Russell Harry Martin

Russ was born in Lowell, MA on October 11, 1959 and moved to AZ with his parents, Ralph and Mary when he was 7 years old. He grew up in Apache Junction and graduated from Apache Junction High School in 1978. He lettered in track.

In 1983 he met his wife, Sheila and they were married in Mesa, AZ on July 7, 1984. They had three children together, Travis, Sam and Sierra. Russ was a dedicated family man. He attended his children’s sporting events, taught them how to drive, fix things, cook, etc. He was devoted to his children and wife in every way. He supported their needs and wants, worked hard, both at home and at work.

Russ wasn’t into sports as a young man. In the mid-1980s, he became a big brother to a young boy named Jared. Jared loved football. Russ learned about football and connected with Jared while watching the games and talking about football. In those days his favorite teams were the Bears and the Redskins. Later, when the Cardinals came to AZ, he became a fan. He also started connecting with his hometown team, the Patriots. Russ enjoyed following the career of Tom Brady.

Russ loved the outdoors. He was a member of Lo Lo Mai Springs, in Page Springs, AZ. He spent much time enjoying the trees, ponds and relaxing with his family there. When he went camping, he would often drive up to Bearizona, where he could watch one of his favorite creatures, the bears. He loved fishing and spent most of his spare time as a young man fishing in bass tournaments in AZ.

He loved music, with Huey Luis being his favorite. He listened to 80s music most of the time. Of course, this drove his kids crazy.

He also enjoyed gardening. He took care of a garden at the house where he grew tomatoes, zucchini, radishes, peppers, lettuce, etc. He loved watering the roses in the evening and talking with any neighbors who were also outside. He connected with everyone he met and helped where he could.

Russ loved working with his hands and over the years, did leather work, woodwork, yard work and worked on his cars.

Russ loved animals. He was the ‘Chihuahua King’ to our dogs Mia and Leila. He also loved horses and spent quite a few years helping take care of Jet. He spent countless hours at the farm near his house ‘hanging out’ with the other horses.

Russ will be truly missed by his surviving family, his wife of 35 years, Sheila, his surviving children Sam and Sierra, their significant others, Brittany and Daniel, his mother in law, Juanita, his sisters and brothers in law, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.