Russell N. Brodeur, 81

Russell N. Brodeur, 81 of Sandpoint, Idaho, died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010, at Kootenai Medical Center.

Memorial services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010 at Coffelt Funeral Chapel.

Russell was born June 10, 1929, in Woonsocket, R.I., the son of Elphege and Bertha Brodeur. He was raised and graduated high school in Woonsocket.

He graduated from the University of Southern California and attended Loyola University School of Law, where he received his law degree. He had a sharp mind and passed the California Bar Exam on his first attempt and was admitted to the California Bar Association.

Russell practiced and had his own law firm in Los Angeles for more than 35 years, retiring in 1989. In addition to his own law practice he served in a pro bono capacity as a court appointed judge in evening court.

Wherever he lived he believed in giving back to his community. After moving to Sandpoint in 1989, Russell volunteered as a little league umpire. He volunteered for CASA and served as a legal advisor and guardian; he also served as a volunteer court-appointed guardian ad litem for both the elderly and children in need.

He was an avid golfer, enjoyed his home on the lake, and had a deep appreciation for big band music having played sax in a band earlier in his life.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita whom he married on Dec. 10, 1972, in Los Angeles; four children, Doug (Sheryl), Jill (Ron) Archer, Carol (Robert) Cyr and David; 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends are invited to sign Russell’s online guest book at www.coffultfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.