Russell Wharton Ferguson passed away on Monday, May 9, 2016 at his home on Bainbridge Island.

He was born in Gary, Indiana and was 73 years of age.

Rus joined the Navy in 1962 and was serving aboard the USS Kitty Hawk at the time of his discharge in 1966. While serving he met his wife of 49 years, Lynn Huntsman, at the famed dancehall Perl’s in Bremerton. They were married in 1967.

Rus was an avid fisherman, model railroad builder, classic car lover and Native American art collector. Rus was a well-respected member of the local business community, operating Kitsap Tire Center in Poulsbo since 1977. He was a long time Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce and Poulsbo-North Kitsap Rotary member, earning the title of Paul Harris Fellow for exceptional commitment and service.

Russell is survived by his wife Lynn; his daughter Sara of Oakland, California; his son Jeffrey of Poulsbo; sister Martha Ferguson of Indiana; sister Nina Hutchinson of Colorado; brother Richard Ferguson of California; and his six grandchildren.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. June 18 at Vinland Lutheran Church in Poulsbo.

The family asks that any memorial donations in Rus’ honor be made to the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum where he was a volunteer.