Russell Simonson

12/28/1927 – 01/28/2013
Russell E. Simonson, age 85, beloved father, grandfather and brother, lifelong resident of Whatcom County, passed away on January 28, 2013. Russell was born in Bellingham, WA on December 18, 1927 to Lincoln and Hazel Simonson. He graduated from Meridian High School in 1945 and in 1946 enlisted in the Navy. During his time in the Navy he served in the Korean War on the U.S.S. Los Angeles (CA-135). Russell attended WSU and later went to WWU. Russell always said he was a junior in college. After college, Russell returned and joined his dad on the family farm. He also operated a small sawmill on their property. Russell married Marie Stangeland on October 11, 1962. Together they had two daughters. Russell raised chickens for Draper Valley until he retired in 1992. Russell was a member of the Laurel Grange, Victor Community Club, Farm Bureau, Whatcom County Farm Forestry Association, Cattlemen’s Association and Bellingham U.F.O. Group. He was at one time a member of the agricultural advisory board. In his forties Russell taught himself to play the guitar and he frequently performed at local events. He enjoyed going to the auction barn and the machine sale. He especially liked chopping wood and splitting shakes. He was quick witted with a dry sense of humor, and we will miss him greatly. Russell is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 50 years. Russell is survived by his two loving daughters: Lori (Paul) Murphy and Sara (Wade) Spreckelmeyer; four grandchildren: Rachelle (Micah) Kwiat, John Murphy and Dane and Colt Spreckelmeyer. He is also survived by his brother David Simonson, sisters Virginia Hawley and Phyllis (Ken) Weber, his cousins Marilyn (Gerry) Peterson and Donald Hawk and numerous nieces and nephews. A reception to remember Russell will be held at Laurel Grange Hall, 6172 Guide Meridian, on Saturday, February 2nd from 1:00 – 3:00. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Whatcom Hospice.