Russell Allen Lindsay

On Friday June 30th, 2023, Russell Allen Lindsay, 50, of Kenmore, WA, passed away while heroically saving his wife, two daughters and their sweet dog Sophie off their sinking boat in the Straits of Juan de Fuca near Victoria, B.C.

Russ was born April 23rd, 1973, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Dale and Jewell Lindsay. After graduating from Bellevue High School, Russ completed infantry training at Fort Benning, GA, where he was part of the 2nd Battalion of the 54th U.S. Infantry. He then went on to Fort Campbell, KY, for specialized engineering training. During his reserve duty, he was part of the 101st Airborne Division. After his time in the Army, Russ attended Western Michigan University where he studied Medieval History. He built a successful career in the tech industry, specializing in cloud-enabling server solutions. Russ worked for BAAN, ZT Systems, and Jabil, which led to his role as Senior Vice President of Software Engineering at Salesforce. After Salesforce, Russ joined JP Morgan Chase as their Compute Portfolio Leader for Global Technology Infrastructure. In his final role at JP Morgan Chase, Russ was the head of the Agile Center of Enablement for Global Technology. Russ was a brilliant collaborator and gifted problem solver who prioritized a caring and supportive approach towards the people he worked with. Russ's professional accomplishments paled in comparison to who he was as a husband, father and friend.

Russ married the love of his life, Jennifer Renae Lenke on July 17th, 2004. Nothing brought him more joy than the life he and Jenn built together. Russ was a devoted husband who put Jenn first in everything he did. Russ and Jenn welcomed their first daughter Ava Grace on June 9th, 2008, and their youngest daughter Audrey Faith on June 6th, 2010. Jenn and "his girls" were his world; he referred to them as "the most precious gifts he would ever receive." Russ spent his weekends alongside Jenn, proudly cheering on Ava at her select soccer and water polo matches, and Audrey at her cheerleading competitions. He was their biggest fan and champion.

Outside of his beloved family, Russ enjoyed tinkering with house projects, medieval history, game nights with a long-established group of friends, the perfect blue cheeseburger and an excellent glass of scotch.

Russ lived an impressive life in his short 50 years, and his presence will be deeply missed and grieved by so many that loved and learned from him. He died tragically and too soon, but his impact will live on through his daughters and the lives he touched throughout the time we were blessed with him on earth.

He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Jennifer; daughters Ava Grace and Audrey Faith; Parents: Dale & Jewell Lindsay of Bellevue, Michigan; siblings: Pauline Brittian (Gary), Jeff Lindsay (Trina), Calvin Lindsay (Laurie) and Joan Lindsay (preceded in death by Rich); Father and Mother-in-Law, Greg and Brenda Lenke; Sister-in-Law, Jessica Sweeney (Josh). He was a fun and loving uncle to many special nieces and nephews.

His dear family, extended "framily", colleagues, and business partners are left heartbroken, grieving that he was called home too soon. Still, we are inspired to live each day to the fullest to honor his extraordinary legacy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday September 9th, 2023, at 1:00pm at Northshore Community Church, 10301 NE 145th St. Kirkland, WA. 98034. A light reception will be held immediately following the service

His smile and heart will be forever missed. Until we meet again, our beloved Russ!