Robert L Russell

Robert L Russell

Robert (Bob) Lowell Russell, 77, passed away on August 11, 2022 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Bob was born on June 3, 1945, to Forrest and Elinor Russell in Seattle, Washington.

Bob graduated, in June 1963, from Roosevelt High School. Not long after, he received his draft notice, but in order to avoid deployment to Vietnam, he enlisted. Bob was assigned to the medical corp. in Frankfurt Germany, and participated in the training of M.A.S.H. units. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army after four years of service, Bob returned to Seattle.

Bob fought personal demons during his life as a result of many factors. Nevertheless, he was a survivor. He enjoyed a career as a surgical assistant at Seattle Children’s Hospital, and as a result became known as “Doctor Bob” to his friends and family. Especially in the Lake City homeless community. Above all, Bob was caring and determined.

Bob was an artist and photographer. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and cousin. He was a joy and a challenge. One of his favorite traditions was to go outside, in the snow, in his bathing suit and bare feet, beach ball in hand, and pose for the camera. Whether on a ski slope or beach, his laughter and smile were contagious. Seeing Bob waterski, on one ski, was amazing.

Bob was an avid hobbyist, and built amazing dioramas and models to honor his love of history. In happy moments, you could find him having just returned from Don’s Hobby Shop in the University Village, and putting together a scale-model airplane, wooden ship, or electric train while listening to classic rock on his reel-to-reel tape player. His love of music and art left a lasting impression on his children.

Bob was predeceased by his father, Forrest Russell, mother, Elinor Bloxham Russell, brother David E Russell, and one-time fiancé, Paige. He is survived by his sister Shirley Russell Downing, brother-in-law Bill Downing, former wife Marilyn, children Tim and Robbie, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, The Multiple Sclerosis Society, or a charity of your choice.