Russell 'Russ' Everett Rosco, 87
Russell Everett Rosco passed away peacefully Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the age of 87.
He was born to Vernon and Ethel Rosco in Kellogg, Idaho, on Feb. 11, 1936, and lived in North Idaho most of his life. During high school, Russ worked various jobs, including at a local grocery store, Burkholder Brothers Logging and for the Great Northern Railroad.
He met the love of his life, Marian Martin, during high school. After graduating, Russ attended one semester at the University of Idaho and returned home to wed Marian on Christmas break. They moved to Moscow and after one year at U of I, they came back to Bonners Ferry.
Between 1955 and 1966, he worked in various jobs including working in the woods, at Hank Spalding Sawmill, at Polaris Stud Mill and at Bargain Giant. He was also the supply sergeant for the Bonners Ferry National Guard.
In 1966, he went to work at Pack River Lumber and moved through the ranks to become sales manager and eventually general manager. In 1975, Russ became the general manager of both the Colburn sawmill and the planer mill in Dover. From 1986 through 1988, he managed the sawmill in Superior, Mont., until returning to manage W-I Forest Products in Bonners Ferry from 1988 to 1993. Crown Pacific purchased W-I Forest Products in 1993 and Russ worked for them until his retirement in 1994.
Russ loved to hunt, fish, golf and ride snowcats. Throughout Russ’s life, he was a member of several service organizations, including Jaycees, Eagles and Lion’s Club. He was a card-playing fanatic and almost impossible to beat at cribbage or pinochle. He loved to win as evidenced by the grin on his face at the end of the game. He loved his buddies and they played a weekly game of poker. The guys would leave their money on the table by their chairs, come back next week and sit down in the same chairs, then continue playing. Russ hosted regular cribbage matches at their home and was a member of the Hole-in-One club at the golf course. He took great pride in his yard and flowers and had the nicest yard on the block daring any weeds to grow!
Marian and Russ moved from Bonners Ferry to Sandpoint in 2018 and lived there until his passing. They would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this December.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings with the exception of his youngest brother John.
Russell is survived by his wife, Marian, of 68 years; son Tim and wife Connie, son Chuck and wife Kathie Nahas, and daughter Connie and husband Mike Moon. Russ is also survived by ten grandchildren: Jeremy and Sarah Rosco, Jaime and Gary Bergen, Brad and Jessica Moon, Shannon and Nathan Jacobsen, and Brian and Breanne Rosco. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren. He and Marian created and left a beautiful family legacy!
Russ, you were the man who was 5-foot-6 but stood 7 feet tall. You lived life fully and were loved and respected by all. You are gone, but will never be forgotten. Go be with your family and friends who have passed on before you and be at peace.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, July 31, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the BF United Methodist Church. Interment at Grandview Cemetery and reception to follow. The family would like to give their sincere thanks and gratitude to the caregivers at the Bridge at Sandpoint and Bonner General Health Community Hospice team for the care and compassion given to their dad and grandpa.
To leave a message or memory for the family, go to www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family.
