Gene W. Russell

Torrery, Utah - Gene William Russell, age 64, died early in the morning April, 13 2013 at his home in Torrey, Utah. His Daughter Shannon Harmer, Granddaughter Mariah Ellett and Grandsons Mason and Layne Ellett were with him at the time. Gene was born August 31st, 1948 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Howard and Doris Imogene Anderson Russell. He was the youngest of 4 sons. Grandma Doris once told us that before Gene was born she was hoping for a girl, since she already had 3 sons. When Gene was born and the doctor told her she had another son, Doris said “oh, please put him back”. We are sure glad that he didn’t. About a year after Gene was born, the family moved from Wisconsin to Albuquerque, NM. In 1960 the family relocated again to Safford, AZ and started a Dairy. Gene graduated from Safford High School in 1966 and continued to live in the Safford area until the late 1960’s. In 1972 Gene moved to Torrey, Utah a place he called home for more than 40 years. Gene was a very talented artisan. The natural beauty of Wayne County inspired him. He excelled as a finish carpenter. Many homes and buildings in Wayne Countyand beyond showcase the fruits of his talents. He was also a master in the field of rustic furniture design and construction. Gene builtmany rocking chairs, stools, tables, and high back benches, many without the aid of a single nail, screw or any glue. In the Torrey area he became famous as a Historic Restoration Expert. One of his most notable projects was the relocation and restoration of the DUP building on Torrey Main Street. Gene restored this building in 1994 and 1995. In September 1996 the Utah Historical Foundation presented him with the Historical Preservation award for this work. Last summer, 2012, Gene and his good friend Robert (Haircut) Stromberg went through the DUP building one more time replacing shingles, re-chinking the walls, oiling the logs and repainting the trim and doors, ensuring its beauty and integrity for at least another two decades. During the last few years Gene began spending the winter months in Safford, Arizona with his mother Doris. While in Arizona, Gene spent many hours hiking with his friends in the desert, exploring new areas and collecting rocks and gem stones. He even learned to play golf with his friends Ray and Gerry. Also while in Arizona, he took up lapidary work as a hobby. Gene really enjoyed this hobby, creating many fine pieces of jewelry from fire agate, turquoise and other gem stones. This past winter Gene was in Arizona when he was diagnosed with cancer. While he was still able to travel his daughter and grandchildren brought him back to Torrey where he could spend his last days at home. Gene is survived by his mother Doris (95), Safford, Arizona; his daughter Shannon Harmer, Santaquin; sons Eric and Eli, Idaho; grandchildren Tawny May Ellett, Mason Scott Ellett, Mariah StephanyEllett and Layne Russell Ellett; and brothers Lowell, Las Lunas, New Mexico; Lanny, Torrey, Utah; Gary, Rifle, Colorado. He is preceded in death by his father Howard Russell. The family thanks Gene’s good friends in Safford, Arizona and Wayne County for all of their love and support. Thanks for the many rides to the doctor, the gifts of food for the family, the extra firewood to keep things warm and the prayers and blessings. Thanks Jessie for ringing the bells, 64 times! A memorial gathering and open house for family and friends will be held at the Torrey DUP building on on main street, Saturday April 27, 2013 from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Funeral Directors: Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.