Russell “Butch” Richards Jr., also known as “Ibednego,” of Oakland, California, entered into eternal rest on May 16. He was 51 years old.
Russell was born on St. Croix, U.S.V.I., on Nov. 16, 1961. He attended St. Joseph’s High School and graduated from the Florida Air Academy.
Russell was a musician who collaborated with many artists but is best known as a long-time member of Zioniers reggae band from St. Croix. He was also a well respected elder among the RastafarI community.
He is survived by his sons: Takiba, Joshua, Aswad and Bomani; daughter, Tayma; brothers: Wesley and Gregory Richards; sisters-in-law: Annie and Mitra; his brethren and sistren: Ras Ibeshee Gustave, Kwame Gustave, Olga Rodriguez, Audrey Jones and Amani Weusi; many aunts, uncles and cousins in the Richards and Luzunaris families; and friends too numerous to list.
Russell is preceded in death by his parents Russell Sr. and Elena Richards.
A memorial gathering for Russell is being arranged by his family to take place in St. Croix early this summer. For further information, please visit www.forevermissed.com and search Russell Richards Jr.