Joseph William 'Bill' Russell, 71

Joseph William "Bill" Russell, 71, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007, in Spokane. Bill was born Sept. 26, 1935, in Kamas, Utah, the son of Merrill and NaDean (Spear) Russell.

Bill was a longtime resident of the Flathead Valley. He first came here in 1954. Bill had a varied and exciting life. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was also a rancher, bush pilot, seal hunter, scuba diver, crab fisherman, shrimp fisherman with his own boat, logger, dairy farmer, aluminum plant employee, harbor engineer, saw mill owner, hunter, truck driver, heavy-equipment operator, businessman, entrepreneur, land developer, Christmas tree farmer and established Russell's Used Truck and Equipment.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merrill and NaDean Russell; his brother, Bob; his sister, Diane; and grandsons, Ramsey and Devon Russell.

He is survived by his four children, Mark Russell, Don Russell, Marci Jo Walters and William Russell. He also is survived by Anne Deniston Russell, whom he married in 1967 and resides in the family home. He has two brothers, Scott and Mike; and a sister, Tamara. He has 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel in Kalispell. Viewing will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Burial will be private.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Bill's family.