Clayton Allan Russell, 86

Clayton Allan Russell, 86, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Clayton was born April 23, 1936, in Chama, N.M., to Allan and Eileen Russell. He grew up and attended schools in Kootenai, Idaho, graduating from Sandpoint High School in 1955.

He married Patricia Walker on June 2, 1957, in Sandpoint, Idaho. He worked for Automatic Electric and Telephone all over the western United States. In 1962, they settled in Forks, Wash., working for Peninsula Telephone and Telegraph for 20 years. Clayton was a member of the Forks Lions Club and coached youth sports. In 1989, Clayton and Pat moved to Otis Orchards, Wash., until retiring from Telect in 2006 and moved to back home to Sandpoint.

They liked to spend their winters in Yuma, Ariz. He also enjoyed gardening, snowmobiling, riding scooters and he loved his dog, “Lucky.”

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia Russell of Sandpoint; his beloved sister, Loyce Gilmore of Oakhurst, Calif.; two sons, Joseph Russell (Sarah) and Jerald Russell (Teresa); and five grandchildren, Lauren Russell, Hannah Russell, Lindsey Russell, Alexander Russell and Mason Tribe.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Bill Russell.

There will be a memorial service at a later date.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Clayton’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.