Russell James Pritchard Jr.

Russell James Pritchard, Jr., also known as Butch to family and friends, passed away on June 2, 2026, at the age of 78. A lifelong resident of the White Center and Burien area, he was born on September 30, 1947, in Seattle, Washington, and had lived in Burien since 1999.

Russ’s life was defined by an unwavering devotion to public service, and nowhere was that more evident than his 42-year career with the North Highline Fire Department. Russ’s career began as teenager, when he joined the White Center Fire Department as a volunteer in 1965. From there, Russ worked his way up through the ranks to Fire Marshall before becoming Fire Chief of North Highline in 1997. His leadership extended well beyond the firehouse. Russ served as President or Vice President of numerous organizations, including the White Center Chamber of Commerce, the Fire Chief’s Association, and the KC Fire Building Appeal Boards. He was a co-founder of the King/Snohomish/Pierce County Arson Association and was elected and served as King County Water District #20 Commissioner since 2011. If there was a way to give back to his community, Russ found it.

Russ’s love for the community also showed up on the ballfield. He co-founded the Highline Bears, helping bring highly competitive baseball back to the place where he had played as a boy. He remained the team's number one supporter as they rebranded to the DubSea Fish Sticks, and he was there to witness the franchise's first league championship in 2025, a moment that surely meant the world to him.

Away from his service work, Russ was a passionate fan of the University of Washington Huskies, the Seattle Mariners, and the Seattle Seahawks, amassing a vast collection of memorabilia for all three teams alongside his treasured firefighter keepsakes. He kept an immaculate yard, put up impressive Christmas displays that delighted the neighborhood, and was the proud dog dad of his beloved companion, Dude. Meticulous in everything he did and commanding in presence, Russ left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path.

Russ is survived by his sister, Penny Clifton (John); daughters, Tammie Lillehaug (Greg) and Wendy Betts (Richard) Grandchildren Tyler Coughlin, Connor Coughlin, Brady Coughlin, and Kolby Greco, and Great Grandchildren Riley, Mollie, Teddy and Milo, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Private family services are being arranged. A public celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any messages or stories for the family.