Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Russell Schwartz
Russell Schwartz
Obituary
Guest Book
Russell Schwartz Obituary
Russell Charles Schwartz, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on February 14th, 2025, at the age of 69. Born on March 23rd, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, Russ grew up in Des Moines, WA, where he developed a love for basketball, a sport at which he both excelled and found immense joy.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Charlotte Schwartz. He is survived by his loving wife, Vicki Schwartz; his daughter, whom he loved so much Alicia (Tim) Lasso; his cherished niece, Amberene Sheikh; his brother, Rick (Delore) Schwartz; and his sister, Randi (Shane) Neilsen. Russ also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.
After high school, Russ embarked on a fulfilling career, first working for BB Brothers and then dedicating many years to Boeing. Outside of work, he was always up for an adventure, finding solace and excitement in hunting and fishing with friends. He frequently brought home beautiful steelhead from the rivers of the Olympic Peninsula, sharing his catch with loved ones.
In his forties, Russ married the love of his life, Vicki, and together they embarked on numerous travels and fishing expeditions until his health began to decline. Russ's passion for politics was unparalleled, and he was deeply concerned about the fate of the nation. He urged everyone to stay informed, pay attention to current events, and seek the truth.
Russ's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all who were touched by his kindness and unwavering spirit.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Amberene
March 27, 2025
I´m Amberene. Russ was my mother´s brother who was more of a father to me than an uncle, really. I consider myself incredibly privileged to have known him so deeply, especially during the last decade of his life and as I lived with him and began my own journey into adulthood.
Uncle Russ was the kind of person who gave his all to everything and everyone he cared about. He had a powerful sense of confidence and had a special way of instilling that confidence in others simply by expressing his genuine belief in them.
I have so many cherished memories of him. One of my favorites was when we´d exchange Forest Gump impressions, often in front of my Aunt Vicki, who isn´t particularly fond of the movie. It was one of those moments that always made us laugh and feel close.
I recall over the last few years how he especially took the time to take in and savor the little moments. He would close his eyes and move to the music of his favorite song in the middle of the kitchen. He´d walk around in the garden admiring the flowers in full bloom and bask in the warm summer breeze. He would never miss an opportunity to express his gratitude for the time we spent together and would send me beautiful notes and text messages thanking me for spending time with him. Uncle Russ had a gift for writing the most thoughtful notes that always felt sincere and from the heart.
I´ll cherish our many fishing trips we shared on the Puget Sound with my grandpa, and our last fishing trip to the Hoh River on the Peninsula. Anyone that knew Uncle Russ´s spirit knows of the passion he had for fishing and being outdoors.
He was a constant source of love and support throughout my adult life-through losses and victories. He respected who I was and who I was becoming. He would often remind me that when he was younger, he dreamed of having both a blonde-haired and a black-haired daughter and told me every day that I was his black-haired daughter. I truly believed him when he´d tell me that he loved me as if I were his own.
His capacity for love was unmatched. I will forever cherish his unwavering love for me. To have earned his unconditional love is a gift I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Loving him has been a true honor, and I am grateful for every moment we shared.
A special thank you goes to my Aunt Vicki, for her love and devotion to caring for Uncle Russ. She was such a loving and kind partner to him, and he loved her immensely. I´m honored to have been a part of their lives, to live with them, love them, and witness the beautiful relationship they had.
Bob Schwab
February 28, 2025
Was great seeing you at our 50th Reunion Russ!
You were truly meant to play basketball and was so amazing to watch you play!
Rest in Peace big guy!
Joseph Oliver
February 26, 2025
Redt in peace my brother. I have lots of fond memories, basketball. Hunting and fishing
Deborreh McCormick
February 25, 2025
I remember Russ as a superstar basketball player in junior high and high school. I enjoyed seeing him at our Mt Rainer 50th reunion in 2023. Warm condolences to his family through this difficult time.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Diane Fenton DeAvilla
February 24, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary Ann Kern
February 24, 2025
My sincere condolences to Russ´s family and friends. I lived across the street from Russ´s family when he was a teenager. Love and prayers to you all. Mary Ann Kern
Randi (Schwartz) Neilsen
February 24, 2025
One of my best memories of my late brother Russ is a fishing trip in the Seattle area at a place we just called Northlake. We were out in my dad´s little Boston Whaler, getting absolutely drenched because, of course, it was pouring rain-classic Seattle fishing weather. The fish were going crazy, jumping all over the place, and then out of nowhere, one literally jumped right into the boat!
I looked at Russ and said, "A fish just jumped in the boat!"
And what did he do? He gave me that big brother look-pure skepticism. He was convinced I had secretly caught it when he wasn´t looking or that I was just messing with him. No matter how much I insisted, he just would not believe me.
Typical big brother-no matter how many times I told him the truth, he still thought his little sister was up to something. But at that age, I hadn´t started arguing with him yet, so we actually got along pretty well. Looking back, I´m glad I had that time with him before the sibling debates officially began!
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Russell Schwartz's name
How to support Russell's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Russell Schwartz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
