No headline

Russell K. DeVerniero

April 3, 1949 – Jan. 23, 2019

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Russ DeVerniero.

He was an inspired, prolific artist and musician, a consummate Marine, a master martial artist and innovative tai chi instructor, a loving, devoted husband and father and a fiercely loyal friend.

His enthusiasm, creativity and heart-centered spirit will be greatly missed.

Born in Billings, Mont., to Lois and Emmanuel DeVerniero, he grew up with close family ties to his cousins, Deedie, Linda, Jim and Paul, and his Uncle Jim and Aunt Mickie. Russ was a frequent sauce tester for their pizzeria.

He showed strong, creative impulses from early childhood, drawing and taking art lessons from JK Ralston, a famous cowboy artist. He also took up drumming at an early age, which I am sure delighted his parents. In his teens, he added Native drumming and guitar. As an adult, he pursued a degree in fine art and further developed his music skills with keyboards, Native American flute, harmonica, various percussion instruments and African drums.

When he was 12 years of age, he was adopted into the Wooden Legs family of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. He then split his time between his two families. He embraced the Native spiritual beliefs and culture, which became the backdrop to his life.

At age 18 Russ joined the Marine Corps and served with honor in Vietnam and Central America. After Vietnam, he married his first wife, Cindy, started a family and raised three children. After his service in the Marine Corps, Russ pursued a career in law enforcement. He studied law and pre-med, and also found time to pursue a fine arts degree on the side. He also studied various martial arts forms, achieving black belt status and going on to teach.

Over time, Russ’ experiences in Vietnam came to haunt him, which led him to eventually leaving law and pursuing the gentler side of his nature in art and music. He left his marriage and Montana to find new inspiration in Seattle, Wash. There he moved into the tech industry, working on artistic programming and testing at Aldus and Microsoft. He also pursued studies in music and music composition and developed his skill on various musical instruments.

In Seattle, Russ met and married the love of his life, Donna, who helped him see the world in a brighter, happier way. They loved, laughed and danced their way through many adventures. In 2002 they moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, developing a strong community of friendships there. In 2015 they sold their house and launched into an RV lifestyle, traveling the U.S. and enjoying retirement.

In October of 2018, on their travels south for the winter, Russ became ill. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He proceeded with treatment but suffered complications in January of 2019, which he was unable to survive.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 25 years, Donna; three children: John DeVerniero, Tina Meyers and Cathy Swan; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his cousins and extended family, The Wooden Legs Family and an abundance of friends.

A celebration of life service will be held from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, 2019, at the Coeur d’Alene Shriners Hall, 1250 W. Lancaster Road, Hayden, Idaho. Bring a pot luck dish to share after the service. Russ’ art and music will be on display and available for sale after the service in support of his wife, Donna, and the changes in her life. For more info, to view his life in pictures and to share memories please visit. http://www.forevermissed.com/russell-k-deverniero/#about