Gerald "Gary" Russell

Gerald (Gary) L Russell March 2, 1942 March 15, 2020 Gary was born on March 2, 1942 in Spokane, Washington to Byron and Joyce Russell. Gary and his family moved to Clarkston, Washington where he graduated from High School in 1960. He attended Lewis & Clark College graduating with a degree in Business and in Education in 1963. Gary taught public school for four years at Tammany Elementary School in Lewiston, Idaho then later accepted a teaching position at the Cottonwood Job Corps Center in 1966. He was employed with the CCC until he and his family transferred to Anaconda Job Corps Center in 1974. He was very involved with his job and enjoyed his interaction of helping and meeting new students throughout his career. Gary had 36 years with the Job Corps Center and retired in 1999. Gary married the love of his life, Bernita (Birdie) Cox on March 30, 1963. This year they would've celebrated their 57th Wedding Anniversary. He and Birdie were inseparable. They treasured every moment together and raised three daughters. Rhonda (Tom) Vauthier, Opportunity, MT, Deanna (Norm) Swartz, Bellingham, WA and Debra Sue Russell. They have four grandchildren, TJ (Cassie) Vauthier, Opportunity, MT; Ryan (Katelyn) Swartz, Bellingham, WA; Kylie (Kevin) Dee, Anaconda, MT and Stephanie Swartz, Eugene, OR. They also have five great grandchildren Zyler, Khael, Rhett, Kirra, and Wells. Gary was an avid banjo and guitar player. In his earlier years he played in several bands and was a participant on the Starlet Stairway TV show in Spokane, Washington. Continuing his love for banjo and guitar music you would many times find Gary plucking and singing along with his family and friends around the campfire while camping. Gary had many hobbies, but fishing and bowling were considered to be his top favorites. He loved spending valuable time with his family and enjoyed traveling to visit families out of town. Gary always had a smile on his face, he was a humble and gentle man with a caring heart for his family and his friends. Gary is survived by his wife Birdie, two daughters and their families, two sisters and one brother and their families. Gary will be sadly missed by all of his dear family and friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Debbie, his parents and a brother. A Private Family service has taken place with a Celebration of Life Service to follow in the near future.