Transitions

Randy Russ passed away on February 15 at the age of 71 following complications from heart surgery. Born on the Hoopa Valley Reservation in California to father Havis Russ and mother Elaine Campbell, Randy was a quiet man by nature who blossomed with family and friends.

Randy and his wife, Marti Bowne, moved permanently to Welches in 2015, where they were members of the Mt. Hood Golf Club and active community members. Living on the golf course, where he could hone his game and walk the course with friends, was a dream for Randy. Randy was a Marshal at the course, giving freely of his knowledge of the game, organizing tournaments, and instructing other Marshals in the nuances of guiding guests to a successful experience. His friends in the MHGC will miss his gracious manner on the course and dedication to the game.

Randy was known as an excellent chef and French wine connoisseur, frequently hosting friends and family while planning each meal and wine selection with time and care. He was also passionate about fishing and camping in his “Big Ass Tent” (as per Glamping criteria). He was a neatly and stylishly dressed man who showed panache for every special occasion. Randy was also extremely proud of his native heritage and identified as a member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe of northwestern California.

Randy was a 20-year conductor with Union Pacific Railroad, retiring in 2018. While with Union Pacific, he represented his union as President for many years and served as the Union Legislative Director to the Oregon House. Following his retirement, he continued his commitment to his fellow railmen by working as an investigator with Rossi Vucinovich Law Firm in Seattle, where he conducted interviews and documentation for union members injured on the job.

Randy is survived by his wife, Marti Bowne, and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a large and loving family who are a source of strength and love to Marti and who welcomed “Grandy” as a cherished family member. These include daughter Tracy Lind and her daughters Emily and Melody; son Brian Richardson, his wife Leah Woods and their three children Owen, Hazel and James; stepdaughter Lorie Bowne and her wife Laura Romig; stepdaughter Michelle Bowne-Daun, her son Aaron, and her daughters Allie and Shelby; stepson Brad Bowne, his wife Christy, their son Bradley, and four great-grandchildren.
Randy also leaves his beloved sisters, Avis Earls of Welches, Beverly Swiztler and husband Robert of Crescent City, CA, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. His brother, George Russ, his mother, and father preceded Randy in death.

Donations may be made in Randy’s name to Doctors Without Borders, to which Randy donated monthly support for over 10 years.

A Celebration of Life will be held over the summer.