age 69, of Everett passed away February 5, 2014 surrounded by his loved ones. "Mike", as he was known, was born July 19, 1944 in Newton, Kansas to Paul Russell and Patricia Ross. He grew up in Wichita with his sister, JoNan. After graduation from East High School in 1963, he attended the University of Texas, Arlington before serving in the United States Army. Following his marriage to the love of his life, Judy Fairbank, on June 27, 1970 he joined Boeing as a machinist. Mike and Judy welcomed two wonderful girls, Nicole and Kimberly into the world before moving to Everett in 1976, where Mike joined the new 747 factory. Their last girl, Christine, arrived in 1978. The three girls were the center of his life for the ensuing years as Mike donated his time and talents to Camp Fire USA, where he served on the camp Killoqua board of directors; the Silver Lake Soccer club, where he served as both an officer and a coach; the Everett rowing association, and the Washington State Parent Teacher Association. Retiring from Boeing in the spring of 2007 he found more time to enjoy his passions; fishing, hot rods and most importantly his family. Mike always enjoyed anything automotive, was active with several area clubs and rarely passed up an opportunity to attend a car show. Though he didn't always catch something, he never considered time spent fishing as wasted. Where Mike really flourished was being a grandfather; whether it was taking a van full of kids to the movies, or prefacing his tickle attacks with a booming "FE FI FO FUM!!" he relished every second of time he could spend with his family. His love for family was both immeasurable and eternal. The warmth from this love extended way beyond immediate family and nourished the soul of all who experienced the thrill of getting to know him. Mike is survived by his wife, Judy; sister, JoNan; children; Nicole Cross (Jason) Kimberly Kanzler (Justin); son-in-law, Alexander (Nichole); grandchildren, Stacy, Elizabeth, Savannah, Matthew, Katelyn, Jacob and Eleanor; as well as many other extended family. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Russell and Patricia; and daughter, Christine. There will be a time of visitation from 5 to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, and memorial of Mike's life at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at Evergreen Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4504 Broadway in Everett, WA.
See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldnet/obituary and www.evergreen-fh.com.
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