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Russell

Edwards, 67

The world is mourning a true original that passed on Jan. 14, 2017. Russell Charles Edwards was a man who lived as a genuine optimist and enriched the lives of everyone he encountered.

Russ was born on a gloriously sunny day in Spencer, Iowa, on May 30, 1949. As the pride of Kirkland, Wash., Russ graduated from Lake Washington High School, the home of the Kangaroos, in 1967. In 1967, Russ heard the call of service and proudly protected Alaska with the U.S. Air Force from 1967-1971. While visible from Russia, Alaska remained safe under his watchful gaze during a tumultuous time in America’s history.

In recognition of the significance of Russ’ birth, Congress decided to move Memorial Day as close as possible to his birth date in 1971 while leaving flexibility to respect the honorable and incredible men and women of our military.

A year after returning from duty, Russ married Mary Ellen McGrann of Pomeroy, Wash., on March 18, 1972. After four years of marital bliss, Russ proudly graduated in 1976 from the Harvard for good looking people, Seattle University. Shortly thereafter, Russ sired three outstanding sons who are raising five wonderful grandchildren.

Nothing brought more joy to Russ than enjoying the company of his sons, his daughters-in-law, grandchildren, many friends, and numerous family members that are now spread throughout much of the United States. Always ready with a joke and a booming laugh that could fill every room and lift the spirit of everyone engaged in his presence, Russ will be remembered as a cheerful entertainer, someone you could depend on and as a thoughtful, positive person.

Russ brought professionalism and an industrious spirit to more than 45 years of hard work in medical sales, pharmaceutical sales and a successful time as a Realtor. His readiness to work, travel and build relationships brought many exciting stories and amazing people that Russ shared with his family and friends.

Along with raising his boys and supporting their many aspirations, Russ served on the board of directors for the American Diabetes Association. This was inspired to support his family and youngest son, Jordan, who was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at the age of 3.

Committing himself to the ideal of a renaissance man, Russ lived by the philosophy of it is better being great at everything than to be average at one thing. Russ lived the dream of pursuing many activities, hobbies and pursuits that include hiking, skiing, reading, writing, volunteering, biking, kayaking and spartan living.

Russ is survived by his sons, Ryan Edwards and his wife, Holly of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Kevin Edwards and his wife, Allison of Incline Village, Nev., and Jordan Edwards and his wife, Emily of Wichita Falls, Texas; his five grandchildren, Zane, Anika, Asher, Atticus and Sadie; his sister, Marcella Perrigo of Bothell, Wash.; and his brothers, Curt Edwards of Cle Elum, Wash., and David Edwards of Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the Kootenai Humane Society.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, in Coeur d’Alene. Please contact Ryan Edwards at [email protected] if you would like to attend.

Please visit Russell’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.