Russell David Walker Obituary

On November 26, Russell David Walker of Inchiliem, Washington went home to be with the Lord at age 61. He passed away joking with his brother and maintaining his sense of humor till the end. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 37 years and all of his family and friends.

Russell was born on July 20, 1961 in Spokane, WA the son of John Walker and the late Marianne Walker. Russell attended grade school in Spokane and then moved with his family to Twin Lakes, ID where he graduated high school in Rathdrum, ID with the class of 1978. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and began his career as an Air Traffic Controller on bases, ships and ports of call. While stationed in Virginia, he met Roseanne Michelle Castaldo and they married in 1985. Russell was honorably discharged from Little Creek in Norfolk, VA later that year and they moved to Klamath Falls, OR where Russell continued working as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) for the Federal Aviation Administration as a civilian. Russell's career moved with him to Moses Lake, WA for 3 years, Spokane, WA for 12 years, Seattle, WA for 11 years, and lastly he directed aircraft at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control as a supervisor for 4 years. He retired from FAA headquarters in Washington, DC in December 2021. He worked with a brilliant diligence to bring all people including Kings, Queens, Popes, Presidents, and most likely you or your loved ones a safe arrival and departure.

Russell devoted his time off to his family and attended his kids's sports, theatre productions and school activities. He served the church and was an AWANA leader. Russell earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from Christian Youth Theatre for his time and efforts invested in the kids he adored tremendously. His heart was tender and humble, his tears were shared openly for his love for God, Country, family and friends. He was intelligent, honest, generous, faithful and had the most amazing work ethic and sense of humor that would define and complete his character. Russell had an intensity that drove his success at work. His stubborn determination ensured he could learn to build or fix almost anything.

Throughout Russell's life he enjoyed snowmobiling, bowling, golf, boating, water skiing, camping, fishing, playing cards, cribbage, chess, and roasting marshmallows over a campfire with the kids. He passed his love for these activities on to his wife, children, and grandchildren. Russell enjoyed riding his Harley and BMW in the great outdoors, with Rosie on the back. He treasured movie nights with his grandchildren and spoiling them with practice birthday cakes, lollipops, and going on dragon hunts around the house. His most favorite activity was taking his kids and grandkids out fishing on Twin Lakes, WA. Twin Lakes was Russell's happiest place to be. It brought him peace, joy and relaxation which led him to retire there with his wife. They cherished their time together in loving companionship and this was the foundation for their family.

Russell was preceded in death by his mother, Marianne Walker in 2016. He is survived by his wife, Roseanne Walker; two children, Cassandra Bernards (Adam) of Springfield, VA, Johnrussell Walker of Springfield, VA, four grandchildren, Brielle, Abigail, Judah and Rylee; siblings, Wayne Walker (Denise) of Colville, WA, Terry Walker (Nikki) of Colville, WA, Joyanne Muth (Michael) of Bellevue, WA, Gaylynn Kellum of Colville, WA; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of extended family and friends.  A time to gather, remember, reflect and honor Russell David Walker will be scheduled at a later date this summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Christian Youth Theatre Spokane and marked In memory of Russell Walker. https://www.cytspokane.org/donate/

Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com . Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with his care and cremation.