Long-time Montesano resident Russell R. Simmelink, passed away on Aug. 26, 2020, at the age of 91.

Russ was born in Kennewick on Jan. 29, 1929, to Herbert and Minnie Simmelink. He grew up in a cabin near Springdale, Wash. At age four, he met Louise House, and often said he knew from that moment that she was the one for him. They married on May 20, 1946.

Russ graduated from Springdale High School. In his early years, he worked at a variety of jobs, from picking apples in Wenatchee to delivering milk door-to-door in Yakima. They moved to Montesano in 1951.

He always preferred working outside — as a logger, a carpenter, a pile buck and a builder of roads, bridges and docks. He worked as a foreman for Quigg Brothers McDonald for more than 25 years.

After retiring in 1991, Russ put his carpentry skills to work building decks and doing household repairs throughout the community.

Russ had a passion for country and gospel music. He enjoyed playing guitar and — with Louise on mandolin — played at local events and church services. He and Louise square-danced with the Harbor Haylofters for many years. He was also an avid football fan and remained loyal to the Seahawks through good times and bad.

Russ was steadfast in his faith and convictions and served as an elder and leader in the Montesano Presbyterian Church for 60 years. He was a man of character and integrity who quietly served others. Russ had a boyish grin that never grew old, and he gave the strongest hugs most people ever had.

In addition to his wife of 74 years, he is survived by his daughters and the sons-in-law he loved: Sharon Slothower, Janet Simmelink and Russ Pasic, Jean and David Nevills, Joan and Ken Kittrell. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, as well as his brother, Harvey, and many nieces and nephews.

Russ is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Lisa Rae Neal, his sister Lois, and his brother Glen.

Memorials in his honor can be made to the Union Gospel Mission in Aberdeen.