Russell Edward Didlake

Russell Didlake OBITUARY
Russ Didlake
Feb 22, 1930 – Jan 2, 2023
Russ Didlake, whose legacy included his love for his family, the enormous respect he earned from colleagues, friends and even strangers, died Jan. 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was 92. His family was his greatest asset, as was his generosity, honesty, guidance, support, optimism and humor.
Russ had such a long and amazing life that included so many adventures it's almost impossible to list.
Russ was "The Great Storyteller". His phenomenal memory for detail and his exceptional ability to entertain drew people to him. His dentist, his favorite waitress at Denny's (who brought her whole family to honor him), his cardiologist, a friend of a friend who would bring him authentic Chinese dishes, his house keeper, who with her husband, loved him enough to care for him when he needed it, people from all over were regular visitors. He was unique. We may never know another man like him.
Russ was born in 1930, in Tahlequah, Ok, to Delmar and Blanche Didlake. His parents were both teachers. The family also, owned a cattle ranch in which they all worked during his youth.
During WW!!, the family moved to Seattle WA, where his father was an engineer at Boeing. It was during this time that Russ fell in love with water. As a boy, he was in Lake Washington every day that he could be. He attended Emerson Grade School and Franklin High School.
The family moved back to OK, for a few years, after the war was over. Russ graduated from Morris, OK High School and entered the Navy
Russ had athletic ability, especially football and basketball where he played well into his time in the Navy.
He served in the Navy in the submarine service during the Korean war 1950 to 1954. He was also a proud member of the elite UDT forces ( a precursor to the SEALS). He was stationed in Hawaii during much of his service career, loving every minute of being on the water and in the water.
His family had moved back to Seattle, so after the Navy, Russ returned to his beloved Pacific Northwest. He attended Seattle University for 2 years then transferred to the University of Washington. He received a degree in business, all the time working nights at Boeing to put himself through school.
During that time he met the love of his life, Anne Sundquist, at a dance at Seattle U. Unfortunately she was the date of his best friend, Bob Stream. After some discussions Bob stepped aside reluctantly and Russ and Anne started dating seriously.
They were married Aug 11, 1955 in Seattle. Russ and Anne have three children: Brad (Coni), Jim (Terry) and Matt (Shawna). They have four grandchildren Spencer, Kelsey, Max, Sage and 1 great-grandchild due in June. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Ballard, from Seattle, WA.
Russ was always a Ford/Lincoln loyalist, mainly because he worked for Ford after graduating from college. He worked his way up starting as a warranty service rep in the NW to working for Lee Iacocca as the national performance parts manager in Detroit. This all occurred during the late sixties when Ford was heavily involved in racing, so he rubbed elbows with some of the greats like Carrol Shelby and many others.
After Detroit, the family moved to Portland Or to run a car dealership for his friend Marv Tonkin called Westway Chrysler. After a while he decided to purchase his own dealership, Dodge Country on 82nd Ave.
During this period Russ and Anne bought a lot on a little lake in east county called Blue Lake. Together they designed and built one of the most interesting homes ever built in Portland. It was featured in the Oregonian homes section in the late sixties. Russ's imagination and Anne's artistry made every home an exceptional home.
After owning another dealership in Seattle, Russ decided to join the family business in Oklahoma, called Dollar Saver Stores. He and Anne worked there for 20 years.
Russ loved boating, going back to his childhood when they lived in Seattle, so naturally he had a few big boats in living in OK.
It was no surprise when they decided to retire on a live-aboard boat in Poulsbo WA. They enjoyed cruising aboard their beloved "Maverick" for many years.
The next move was to Hood Canal, to a wonderful house on the beach that has hosted many family reunions and get-togethers. The house, the beach and the wonderful hosts are the makings of many beautiful memories for the family, many friends and sometimes strangers who happened by.
Unfortunately, Anne passed away just days before their 60th wedding anniversary. Russ carried on, albeit a bit lonely. but surrounded by the many friends they acquired over the years.
Celebration of Life will be held at the Canal House at some point in the near future.
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