Darrell Charles Russell 'Grandpa Russell,' 70

Born Jan. 23, 1941, in Chewelah, Wash.

Lived for the past 20 years in Hauser

The Lord decided to take our most loving and caring Father, Husband, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Friend on June 24, 2011. He will be missed by all who knew him. He spent his last moments doing what he loved working on his mountain.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Joan, of 15 years; his son, Darrell Joe (Spike) Russell; his daughters, Traci Russell Smith and Teri Bronson; and several grandchildren. He had special relationships with his grandchildren: Darrell James Russell, Andrew Charles Russell, Austin Joe Russell, Mykaela Hendrix Russell, Caitlyn Nicole Smith, Nicolas Alexander Smith and great-grandchild Aunyasa Nevaeh Russell (Grandpa's Onion).

Darrell was preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Jo Russell; his father and mother, Frank and Mickey Russell; and his first wife, Joanne Kropp Russell.

Darrell had a full and busy life. He worked for the City of Spokane for 40 years as a welder. He also was a Special Deputy for Spokane County Sheriffs Department during this time. Before he worked for the City of Spokane, he graduated from Gonzaga Prep and went to Spokane Community College for Auto Transmission Repair and worked for A & L Transmission. During the time working as a mechanic, he worked for Stevens County Search and Rescue as a Deputy Reserve Officer. He was also Stevens County Fire Commissioner for District 1. He helped start and organize the Stevens County Sheriff's posse. He was the First Marine Deputy in Stevens County.

Darrell turned down a job offer by Richard Simmons to be his personal body guard (yes, true story).

His greatest joy recently was getting to know and work alongside his grandson, Austin, and spending time with his son, Spike, and his grandchildren on Father's Day.

Please no flowers to the family, instead make a donation to the nonprofit organization of your choice in his memory.

The memorial will be announced at a later time.