Russell J. Reymore

Russell J. Reymore, 83, passed away January 2, 2004 at his home in Edmonds. Russ was born in Seattle on September 7, 1920 and, except for some early years in Kennewick, has been a life long resident of the Emerald City. He was one of the key remodeling contractors, ?The Remodeling King?, in the Greater Seattle area for many years, and was honored as a Certified Remodeler by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. He founded Washington Builders in the early 50?s with his partner, Ski Lapinski. Their radio jingle, ?Now With The Rap Of The Hammer?? recorded by Don McCune a/k/a Captain Puget is remembered by thousands of Seattleites to this day. In 1962 Russ opened Cascade Construction, which is now being run by his son and daughter-in-law.

Russ was an avid golfer, playing at least three times per week. Having attended the University of Washington in the 40?s, he was a Husky fan, and always had season football tickets. WWII cut short Russ? college studies, and he joined the Navy, where he taught radar. About that same time, Russ met his first wife, Helen Sundberg, at a YWCA social. They were married for 58 years, raised six wonderful children, along with dozens of pets, which always included an orange tabby for good luck. He loved people and animals, loved sharing jokes, and loved winning.

Russ was actively involved with Boy Scouts with his sons. He founded the Linden Avenue Recreation Association, which created a wonderful playground experience for his family and neighbors. He and his family enjoyed camping, traveling, and spending time together at their summer retreats at Warm Beach and Flowing Lake. They enjoyed trips to Hawaii and many trips to California over the years. He loved taking family photos and arranging them to share with everyone. Russ greatly enjoyed their family sing-alongs! He was always thrilled to watch his children and grandchildren in their sports and other activities. He was ?Papa? to all of them and made each one of them feel special, often giving special nicknames to them and their friends.

Russ was preceded in death by his six siblings, Wendell, Chet, Howard, Bernice, Ruth, and Etta. He is survived by his wife, Julie Reymore Morris, his first wife, Helen, his six children, Doug wife, Lourdes, Larry, Robin, Beth Warrick husband, Don, Rosalie Daly husband, Craig, Jeanie Amundson husband, Sid, fifteen grandchildren: David, Rebecca and Raelene Reymore, John Higgins, Reed and Russ Warrick, Lauren, Megan and Kaylie Amundson, Taryn, Elise, Laine, and Nolan Daly, Karina Stark, and Tyler Reymore. Russ? three great-grandchildren are Jiv and Syam Reymore in Panama, and Parris Stark. He is also survived by his stepson and daughter-in-law Tom and Tracy MacArthur, his stepdaughter Kim MacArthur, and his good friends and caregivers, Joan Reed and her son, Josh.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2004 at the Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer?s Association, 12721 ? 30th Avenue NE, Suite 101, Seattle, Washington 98125, phone 206-363-5500.