Russell Martin Ojard

Russell Martin Ojard

Russell Martin Ojard, 85, a proud Navy veteran of WW II, was laid to rest with military honors at Odd Fellows Cemetery on March 11, 2011.
Russ was a well-known, highly respected member of the local construction comm-unity. His artistic talents were not only used to design, build, and remodel homes, but were evident in the many paintings and carvings he created.
Russ was born in Hovland, Minnesota on June 4, 1925, to Frieda and Ragnar Ojard. At the age of 17, Russ joined the Navy and he served in the Pacific throughout the war. While on leave in Seattle, he met Olympia/Tenino native, Roberta (Robbie) Chamber-lain. They married in Feb-ruary 1946 and celebrated nearly 57 years of marriage before Robbie's passing in late 2002. Russ was honored to call Robbie's mother "Mom" and enjoyed a lifetime of family and friendship with Robbie's siblings and their spouses, Carol and Don Bush, Bud and Dorothy Chamberlain, Edith and Marvin Cobb, Bob and Maggie Chamberlain, Jerry and Charlene Chamberlain, and Jessie Chamberlain.
When Russ was about 6 years old his parents divorced. Their father raised Russ and his older brother, Maurice, while an aunt raised their younger brother, Jerry. Sadly, Jerry passed away in 1965. Many years after their father's passing, the brothers were contacted by a man who had recently learned he was adopted. He thought he might be their brother. One phone call led to another, and that summer, Russ and Maurice, both in their 50's, not only met their brother, Lloyd, for the first time, but they were reunited their mother Frieda after more than 40 years and were introduced to half-brothers and sisters Gordon, Charles, Audrey, Patricia, and Barbara, who they had never known existed. That experience led to many happy times for Russ and his family.
Russ will be remembered for his love and dedication to his family and his ability to work circles around pretty much anyone, anytime, always.
Russ is survived by his four children, Linda Ojard, Carol Nunn, Martin Ojard, and Steve Ojard; and three grandchildren, Jenny Nunn, Chad Ojard, and Alec Ojard. They are compiling a book of memories, drawings and photos to share with other family members.