Dick Russell

Richard Clinton Russell passed away on July 12, 2026, in Tumwater, Washington, after facing metastatic small cell lung cancer with courage and grace. Born on November 7, 1946, in Buffalo, New York, Richard’s journey through life touched many, marked by a deep commitment to family, an insatiable curiosity for learning, and a generous spirit that endeared him to all who knew him.

Richard’s formative years in Buffalo shaped his character and intellect. He attended The Campus School and graduated from Nichols School in 1964. His academic pursuits took him to Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1968. Along the way, he became a proud member of Griffin Fraternity, forging bonds of friendship that would last through the years.

After college, Richard enlisted in the Army in November 1968 as a supply Sergent in Saigon, until his honorable discharge in July 1971.

Building a life rooted in service to others, Richard worked for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, where he dedicated himself to uplifting those in need. His impact was felt not only in his professional life but also within the communities he cherished. Richard was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, (singing in the choir and also the Compin Choir) a familiar face at Square and Round dance clubs and as a caller/cuer for local groups including the Swinging Sweethearts in Olympia, Washington, and Logan Hillbillies in Chehalis and Prairie Steppers in Centralia.

Richard’s passions expanded well beyond his work and service. Cooking from scratch was his love language—shared meals became treasured moments for those lucky enough to gather around his table. He reveled in the outdoors, enjoying alpine skiing, tent camping, and backpacking adventures that fostered his lifelong love for exploration and nature. Richard loved to tell a new joke he came across and challenge someone with trivia and explain the source behind it. Music was another pillar of his life, especially organ music and singing, revealing a joyful soul that prized both creativity and community. He also delighted in sudoku, reading, spirited discussions about politics, and above all, the pursuit of knowledge at every turn.

Perhaps the most cherished milestone in Richard’s life was his marriage to Diane Louise Schoch at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Spokane, Washington, on June 24, 1972. Their partnership was a testament to love and devotion, enduring nearly five decades until Diane’s passing in 2021. The depth of their shared journey remains a source of inspiration and comfort to all who witnessed it.

Richard was the beloved son of Nelson G. Russell Jr. and Elisabeth J. Russell, both of whom preceded him in death, as did his brother, Nelson Gorham Russell III. He is survived by his daughter, Margaret, loving sister, Jane Russell Freeman, and a circle of nieces and nephews: Heather (Timothy), Holly, (Jeffrey), Margaret (Jesse), and Andrew (Lindsay).

A memorial service in honor of Richard will be held to gather family and friends in remembrance of a life beautifully lived.