Roll Call Tribute

Russell Brewster Ricou 
December 1, 1947 - August 30, 2023 

Mr. Russell Brewster Ricou, Sr. was born on December 1, 1947, and passed away on August 30, 2023, at the age of 75. Born and raised in Shreveport, LA, Mr. Ricou later attended Texas A&M University and graduated in 1969 as a member of the Corps of Cadets. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Ricou attended Louisiana State University law school in Baton Rouge where he met his wife, Leslie Silverman. Married in 1976, the couple later decided to raise their new family on the 7-mile island of Grand Isle, LA, where Mr. Ricou spent his summers as a youth.

Mr. Ricou’s passion lie in hunting and fishing followed by the subsequent cooking and eating of the game and fish. He traveled far and wide to do all four, often accompanying his late father. He relished early morning surf fishing at the beach with his family and friends, often succeeding in bringing home dinner in the form of Specks and Reds. His true happy place, however, was at the Ricou family’s hunting property near the Bodcau WMA where he spent springs, falls, and winters every year of his life chasing deer, ducks, doves, turkeys, rabbits and whatever else was edible. Mr. Ricou saw the true beauty of life in nature and thanked every animal he hunted for giving their life. Much like his father before him, Mr. Ricou was a true friend to all dogs, especially of his beloved Brittany Spaniels.

When he wasn’t holding a rod and reel, gun, or chef’s knife, Mr. Ricou was holding a thermos of hot tea while cheering on his two sons, Denis and Russell, Jr., (and the rest of his Island and Bayou boys) as they played baseball and basketball throughout the school year and summers. His heart, however, knew no greater love than when his only daughter, Emily, was born. She had to share the spotlight some 20 years later when Mr. Ricou’s only grandchild, Brody, entered the family.

Mr. Ricou is survived by his wife: Leslie Silverman Ricou; son, Denis Ricou and wife Mikelle; his daughter, Emily Ricou; and his only grandchild, Brody Ricou. Other survivors include his siblings, Diana Ricou Smith and husband Brooks, Melissa Ricou, Roland Ricou, Jemma Sloan, and Karen Hall.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Denis Ricou and wife Patricia; brother, Justin Ricou, Sr.; and son, Russell Ricou, Jr.

Mr. Russell B. Ricou, Sr., will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his joy for cooking and feeding all, and his devotion to family and friends.