Mike Russell

Waynesville, Michael Jon Russell, age 64, of 271 Tara Nova Drive, died Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at his residence. Mike was a native of McCook, Nebraska. He resided in Haywood County since 1991 and was the son of the late Jack and Mildred Loux Russell. He graduated from McCook High School in 1962 and McCook Junior College before completing his Bachelor's Degree in physical therapy at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1966. He was employed by Care Partners with 15 years service before retiring. Mike shared his unique therapy skills in many parts of the country before settling in North Carolina. He loved going that extra mile with each of his patients often using his carpenter skills to make their lives a little easier. His great sadness was having to give up his patients when his health failed him. In his retirement he was an avid fisherman, gardener and woodworker. He was member of St Andrews Episcopal Church in Canton, NC. He is survived by his wife of nearly 47 years, Vicki Gasch Russell. Mike was very proud of his two children, Scott Russell and his wife, Suzanne, of Cincinnati, OH and Laura Darbo and her husband, Ron, of Boone, NC; two sisters, Jacque Olbeding, and her husband, Jack, of Erie, CO and Jeanne Lewarchick, and her husband, Rob, of Lafayette, CO.; two brothers, Gilbert Russell, and his wife, Leta, of Potrland, OR and Jerry Russell, and his wife, Karen, of Cedar City, Utah; his "babes" five wonderful grandchildren, Hannah, Katherine, Mason, Caleb and Lauren. His greatest joy was watching them grow and mature. Mike was also survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Canton, NC with Father Tim McRree officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to St Andrew's Episcopal Church Building Fund, 99 Academy Street, Canton, NC 28716 or Habitat for Humanity of Haywood County, P.O. Box 283, Waynesville, NC 28786.

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