Obituary of Gary Richard Russell

Gary Richard Russell was born June 28, 1944 to John C. and Barbara (Durrwachter) Russell in Alhambra, California, and passed away peacefully at home in Olympia, Washington, with his family by his side on January 18, 2014. His family moved from California to Joyce, Washington in 1952. Gary attended Joyce Elementary and Joyce High School through his sophomore year. He completed his junior and senior years at Shoreline High School in Seattle. He graduated in 1962. After graduation, with his mom dad, he moved to Anchorage, Alaska where he attended AlaskaMethodistUniversity. After college, Gary started working for the Anchorage Police Department. In 1963, he met Sherrye Payne and, in June 1965, they were married. On March 11, 1968 they were blessed with their beautiful daughter, Michelle. While living in Alaska, Gary enjoyed snowmobiling and skiing. Gary served in the Alaska National Guard from December 1965 to December 1971, when he received an Honorable Discharge. In 1972, the family moved to Olympia, Washington, and Gary started working at The Evergreen State College Campus Security. On July 2, 1974, they were blessed with another beautiful daughter, Jennifer. Gary and Sherrye were divorced in 1976. In February 1977, Gary met Marilyn Newcomb and on July 1, 1978, they were married in Olympia. Gary and Marilyn bought a motor home and enjoyed taking weekend trips to the beach. They also enjoyed going to CrystalMountain where Gary taught Marilyn how to ski. On March 22, 1991, after 12 and a half years of marriage, they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Tayler. Through the years, Gary had many hobbies, including skiing, golfing, horseback riding, and gun collecting, but his all-time favorite hobby was photography. Gary retired from The Evergreen State College Police Services in April 2004 after 32 years of service. Gary was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family, and his daughters had him wrapped around their little fingers. Gary is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Olympia; and his daughters, Michelle Johnson, Jennifer Just, and Tayler Russell, all of Olympia. He is also survived by three grandsons, Austin Davis of Yakima, Washington; and Anthony and Jacob Just of Olympia. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, John and Barbara Russell. Please leave memories of Gary or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.