Russell Roy Thiess

Russ was born in Kelso, Washington to Ernst and Genevive Thiess. He Grew up Waldport, Oregon. In 1954, after high school, Russ joined the U.S. Navy serving aboard the USS Trigger (SS-237) a Gato-Class submarine. After his military service, Russ returned home and worked in a saw mill for several years.

In 1964, Russ joined the Oregon State Police. He started in Coquille, OR on 6/1/1964 then transferring to Medford, OR on 11/15/1967, Eugene, OR on 8/1/1973, Arlington, OR on 10/1/1978, served as station commander at The Dalles, OR on 2/1/1982 and Bend, OR on 9/1/1988. He retired from the Bend, OR office on 6/30/1991 at the rank of lieutenant.

Russ and Jacque were married in 1988. After his retirement, they traveled and moved everywhere. In 2005, they moved to Princeville, OR. They loved it there and settled in for 10 great years. In 2014, they moved to Mesa, AZ to be near family.

Russ loved hunting, fishing and golf; but his true love was his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He had some great fun with the 'Silver Eagles'.

Russ is survived by his loving wife of nearly 30 years, Jacque Thiess, a sister, Norma; brother, Ray (Vernie); brother, Ed (Penny); and daughter, Carolyn Smith. His grandchildren are Josh, Justin, Randa, and Joseph with 9 great grandchildren. Step children are Dave (Kim), Mike (Jackie), Julie (Chris) and 2 grand children: Brad and Kelli. His sister-in-law and brother-in-law; Vickie and Norman Shroll and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter; Joy (2014) and grandson; Shane (2015).

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to:

Camp River Run

787 E State St, Ste #155

Eagle, ID, 83616

www.CampRiverRun.org

A memorial service will be held at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ, 85202 on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 11:00am.

Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.