Russell Allen Barron

Beloved Stanwood dentist of 43 years has died of Lewy Body Dementia.

Dr. Russell A. Barron, DDS, always insisted you call him Russ. He was known for his generosity, sense of humor, and kindness. He was an avid Seattle sports fan, a talented gardener, a dabbler in electronics and hi-fi audio, a movie buff, a dedicated skier, a gifted photographer, a caring father, husband, friend, and boss. Over the years, he guided multiple wayward souls to become successful dentists or to reach other career or personal goals at key points in their lives. He didn’t shy away from difficult conversations.

Russ was born in Yakima to Oscar and Laura (Calhoun) Barron in 1945 and graduated from Eisenhower High School. Inspired by his dentist brother-in-law, Dr. Bob Wilcox of Monroe, WA, Russ pursued a career in dentistry with single-minded efficiency. He jumped straight to dental school at the UW after earning an AA at Everett Junior College. He was a member of Psi Omega at the UW, where he managed the frat house. Russ enlisted in the US Air Force and after graduation spent a year in Korea followed by a year at McChord AFB honing his dental skills, then built his practice in Stanwood in 1972.

During his final class of dentistry, Russ met his wife of 53 years, Cheryl (Bowers), while removing her wisdom teeth at the campus dental clinic. They raised 3 children, Marty Barron, Jody VelaBorja, and Shannon (Dismas) Smith, who along with Cheryl all survive him. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter; sister Dolores Wilcox of Monroe; a multitude of extended family and friends.

Join in celebrating Russ’s life at Evergreen Washelli in Seattle on May 18 at 2 PM.