Russell Theodore Sheehan

Russell Theodore Sheehan, age 82 of South Lyon passed away on July 8, 2024.

He was born on June 2, 1942 in Santa Monica, California to his parents, the late Alice Agnes (née Callahan) and Robert Thomas Sheehan.

Russell is the beloved and devoted father of two children – Jennifer (Steven) Fox and Russell T. (Vicki) Sheehan; proud grandfather of Joshua Fox and Rusty Sheehan. He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is predeceased by his sister Roberta Ward.

Russell was a Mechanical Engineer in the manufacturing and automotive industries. He was extremely creative and could shape an idea into reality. He and his father owned the R.T. Sheehan Company, where they designed and manufactured material handling and packaging machines. They developed multiple patents for new technology in the machines, including forged overhead conveyor chain and woven wire mesh belt. 

Later, Russell worked for multiple automotive firms as an engineer, cost estimator, and buyer. As an inventor and entrepreneur, he held multiple patents. He invented and patented the Tri-Cone Climax exhaust tuner for race cars and motorcycles - the faster the vehicle goes, the quieter it gets - without losing horsepower. 

He loved fast cars and drove a Formula Ford race car at Waterford Hills Road Racing Track in Clarkston in the late '70s and early '80s. The physical effort of driving a race car is much greater than that of driving the family car. As an Engineer, Russell clearly knew how turning and braking require more force due to the high speeds as well as the race car’s unique engineering.

Russell’s inquisitiveness knew no bounds. He was an incredibly creative man - at work, in the garage, and in the kitchen.

Russell loved music and played many instruments, including banjo, guitar, piano, and drums. He often sat on his deck in the evenings and played his banjo and sang many songs of his youth. He loved cooking and took pride in his skills - there was no technique he wasn't willing to explore. He made a great cheesecake! 

He could build practically anything, and always had multiple projects going. In his later years he enjoyed wood carving, copper relief art, and glass fusing. He made furniture, and copper kitchen accessories. He once built a dulcimer from scratch.

To his family, friends and all who knew and loved Russell, he was an inspiration who will be forever remembered and deeply missed.

 God bless you, Dad - may your soul be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you're dead. With much love, Russ and Jen.