Russell Lloyd Vanarsdale

RUSSELL LLOYD VANARSDALE Funeral services for former area resident, Russell Lloyd VanArsdale were held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1 at the Haven of Rest Funeral Home in Gig Harbor, Wash. Russ was born on June 30, 1959 in Monument Valley, Utah the son of Ralph and Virginia (Myers) VanArsdale. He passed from this life on Thursday, February 24, 2005 at the age of 45. Russ grew up in Cortez and in Hemet, Calif. where he graduated High School and Mt. San Jacinto College. He met and married Joyce Johnson in 1982. Russ joined the Army that same year serving three years in Germany and returned to serve in the 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis, Wash. Russ and his family moved to Gig Harbor in 1991. He became a licensed funeral director in 1998. Even though old Ranger injuries and a previously broken back made it difficult, Russ loved to hike in the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest. His son Aaron could usually beat him in golf, but he still liked to challenge him on the course. Russell had a tremendous love for animals and leaves behind, three dogs, two cats, two parakeets, an iguana and the infamous Cockatoo, Baby. They will miss his devoted attention. Russell was recently recognized for his great efforts in raising substantial funds for the Ranger Ball of 2004, so that all Rangers and their wives could attend for free. He passionately believed that with all of their sacrifices, Rangers deserved to be sponsored for a night of celebration in recognition of their tremendous contributions to our freedom. Surviving Russ are his wife, Joyce; his children, Adrienne and Aaron; his parents, Virginia and Joseph Brien; his sisters, Lori VanArsdale and Valerie Lovett; mother-in-law, Mary Johnson; and numerous relatives and friends who will miss him greatly.