Russell Bennett Sr.

Russell Robert Bennett, Sr. passed away on Friday, 27 August 2010, from respiratory problems at Marysville Care Center in Marysville, Washington. He had been a resident of Marysville for the past 36 years. Russ, as he was known most of his life, was born on 31 May 1931 in Boston, Massachusetts to the Mahoney family. He was placed in foster care with Albert Edgar and Hazel Marguerite (Lawrence) Bennett when 6 weeks old, in Waltham, Massachusetts and later adopted by the same loving family. Russ lived his young life in Waltham, graduating from Waltham High School in 1949. He then served in the US Army Corp of Engineers from 1949 through 1952, serving in the Korean War. He served as a power lineman with the Edison Company in Massachusetts from 1952 through 1958. He then re-enlisted for a second tour in the US Army Signal Corp as a lineman from 1958 through 1961.

Russ met Joan May (Leckner) Jones while on leave from the service in Van Nuys, California. They married on 5 November 1960 in North Hollywood, California and soon afterward moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Russ finished his tour of service in March 1961. They returned to Sylmar, California, where Russ hired on with General Telephone Company as a lineman and later advancing to a management position. Russ and Joan moved to Marysville, Washington in 1974 where Russ took an intrastate transfer with the Telephone Company. He served in the capacity of a Lineman and later accepted a position as a Company Educator until his retirement on 24 November 1986.

Russ was a coach of a Marysville Little League baseball team for about 5 years, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and a life member of the Marysville Gun Club. Russ also enjoyed salmon fishing with his son at possession point and the west end of Hat Island

Russ is survived by his wife Joan, whom he would have been married to for 50 years this coming November; his son Russ Jr. (and Shari) Bennett in Stanwood, Washington and his daughter Rhonda (and Richard) Ousley in Sagle, Idaho; one very special granddaughter, Daylin Bennett in Stanwood, Washington and 4 grandsons Richard Jr. (and Abby) Ousley in Priest River, Idaho; Travis Morrow of Stanwood and Brandon Morrow of Marysville; Joey Howards of Camano Island, Washington; one brother, Gordon Earl (and Mary) Bennett in New Hampshire. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

At Russ’ request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.