Obituary: Rask, Russell K.
Age 63
He grew up in International Falls, MN and at the age of 10, he received his first guitar from his father.
Russ left International Falls at the age of 23 and made his way to Spokane, WA to live with his aunt and uncle, Lorrene and Dick Griner, and cousin Sherry.
After playing one night gigs, he landed a full time job playing seven nights a week with Troy Tillett and The Mavericks at the Double Clutch Tavern.
This is where he met the love of his life Ruby Putney.
After a short courtship the two wed on September 11th, 1975.
Over the next nine years they became parents to two daughters and a son.
Throughout Russ’ life he traveled with several bands across the United States and Canada bringing joy to those who listened to his music, all the while perfecting his drafting skills while working for Wells St. John P.S.
To continue his passion in music he created Steel Guitar World Magazine and moved his family to Nashville, TN in the fall of 1991.
Two years later they moved back to Spokane continuing the magazine for another eight years, where Russ became a grandfather to four grandchildren and renewed his career with Wells St. John P.S.
In the mid 2000s, Russ became a grandfather to his two youngest grandchildren.
Late in his life he continued to play music on a weekly basis with The Black Hills Gold Band, which included Tim, Andi, Brad, Duane, Mike, Scott and Rick just to name a few, at The Spokane Valley Eagles and around the greater Spokane area.
Russ was survived by his wife Ruby of 39 years; his daughters, Michele (William), Deborah, Carrie (Randall); sons Billy (Danielle), Brandon (Danielle); eight grandchildren; brothers Larry Arnold, Gary (Tina) Arnold; sisters Cathy Walker, Scoots (Roger) Ysen and Sherry Marmon.
He will be missed and never forgotten by all that knew him.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Spokane and Community Cremation for all their support.
A celebration for Russ will be held at the Spokane Valley Eagles, located at 16801 E. Sprague on Sunday, December 7th, 2014 at 2:00pm.