Russell James Walter Sr., 71

Russell James Walter Sr., passed away peacefully of natural causes on Oct. 24, 2011, in Kalispell. He was 71 years old.

Russ was born on Jan. 31, 1940, in Kalispell, where he later attended Flathead County High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. His duty as a third class petty officer was served aboard the USS Hancock in the seventh fleet.

Upon finishing his service, Russ moved back to Palmer, Alaska, where he worked as a logger and later met and married Bobbie Verrall, who quickly became his best friend and remained his soul mate through 50 years of marriage.

Soon after their wedding, Russ and Bobbie settle in Coram where they raised their three children, Russell Jr., who resides in Kalispell with his wife Sheryl, Cheryl who resides in Auburn, Wash., and Mary who resides in Lake Tapps, Wash., with her husband Bill Winters.

Russ then devoted 37 years of work to the Anaconda Aluminum plant before he retired.

Russ enjoyed being outside with his family. He loved hunting with his lifelong friend, Ed Mundel and fishing with anybody who wanted to cast a line. He also always made time for boating and camping with wife, children and grandchildren. Another hobby of his was milling lumber on his one-man sawmill.

Russ was loved by all who knew him and was respected immensely throughout his small community, where neighbors affectionately referred to him as "The Mayor."

Russ is survived by his siblings, Pat Valentine of Buckley, Wash., Barb Peiper of Whitefish, Dave Walter of Hungry Horse, Sam Walter of Maple Valley, Wash., Loretta Gordon of Dalton, Ill., Jen Powell of Martin City, Kathy Vollmer of Puyallup, Wash., Polly Walter of Conway, Alaska, and Les Walter of Proctor.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Kyle and Andrea Walter, Ashley Hartman, Jenelle and Nate Collier, Caitlan Hartman, Brad and Ashley Walter, Steven Winters, Krystle Winters, Brittany Underwood and Alex Underwood; and great-grandchildren, Alyvia, Alyssa, Teagan, Eldon, Bryson and Hailey, all of whom he loved dearly.

His family extends to countless more loved ones, including too many nieces and nephews to mention, although they all held special places in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul James Walter and Elinor Seville, as well as our “littlest angel,” his great-grandson Emerson.

The family is having a celebration of life for friends and family from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, at the family home in Coram.

Memorials can be sent to the Veterans Food Bank.