Obituary: Wecker, Russell Thomas
Age 71
He left us on November 3, 2015 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Russ grew up in Puyallup, WA with a close family and extended family and many friends.
He was an excellent athlete and some of his high school records lasted over 20 years.
He was very proud of joining bowling’s 300 Club when in his 50s.
Russ joined the Army and traveled the world, making memories and friends in such places as Ethiopia, and was recognized with commendation and a Good Conduct medal.
Upon discharge, he became the youngest district manager for a national hardware warehouse company, and enjoyed his career in hardware distribution with Campbell, Norton and others.
Russ liked helping people and later worked in customer service including most recently as a patient registrar for the Heart Clinic and SHMC.
He was active and successful in training, showing and loving German Shepherd dogs throughout his life, at one point involved with some of the top dogs in the country.
He was also active with and a multiple term Board Member for the Spokane Youth Symphony.
He enjoyed watching young members develop as people and as musicians.
That full Board recently celebrated Russ’s life and Board achievements with a special private event.
He followed the Seahawks and Zags, watched the Mariners with his mom, rode his bike, and fished while his health allowed.
He was always there to help when a need arose, generous with his time and support.
He embraced technology and was often on facebook.
He enjoyed humor and beauty and friends and found all wherever he was.
His greatest treasure and pride of his life was his son, Joe, whom surmounted many health and other challenges to become an amazing young man and was always supported with Russ’s unconditional love.
Russ leaves behind son, Joseph Wecker; mother Jacqueline Wecker; sister Caroline Perry; brother Larry (Ruth) Wecker; sister-cousin Cheryl (“adopted brother” Dennis) Beyer; good friend Susan Legel, and many loved cousins, nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
He was welcomed home by his father Kenneth Wecker, grandparents and other family, his beloved GSDs and many friends.
Russ wanted to thank his many friends and caregivers for their support, especially during these last months, including Dr. Schlegel, Dr. Fairbanks, CCNW and MJCC Rehab.
He was most grateful for the special gifts, compassion and loving care of Hospice of Spokane - South during his last month.
Many angels work there every day, including John, Melissa, Christine, Diane, Vicky, James, and many more.
A celebration of his life will be held on November 21, 2015 in the Common Room at 2632 E. 27th Ave, Spokane WA 99223 from 1:30 - 3:30pm, with interment Friday, November 20, 2015 at 1:00pm at Fairmount Memorial Park.
Please consider Hospice of Spokane South, in Russ’s name for memorial gifts in lieu of flowers.