Alfred Russell Ackley

Russ was born in Toppenish, Wash., on Feb. 18, 1928 to Alfred John Ackley and Vivian Pearl (Nation) Ackley. He was raised in Yakima, Wash., and graduated in 1945 from North Yakima High School. He graduated early so he could join the Navy and pursue his dream of becoming a Naval Aviator.

After serving his initial tour of duty, Russ attended the University of Washington and received his bachelor’s degree in business administration. During this time he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Regan, on Oct. 2, 1954.

He spent 30 years in the Navy flying just about every aircraft the Navy had, and was stationed all over the United States. He served during the Korean and Vietnam wars and every other action the U.S. was involved in. He was very successful during his 30 years of service, reaching the rank of Captain before he retired. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal during his naval career. He served as the Executive Officer at NAS Whidbey before transferring to Point Mugu, Calif. in 1973, where he was the Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Reserve Training Unit until he retired in 1975. While stationed there, he also completed his master’s degree in business from the University of California.

Russ moved to Yakima, Wash., after retirement. He joined the Yakima Kiwanis Club and served as their club president in 1982-83 and as Lt. Governor of Kiwanis Clubs of Division 50, Pacific Northwest District in 1986-87. He was very active in the Yakima Greenway foundation and served on their board of directors in 1991. He was also involved in Yakima Air Fare for several years and loved it when the Blue Angels would come and perform. He and his wife loved playing golf, and were active participants at the Yakima Country Club until his health reasons sidelined him. Russ and Shirley became “Snowbirds” in 1991 and spent several winters down south in their 31-foot travel trailer in the warm California and Arizona sun.

Russ and Shirley moved to the Beaverton area in 2007 to be closer to his daughter and her family. He lost his beautiful wife Shirley in 2008, and though he enjoyed his last years on this earth, he was lonely and looked forward to being reunited with her again. Russ was a kind and generous man, and no one who met him didn’t like him. He is survived by his daughter and her husband, Laura and Roger Beaulaurier of Beaverton, Ore.; three grandchildren Abby and Katy Beaulaurier of Beaverton, and Russ Alan Ackley; and three great-grandchildren of San Diego, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son Alan Russell Ackley.

Graveside services with full military honors will be at Willamette National Cemetery on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016 at 12 p.m. Memorials may be made to Yakima Kiwanis Club or any Veterans association. Arrangements by Pegg, Paxson & Springer Funeral Chapel.