Russell Alvah Heald

on December 16, 2016, passed away sitting by the Christmas tree in the Wyatt House lobby, enjoying good natured conversation.Born in Gold Bar, Washington, to George and Ella Heald on November 12, 1914, his earliest memory was waving to the troops returning from World War I on the train that passed near his home. His youth was spent fishing, swimming, hiking, and playing ball with his four brothers around the town of Sultan where his father worked at the lumber mill.After graduating from Sultan High School, Russ hoboed his way by boxcar to Chicago to see the 1933 World's Fair and then on to Ann Arbor where he enrolled at the University of Michigan. He spent many happy years there working at his uncle's restaurant and pursuing a degree in history. World War II interrupted his studies short of graduation but while serving in the Army in Europe he was notified that his war experience sufficiently satisfied his degree requirements.In 1943 while preparing to head overseas, Russ met Betty Jean Johnson on a blind date and they were married three weeks later. He was her loving and devoted companion for more than seventy years until her death in 2013.In 1946 Russ started a thirty year career as a school teacher and coach. He taught at North Kitsap High School from 1952-1967 and at Bainbridge High School from 1967-1976. Russ and Betty lived on Bainbridge from 1954 until their deaths, raising their two children and many dogs and cats. Russ was a good athlete who spent much of his retirement on the golf course, and he was an avid reader. He always had a good book near and had just finished reading the sports page when he passed.Kind, gentle, and generous, Russ will be remembered for his warm sense of humor and for always putting the needs of others ahead of his own. He is survived by daughter Carole and her husband Jim Knudsen, son Rich and his wife Candee, and five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.The family thanks the staff of Wyatt House for the loving and respectful care given to Russ over the past few years. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Memorial Service on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Port Madison Lutheran Church on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Interment will take place at Kane Cemetery. Donations may be given to the Port Madison Lutheran Church or to PAWS. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home. Please sign the online guest book for the family.