Russell Kenneth "Bud" Stensrud Born in Grand Forks, ND, on June 8, 1927 to Russell and Lenora Stensrud. With family members by his side, Bud passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2013 at the age of 85. He met a young college co-ed, Bea Sorenson, at the University of Washington in October 1947. They began dating and were married October 27, 1951. Bud attended Lincoln High School in Seattle for three years and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1945. Bud received his Bachelor of Science from U.W. in Forestry in 1951 and received a Master of Forestry in 1958. He enlisted in the Navy before graduating from high school and was on active duty 1945-1946. He then went on reserve and was recalled in the Korean War in 1950-51 where he was stationed at the Pentagon in Naval Intelligence. He was commissioned Lieutenant JG in 1951 and then served in the reserve until he retired in 1967 as Lieutenant Commander. He began a long career at Reichhold Chemicals Inc. after returning from active duty. He was employed from 1952 until 1985 when he retired. He started as a "wood technologist" and rose through the ranks to Western Regional Manager and Executive Vice-President. Bud and his family moved to Tacoma in 1966 after Reichhold re-located their western regional headquarters from Seattle. Bud and Bea lived in the same house in Browns Point for 46 years. Bud loved helping people and cared deeply for the people he managed, neighbors, friends and family. Bud was a beautiful singer and soloist. He sang in the choir at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Mercer Island and St. Matthews Episcopal church in Browns Point. He sang with the Federal Way Chorale for 12 years. He was a an avid Husky sports fan of UW football, 55 years Tyee ticket holder and UW basketball, 38 years. He became a fan of UW softball when his granddaughter played for UW the past four years. He loved watching his grandchildren's soccer, basketball and softball games. He always wore purple and gold. Bud was a fan of the great outdoors; he enjoyed snow skiing with his family, camping in one of his many RV's and fishing. He embraced computer technology from the beginning and continued to try and remain current on the latest technology. He loved photography. He is survived by his wife Beatrice and their dog Lexie, his children Becky Stensrud Pohlman of Sammamish and her children Dani and Kimi Pohlman, and his son Bradley Russell Stensrud and his wife Mindy and their children Madelyn and Russell. He is also survived by his brother in laws Arthur, Gary and Jim Sorenson of Portland. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and his brothers James and Donald. A memorial service will be held on February 14th, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Browns Point, 6800 Eastside Drive, Tacoma, WA 98422. A reception will follow at the church.
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We remember Bud with fondness as a good neighbor and friend.
Cecelia & Scott Murdock
February 18, 2013
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today and always. Doreen Kowal
February 14, 2013
Dear Bud: Thank you so much for being such a great father-in-law to our sister, grandfather to our niece and nephew, and a wonderful husband and father. You will be missed.
Our love, Holly, John,Tommy and Amanda
Holly and John Chabbott
February 14, 2013
Bud's daughter Becky is my best friend from college until now and forever. We have shared many fun times over the years. Bud and Bea were always good to me because my family lived in California. I will love and respect him always and glad he is resting in peace.Cassie Northrup
February 13, 2013
What a wonderful man. We are so thankful to have known you, your kindness and your generosity. Thank you for gracing our lives with your warm spirit and smile.
David, Rossana, Andrés & Fernando Fox
February 12, 2013
Our dear Uncle Bud. We will remember your beautiful voice, your kind spirit and your great big heart for those you loved.
Linda, Dave, Sofi and Jake
February 12, 2013
Are hearts are saddened by your passing. We will miss you Uncle Bud!
Jennifer & John Cosgrave
February 12, 2013
I met Bud at the UW in 1952 when we were both in graduate school. He gave me a part time job at the RCI lab. I went back to Juneau to work for the Juneau Plywood Corp and in 1954 came back to Seattle to work for RCI. I continued to work with and for Bud until the Tacoma RCI plant closed. Bud was a personal friend and good Christian gentleman.
James Klein
February 12, 2013
Thank you for singing "The Lord's Prayer" so beautifully at our wedding in 1994. Godspeed, Bud.
February 10, 2013
Thank YOU for your service and for keeping our Country free. Wish we had other individuals who love this Country enough to serve to keep our FREEDOM!!
February 10, 2013
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