Russell Knudsen

passed away peacefully November 11, 2008, at age 86, with family at his side. He was born July 6, 1922, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Aksel and Emma Knudsen. He was a proud Dane. Following his service in the U.S. Navy, marriage to Charolette Hester in 1945, and graduation from Iowa State University in 1947, he moved his young family to the Northwest and began a long career at Boeing Company as an aeronautical engineer. In 1956 he moved his growing family to a rambling beach home in Westwood on Bainbridge Island, which has since remained the family home.Russell served proudly as an officer in the U. S. Navy during WWII aboard the aircraft carriers Hornet and Yorktown in the Pacific theater. Completing active service, he remained a reserve officer until 1974 when he retired having achieved the rank of Captain. He served his country with distinction and great dedication, inspiring several of his sons to military service.He joined the Boeing Company in 1947 and had a long and successful career as an aeronautical engineer, responsible for conducting the wind tunnel testing and development of subsonic and supersonic aircraft. He retired in 1986.Russell's greatest love was his family. He and Charolette parented nine children and provided tirelessly and generously for their upbringing in Westwood. Moving to Bainbridge in 1956, they brought with them their six sons, then aged 1 to 10 years old. Soon another son and two daughters were born on the island and they raised their family living on the western shore of Bainbridge at the end of Crystal Springs Road. He has been surrounded and loved by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren throughout his life.He loved the outdoors and having grown up in Omaha, took full advantage of the recreation opportunities of the Northwest. He became an accomplished skier, mountain climber, kayaker, sailor and general outdoorsman, inspiring all of his children to love and enjoy the outdoor life. He traveled extensively throughout his life and always found outdoor adventures to pursue in places he visited in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and Europe. He was a lifetime serious swimmer, competing in the Masters Swimmer's program into his 80's.Russell is survived by son James (Carole) of Minneapolis, son William (Leslie) of Bellingham, son John (Nancy) of Denver, son Timothy (Chris) of La Paz Mexico, son Mark (Sarah) of Bainbridge Island, son Stephen (Judy) of Port Ludlow, daughter Mary Knighton (Kirk) of Suquamish, daughter Karen Walker (John) of Bainbridge Island, 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Charolette, his son Thomas Peter and granddaughter Anna.Russell was a man of deep religious convictions and was active in Bethany Lutheran and Port Madison Lutheran Churches throughout his adult life. His life was one of great inspiration through quiet leadership and teaching by example to all those he met and touched. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Friday, November 14, from 5-7 PM at the funeral home (Map) and attend the funeral service on Saturday, November 15 at 2:30 PM at the Port Madison Lutheran Church on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Interment will take place at Kane Cemetery.Memorial donations can be made to the Port Madison Lutheran Church.