Douglas F. Russell

DOUGLAS FRANCIS RUSSELL passed away peacefully on April 13, 2014 in Sandpoint, Idaho at the age of 85. Doug was born on Aug 5th 1928 in Stockton Calif. He married Janice Smith after serving in the Army air corps and the Merchant Marines during WWII. Doug and Jan moved their young family north to Washington were he honed his skills as a certified A&P mechanic, certified welder, private pilot and entrepreneur. After purchasing a small sawmill and 160 acres near Rathdrum Id, Doug succeeded as a gas station owner in Rathdrum, and bar owner of the Kamloops Klub in Sandpoint. They also spent several months in Western Samoa. During the 90's he built a 26' steel hull working style pleasure craft, which is still berthed on Pend'Orielle Lake. Doug and Janice also owned the Scandinavian Yarn and Needlecraft Shop in Sandpoint. Doug has had a full and exciting life, loved by family and friends. He was a self-made man who could build anything and the tools needed to build it. He was also a talented musician and artist. Doug is survived by his wife Janice, of Sandpoint, sister Pat (Eldon) of Stockton Calif, brother Tom Peterson of Kuna, son Rick Azevedo, Sacramento CA, daughter Lane Russell, Sandpoint, son Greg (Kathy) of Coeur d'Alene, son Mark (Nikki) of Nine Falls WA., foster son Ben Krause, from Western Samoa, now of Blackfoot Id, 8 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 26th 2014 at 1pm at Coffelt Funeral Home 109 N. Division St. Sandpoint Id. 83864, with Father Dennis C. Day officiating.