Russell Henry Hartley

March 20, 1935 — December 8, 2019

Russell Henry Hartley went home to our Lord early Sunday morning, Dec. 8, 2019, in Bellingham, Wash. He was 83. 

Russell was born on March 20, 1935 in Wyandotte, Mich., to his parents, William and Virginia (Holcomb) Hartley. It was common for Russ to spend time in Louisiana every year visiting his grandparents. He had one sibling, his sister, Revelle. 

Right out of high school, he married Jean E. Watts and joined the Navy, where he became a flight engineer. Their adventure started at Grosse Ile, Mich., for seven years. They had five children: Debra, Russell Jr., William, Kimberly and Robert.

Over the next 15 years they were stationed at NAS Jacksonville, Fla.; Grand Prairie, Texas; and Pt. Mugu, Calif. Finally, on to NAS Whidbey in Oak Harbor, Wash., where he retired from the Navy in 1975 as a Chief Petty Officer. He married Joanne O’Connor in March 2007.

Joanne and he were always at the Senior Center playing Penuckle. Russ loved to give hugs and kisses; he was a practical joker. His main hobby was wood carving.

He also enjoyed flying in the Navy, golfing, fishing, singing in the An-O-Chords, and traveling. His friends and family were sometimes caught off guard by his quirky sense of humor.

His family is proud of him for receiving the Career Service Award from the Secretary of the Navy in appreciation for his 40 years of faithful service to the Navy and the government of the United States. The first 20 years was in the military, the second 20 years he worked in Civil Service at the parts shop and worked on helicopters for SAR.

Surviving Russell are his beloved wife, Joanne; four children – Robert Hartley, Bill Hartley, Kimberly Hartley, and Deborah Hartley Way; two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His parents, son Russell Jr., and his sister preceded him in death.

The Hartley family would like to thank VA North Hospice and North Cascades Home for their care and compassion of Russ and his family.

Per Russell’s wishes there will be no services.

Arrangements entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor, Wash.