Roy Roger Russell Jr.

Roy R. Russell Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, just over a week shy of his 94th birthday and a year shy of his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife, Bonnie.

Roy was born on August 18, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Roy R. Russell, D.D.S., and Hattie (Rodd) Russell. He was the oldest of four children, with a younger sister, Nancy, and younger twin siblings, Bruce and Barbara. He adored his siblings and was fiercely proud of them all.

Roy graduated from Nathan Hale High School in West Allis, Wisconsin, in 1951. From there, he joined the Army and was eventually stationed in Korea as a member of the Military Police, serving on active duty during the Korean War. While in Korea, Roy had the privilege of guarding many high-ranking generals and even guarded President Eisenhower when he stayed at the base.

Roy parlayed his Army service into an education through the G.I. Bill, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, as well as a master’s degree in civil –structural engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder.

In Colorado, Roy fell in love with the state and fully embraced the active, outdoor lifestyle the region offered. But the best thing Colorado gave Roy was his wife, Bonnie, whom he always touted as being “way out of his league.” Both Bonnie and Roy loved music and dancing – even earning the title of “Polka Champions” at a local event.

In Colorado, far away from their Midwestern relatives, Roy and Bonnie forged new friendships with a group who would become family. The “Potluckers” celebrated many birthdays and holidays and took trips together, creating treasured memories along the way.

Roy and Bonnie also raised two children, Craig and Kathryn. Roy was a dedicated leader of Craig’s Boy Scout troop, proudly helping him become an Eagle Scout. He also spent many years teaching Craig and Kathryn to play the piano, instilling in them a great appreciation and understanding of music that they have both carried with them for decades.

Roy also passed down his adventurous spirit to his children and grandchildren through skiing, backpacking, fly-fishing, rock climbing, camping, and more. He continued many of these activities well into his mid-to-late eighties—notably, still skiing on telemark skis and always in jeans.

Roy was deeply loved by his close family and equally cherished by his extended family. Collectively, we are so grateful that Roy, aka “Uncle Bud,” had so many years with us on Earth and, especially, that he was able to be a strong presence in the lives of his three grandchildren.

We find peace knowing he is with the treasured family members and friends who passed before him. He will be so missed by all.

Roy is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his son, Craig Roy Russell, his wife, Lisa Cameron Russell, and their daughter, Haley Russell; as well as his daughter, Kathryn Kay Russell, and her sons,

Sam and Joe Szczukowski. Roy is also survived by his sister-in-law, Arlene Russell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Wisconsin and Minnesota, whom he loved dearly.

Roy was preceded in death by his mother, Hattie Rodd Russell; his father, Roy R. Russell Sr., D.D.S.; and his siblings, Nancy Shorougian, Barbara Slaaen, and Bruce Russell.

Roy’s memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. at Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80227. He will then be interred at nearby Fort Logan National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m., with full military honors. A luncheon will follow at Monaghan’s Bar and Grill, across the street from Fort Logan, at 3889 S. King St., Denver, CO 80236. All are welcome to attend all events