Russell Ellis Carothers Jr.

Russell Ellis Carothers Jr. Russell, age 90, died on March 10, 2012, with his family by his side, in Portland, Oregon. He was born to Russell and Cecile Carothers in Kelso, Washington, on January 11, 1922. He married Marjorie Ann Donnell on June 16, 1950, in Lakewood Center, Washington. Russ graduated from Kelso High School in 1939, earned an Associate's degree from Lower Columbia Junior College in Longview, Washington, a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Saint Martin's College in Lacey, Washington, and attended medical school for two years at Saint Louis University. He also served one year in the U.S. Army during WWII. In his professional life, Russ was a career sales manager in the printing business, retiring after 34 years with Moore Business Forms. As a youth in the Pacific Northwest, Russ developed what became a lifelong passion and respect for the great outdoors that he and Marge instilled in each of their five children. Just a few months prior to his 90th birthday, he was fishing and moose hunting in the far northern wilds of Alaska. Russ had an enormous energy for serving his community. He was active throughout his life in the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches. His civic activities included Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Elks Club. After retiring, he enjoyed growing a large vegetable garden for, and working at, the Mountlake Terrace Food Bank. Russ is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marge, and their children, Jennifer, Ford, Mark, Sam and Gar, their wonderful spouses, fifteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Miriam and son-in law, Doug Fenderbosch. A graveside service will be held for family and friends at 11am Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Cowlitz View Memorial Gardens in Kelso. Remembrances may be made to the Legacy Hopewell House Hospice, 6171 Capitol Hwy., Portland, Oregon 97239, or Saint Martin's University in Lacey, Washington.