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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Russell, Robert Guy, Sr.

RUSSELL, Robert Guy, Sr. Robert Guy “Pete” Russell, Sr., was born on September 11, 1923 in Freeport NY.

He graduated from Freeport High School, where he lettered in football as a left guard.

In February 1942, he joined the Army Air Corps serving in England and Normandy until late 1944 when he volunteered to serve in the 261st Infantry Regiment in which he served in Germany and Austria until the end of the war.

Upon returning home, Pete entered Colgate University, later earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature in 1949.

Shortly thereafter, he travelled to Alaska where he prospected for gold in the Brooks Range.

At the University of Alaska he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 1956 and subsequently accepted a position at Mochita mine in Columbia.

In order to expand his understanding of geology, he entered the University of Oregon where he earned a Masters of Science degree in this subject in 1962.

As an exploration geologist specializing in precious and industrial metals his career would take him to Canada, Panama, Chile, Brazil, Mexico and the Philippines as well as most of the Western United States until 1993.

Pete married Patricia Miller in 1965.

They had two children, Robert Jr., and Elizabeth.

The family moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1977.

His children enjoyed his Saturday morning banana pancakes.

Rob and Beth loved his stories of life in Alaska, especially the grizzly bear encounter stories.

He could make anyone laugh with his quick wit.

Pete and Pat passed along a love of reading to their children.

A fond family memory is of a rafting trip on the Salmon River.

Pete and Pat moved to Vancouver, WA to be closer to their grandchildren in 2004.

Pat died in 2009.

Pete passed away on January 2nd, 2014 from congestive heart failure.

His family is thankful for the compassionate care Life’s Doors Hospice gave during his Boise stay.

Pete was treated well by the outstanding staff of Overland Court.

He will be missed by his sisters, friends from Cascade Inn, and of course by his family.

A private family service will be held at the Idaho State Veteran’s Cemetery in June.