Russell Allan Rounds

Russell left us peacefully after a short battle with cancer on December 24, 2010 with his family by his side. He was born on June 3, 1942 in Arcata, California to Ben and Bessie Rounds. He was the youngest of three children. He lived his whole life in Blue Lake with the exception of two years during his childhood when he was with his family in Tonasket, Washington. Russell attended Blue Lake School and Arcata High School where he graduated in 1960. On November 16, 1963 he married Nancy Sholes; they were married 47 years. Russell and his brother Roger joined their father in Ben Rounds Logging Company in 1964. He worked as a logger for over 40 years. Over the years the crew who worked for him would tell you he was the best boss and an even better friend. His heart was enormous and he had a hard time ever saying no. The friends he made in his life he held close to his heart. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing baseball, coaching little league in Blue Lake, playing basketball and being in the BLVFD with many of them. He enjoyed tending to his herd of cows that were more pets than anything, and cutting firewood up at the family ranch near Maple Creek. His family was so important to him and he loved them unconditionally. Most of all he was the most wonderful, loving and supportive father and husband. He loved being "Pops" to his two grandkids. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Russell was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Bessie Rounds; his niece Cindy Rounds; and his best friend of 60 years Bernie Kight. He is survived by his wife Nancy; daughter Wendy and son-in-law Jeff Cabalzar; grandchildren Shyanne and Bradlee Cabalzar of Blue Lake; sister Virginia Jenks (Blayne) of Blue Lake; brother Roger Rounds of Redding; beloved nephews and nieces Jeff Hackney (Laurie), Todd Hackney, Gregg Boughton (Denise) and Jennifer Rounds. Russell leaves many friends and many more nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a special thanks to his very special friends Billy Mager, Wes Linzer and Jim Reynolds as well as the wonderful folks at Hospice for the wonderful care they provided in the last months of his life. There will be no services at this time. Anyone wishing to donate in his honor may do so to Hospice of Humboldt or the Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Arrangements are under the direction of Paul's Chapel, Arcata, CA 707-822-2445, www.paulschapel .com.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard from December 31, 2010 to January 1, 2011