Russell Henry Dewar Edwards

EDWARDS, Russell Henry Dewar -- Passed away Saturday, May 17th in his home with his loving family by his side, after a recent diagnosis of untreatable stomach cancer and admission into the Odyssey Hospice Program. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Daisy Jean Edwards. Survived by daughter Laurie Bagdriwicz (Mike) of San Jose, daughter Merry Leatherbarrow (Ken) of Carmichael, and son Tom Edwards (Ruth) of Fullerton. Survived by grandchildren Sandi Acosta (Sal), Shari Rayner (Ron), Sheila Gennaro, Rusty Brumfield (Laura), Jenni Adair (Ed), Billy Edwards and Danny Edwards and step-grandchildren Kristen Rocha (James), Elizabeth Chandler (Allen), Maureen Kay (David), Eric Leatherbarrow (Luz Maria), Monica Wercinski (Paul) and Nicole Bagdriwicz. Survived by great-grandchildren Brandon Rayner, Randy Acosta, Michelle Acosta, Shelby Brumfield and step-great-grandchildren Ryan Rocha, Jacquelynn Rocha, Moira Kay, Annie Kay, Kenneth Kay, Alexandra Chandler, Daniel Chandler and Alexis Bagdriwicz. He was an adopted father and grandfather to many. Preceded in death by his mother Iva Pearl Schweig, his father William Henry Edwards and his grandson David Paul Brumfield. Russ graduated from the University of Montana with a BA in History and Political Science with minors in Math, Physical Education and Education in 1943, where he played Varsity Basketball and lettered. He earned his M.Ed. from University of Oregon in 1950 and a JD from Northwest College of Law/Lewis & Clark in 1953. He completed his coursework for an Ed.D. in Elementary Education in 1963. He earned a credential in Pupil Personnel from San Jose State University in 1969. Russ taught 7th and 8th grades and coached boys and girls basketball and softball for the Portland School District, Portland, OR. He taught 8th grade for the Oakland School District, Oakland, CA. He was a principal for the Mt. Eden School District, Hayward, CA, opening two schools, and he was a principal, counselor and Administrator for both elementary schools and junior high schools for Cupertino School District, Cupertino, CA opening two schools, and from which he retired in June 1984. He taught 11 years, was a principal 11 years and a counselor for 16 years. Russ served his country in WWII. He went to Army Field Artillery School in Fort Bragg, NC, where he rose from Private to First Lieutenant. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA, Fort Sill, OK, Ford Ord, CA, and shipped out of Vancouver, WA to Okinawa (June 1945 - Sept 1945) and then on to Korea 'til Aug 1946, and was honorably discharged in Oct 1946. He was born in Great Falls, MT, raised by his mother in Missoula, and spent his summers in north eastern Montana on his mother's cattle and sheep ranch, 60 miles out ot Malta between Landusky and Zortman. He was a 50 year member of the B.P.O.E. (Elks), a master Bridge player and a regular volunteer with Mended Hearts Organization following his own triple bypass surgery in 1994. Those who knew Russ will remember him by his myriads of stories and thoughtful advice. He was a scholar and a gentleman and he will be missed. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 7:00 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Santa Clara, 2499 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA. Interment at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, OR. Arrangements by BYRGAN & COMPANY of Los Gatos.