deepest condolences to the family."
"Mr. Sigler is an amazing example of how all of us should live our lives. He will be sorely missed. My greatest condolences to the Sigler family."
"Our deepest condolences for family and friends of Russ. You will be missed but your legacy will live on. Prayers for comfort during these hard time. Sincerely the Gorman Cooler Supply Family"
"It was truly an honor to know Russ. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you."
"Please accept my sincerest condolences . Russ was a giant in the HVAC industry. He was also the most honest, kindest, and down to earth gentleman I had the joy of working with in my business career. Ware, Sigler Fagen, Sigler Fagen , Sigler & Reeves, or Russell Sigler, Inc. all meant I was going to deal with a great straight shooting company with a true gentleman at the top. I will always be proud to call Russ a friend . I will always feel fortunate to have known him and for him to have been a part of my life. I am sure his passing will leave a huge void in the lives of his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. May it comfort you to know that God is near the brokenhearted. You can gain much strength by pouring out your heart to Him in prayer. Psalm 34:18"
"May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time. We are very saddened to hear of the loss of Russell. "What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose...All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." ~Helen Keller"
"Russ can never be forgotten for the soft, kindly way he treated everyone. very unassuming but indeed competent. as a Fellow Rotarian I shall never forget him. I understand his progression here via Ware Warren, etal."