Longtime former Bainbridge Island resident Frederick Earl Russell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, friend, comedian, fisherman, bowler, stamp collector, baseball fan, basketball fan, Keno player, beachcomber, gardener, veteran and avid reader, lost his battle with cancer on Jan. 22, 2016 at the young age of 79. His sarcastic wit will be missed by all.

Fred was raised in Suquamish and graduated from North Kitsap High School in 1954. He later graduated from Seattle University.

He met the love of his life, Marilyn Englund, in 1961, and they married on Nov. 17, 1962. They settled on Bainbridge Island to raise their eight children.

Since having eight children was not enough, he spent many years corralling high school and college athletes as a respected coach in basketball and track at Bainbridge High School, Sequim High School, Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington, and Pacific Lutheran University.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marilyn; eight children, Michael, Mary Jo, Cathryn, Patty, Scott, Cindy, Todd and Sarah; 11 grandchildren; seven sisters; three brothers; several cousins; and his dog, Shadow.

Please join the family in a Celebration of Life from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday,  Feb. 27 at the Ballard Elks Lodge, 6411 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle.