Robert E. 'Bob' Russell, 97
Robert Russell gently passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008, at home in Sandpoint, Idaho. He lived with his daughter and her husband, Joyce and Chuck Spiller, since 1996 when he had moved from Coeur d'Alene after the passing of his wife, Marjorie.
Bob was considered "amazing" by his family and dear friends because of his incredible memory, knowledge of history and current events, kind nature and cheery disposition.
He was born at home in Thomas Hollow (holler) in southeastern Missouri on June 8, 1911, and was always proud of his Ozark background. His father, a rancher, died when Bob was a baby and the youngest of four children. His mother was a true pioneer of the west, and raised her children alone on the Missouri farm.
The family moved to Inglewood, Calif., in the 1920s. It was there he met and married Marjorie Latham, his wife for more than 60 years.
Although his formal education was sparse and he never went beyond the tenth grade, Bob was a well-read, self-educated, self-made success in life. In his early career he designed interiors for supermarkets, and later retired as president of a grocery fixture manufacturing business.
During World War II he worked tirelessly for the war effort as his company stopped making store fixtures and produced airplane wings for Lockheed. He witnessed nearly a century of remarkable changes that had him always saying "Now are the good ole days." He and his wife were well- traveled around the world and his stories of his life's adventures and those of his pioneer parents and grandparents kept family and friends entertained. As an avid gardener he will be remembered by many of his friends at Farmers Market. It seemed there was nothing that he could not fix, build or grow.
A truly unique man, who could also quote poetry to suit any situation, had read thousands of books in his later years, and could add interest to any conversation on just about any subject. Robert Russell touched many lives in his 97 years and will be greatly missed. His stories will be passed down through the generations in A Little Family History, which he finished writing in 2006.
He is survived by his two daughters, Joyce (and Chuck) Spiller of Sandpoint and Judy (and Bill) Knox of La Pine, Ore.; five grandchildren, Lori Brewster Powers (and Bobby) of Maui, Mike Waltze (and Alyssa) of Maui, Todd Waltze (and Annette) of Los Gatos, Calif., David Knox (and Robyn) of Boulder, Colo., and Daniel Knox (and Christian) of Galt, Calif.; and 11 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to sign Robert's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.
Final arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.