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Sam Rust Jr.

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Central Washington University

FUNERAL HOME

Brookside Funeral Home and Crematory

101 East 2nd Avenue

Ellensburg, Washington

Sam Rust Obituary

Sam Rust Jr.
Sam Rust Jr. passed away in Ellensburg on December 10 at the age of 84. He was born in Bellingham, Washington on August 3, 1930 to Sam and Merrill Rust.
He joined the Marine Corps in 1948 and served in the Korean War. Following college and graduate school, Sam moved to Ellensburg in 1969 to take a position at Central Washington State College as a professor in the special education department. He retired from Central in 1992. In addition to his activities at the university, Sam was a member of the Masonic lodge, the Navy League, and the Kittitas County Sheriff's Posse. He was also active in the Ellensburg Rotary Club, a long time Elmview board member, and served on the county equalization board.
Sam was an avid reader, known for his sense of humor, and his love of American history, the United States Marine Corps, and good beer.
In addition to his wife Diane, Sam is survived by his brother Jim Rust, sister Sheila Viereck, daughters Molly Baasch (Dan) and Maureen Rust, grandchildren Chad Baasch (Andrea Tracy), Courtney Baasch, Jess Macinko, and Beth Macinko. He also leaves brother-in-law Walter Hardy (Linda), sister-in-law Donna Hardy, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Sam's name to "Friends of Kittitas Valley Hospice" or the charity of their choice. Online condolences to the family may be left at www.brooksidefhc.com
Arrangements by Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Record on Dec. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Sam Rust

13 Entries

Marc Ross

January 9, 2015

Dr Rust was one of my advisors and mentors during my time as an undergraduate and graduate work. My two years working he, Dr Madsen and the other incredible sped pioneers during my undergraduate work in '75-'76 were remarkable...but during my graduate work in '81, Dr Rust was for me, at his best. His Sped and the Law course was truly one of the best courses I have ever participated in. The CHARGE at Ft Warden, the pride of being a Marine, the love of seafood, the red socks on Thursday, the tapped refrigerator...the sense of humor and the love of life along with the love to teach...he is a person that will love on forever. To Mrs. Rust, Maureen and Molly and your families, Dr. Rust was a gift. I have you all in my thoughts.

Karen Grigg

December 30, 2014

I met Sam as a mentor and friend when I joined Morning Rotary. He loved telling stories, sharing from his invisible flask, and hugging. I don't know how many times he told me that I had "two and a half hours to stop that". Sam loves people. He is missed.

Kym Nelson

December 29, 2014

Sam was an icon on campus when I was a student at Central. When I began my educational career, I was going to be anything BUT be a special education teacher. However, it was because of Sam and his colleagues that I am in my 23rd year in special education. I love this work and I think of him often when I am facing tough situations. Sam you have left a legacy in each of us!

Marshall Smith LtCol USMCR (Ret)

December 23, 2014

I knew him as Dr. Rust CWSC 71-75. I was not aware he was a Former Marine, but in looking back, he wore it.

David Paul

December 22, 2014

My best memory of Sam was at a CEC conference in Ellensburg. He and Max Higbee told stories related to their friendship and partnership in attending conferences and in sharing hotel rooms!
Very Funny! He will be well remembered!

Teresa Kavanaugh

December 21, 2014

Diane and Family, so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. I had no idea. He was such a great guy. Always had the most unique sense of humor. I will miss seeing you at the gym and around town. Thank you for your Marine Corp service time. From one soldier to another, Rest in Peace and give Shelley Brown a big hug for us. Semperfi and HUAH!!!!
Teresa, Brian & Briawna Kavanaugh

George Hilbish

December 20, 2014

The Marines and Corpsmen of the Pierce County Detachment #504 Marine Corps League, Share in Your Loss. Rest in Peace Marine, Semper Fi!

December 19, 2014

He was instrumental in getting me into a doctoral program. Dr. Steve Nourse

December 18, 2014

Samuel Philip Rust is my Uncle.
He is my mother's brother.

Memories of my Uncle Sammy go back so far to when I just can't remember. He lived a most colorful life.

One recently found memory from my mother (his sister) is that my Uncle Sam and I were, once, room-mates! Me, as an infant, and he, roomed together, upstairs at 906 Cowgill Street, Bellingham WA in around 1949.

Seems my teeth grinding action was not a pleasant situation for my Uncle Sammy.

That forgotten, go to late 1966: Uncle Sammy picked me up in his car to go visit Grampa Nick, age 92 (his dad's dad), in the nursing home.

I was 16-17 years old. On the car seat, Uncle Sam had a pint of Bourbon … yum. I asked, " ... what's that for … "... "… it's for Grampa Nick."
My reply "... that's not good for Grampa Nick."
His reply ...at Grampa Nick's age, he can have anything he wants!"
We took it along and Grampa Nick thanked us more than once!

I still have the unopened pint of Bourban purchased for my Uncle Sammy!

Debbie Blodgett-Goins

December 18, 2014

I have so many memories of Sam, but my favorite happened after he retired and I was teaching a course on campus. The class dismissed late, but after I picked my things up and was walking out the door, there sat Sam with a pile of books. He had taken time to find my schedule and waited for me to give me the books to send me on my next adventure. He has always been there to give me a little nudge in the right direction. I treasure all of the knowledge Sam passed on to me over the years . . . the same way I TREASURE those books! Thanks, Sam!! I love you.

Laura Matson

December 18, 2014

I have so many good memories of Sam as my special education professor and rely on his wisdom frequently as I do work in the field of special education! Memories of his smile, sense of humor, practical approaches and reminder to CHARGE (not retreat) always help me through the tough spots and decisions. We will miss you Sam, but your legacy will live on!

maureen darling

December 16, 2014

My late daughter, Shelley Kavanaugh Brown loved Sam and his wife Diane so much. She had talked about him to me often. Our condolences are sent to his family. We have lost a wonderful man.

Jim Pratt

December 16, 2014

Sam, thank you for being a great college professor, U.S. Marine, and posse guy. You will be missed.

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