Russell Montana Wheeler

Russell Montana Wheeler, of Eugene, died Wednesday, May 4, 2011. He was 95 years old. Russell spent his youth in the Willamette Valley. He married Louise Tassey in California and joined the Merchant Marines during World War II. After the war, Russell returned to Oregon with his family, where he lived the rest of his life. Russell loved this Valley. He hiked the mountains, swam the rivers and fished the streams. He was fascinated by the beauty of nature, her colors, her sounds, her geology and her creatures. When food became plentiful, he put away his rifle, and his backyard became a sanctuary for wildlife. Russell liked to see people smile and always had a joke or two; or special poem he had memorized to share. Loving husband, father, and grandfather, we will miss your smile and the always present twinkle in your eye. Special thanks to the Lane County Chapter of Hospice.