Russell M. Haleen, 57

May 26, 1956 - Aug. 16, 2013

After a long and valiant fight with cancer, Russ went to be with his Savior. He was born and raised in California, graduated from “Rim of the World” H.S. in Lake Arrowhead, then moved to Placerville, Calif., where he worked in construction with his dad. This was when he met his wife Bonnie, while trying out for a musical she was directing. That led to many leading rolls on stage, both in Coeur d’Alene and California.

Most will remember him as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof,” the Captain in “The Sound of Music,” Johnny Brown in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” and Charlie Brown in “You’re a Good Man C.B.” for which he won a best actor Elly Award.

Though his work was with heavy equipment, Russ was an artist, whether grading earth, acting and singing, or building sets, both for my endeavors and the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre. His special gift was making people laugh.

Russ is survived by his wife, Bonnie and his brother, David Haleen. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda and Jack McGann, Rod (Bud) Jenson, Anita Jenson and Paul Brown, Millie and Doug Hannaman, Julie Hart, Johanna and Jason Wilhm, Jenny and Jason Jenson and all their families. Russ was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Haleen; his father and mother, Floyd and Jo Haleen; his brother-in-law, Paul Jenson and mother-in-law Darlene Carlson who loved him like a son.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity. Russ’s favorite charity was our local humane society or St. Judes.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at the Kroc Center. Please visit Russ’ online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.