Richard Russell Obituary

Richard "Rick" Allen Russell, age 79, passed peacefully with his loving family at his side on Friday, September 12, at their longtime home in Buchanan, Michigan.

A memorial service will be held 11 AM. on Monday, September 22, 2025 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 3903 Lake St., Bridgman, MI 49106 where Rick has been a parishioner for over 30 years. Friends may meet with the family at the church on Monday from 10-11 AM, prior to the service. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

He was born on December 19, 1945 as the youngest child of William J. Russell II and Muriel J. (Schriner) Russell of Benton Harbor, MI, where he was raised with his older siblings: William J. Russell III, Nancy Jane (Russell) Clemens, John "Bob" Robert Russell, and Peter David Russell. From a young age, he showed a passion for construction and heavy machinery, even being known to skip school on occasion to watch the work being done at local construction sites.

At the age of 17 in July 1963, Rick bravely volunteered for duty in the United States Marine Corps with the aid of his mother's signature. He served in Vietnam with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines and received an honorable discharge in May 1966. His service to his country would always remain a point of pride. Upon returning to civilian life, Rick embraced his passion and strong work ethic to begin a long and fulfilling career in construction as a general contractor and heavy equipment operator.

In July 1976, he met his future wife Angela "Angie" Lucinda (Sams) Russell of Spokane, Washington, who at the age of 18 happened to be in Michigan visiting a friend. He always insisted it was love at first sight, and in a scene straight out of a romantic comedy, a misunderstanding about his age gave him the chance to win her heart. They were joyously wed on September 4, 1977, and blessed with nearly 50 years to build a wonderful life with one another. In 1979 he achieved a lifelong dream with the purchase of his prized possession, a bright yellow backhoe, which he used to start his own business, Russell's Construction. He was a hobbyist mechanic and often boasted of doing all his own vehicle and equipment maintenance.

Rick and Angie had two sons together, Richard Allen Russell II in 1987 and Wayne David Russell in 1989; and a granddaughter, Emma Rae Russell in 2012. In 2022 a genetic test result led to discovering another son whom Rick was unaware had been born in 1975, Christopher Allen Fisher, with whom he quickly began to bond. His family meant the world to him, and they will forever love and miss him dearly in return.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, and is survived by his wife, three sons, granddaughter, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman.