David (Dave) Russell, 73

David William Russell died suddenly at home Sept. 11, 2025. He was 73.

Dave was born Oct. 27, 1951, to Richard and Marjorie Russell and spent his childhood in Sacramento with his three siblings, Richard, Mary and Michael. He married his high school sweetheart, Paula, in 1969 and earned a B.S. in Environmental Resources from California State University, Sacramento.

In March 1974, Dave hopped on his motorcycle and drove north to Idaho to take a job as a park aide at Round Lake State Park. Paula followed him in his beloved 1969 VW Beetle a few months later. After one season as assistant manager at Heyburn State Park, Dave landed back at Round Lake once again in June 1975, this time in his dream job as park manager, where he stayed until his retirement in October 2013. In total, he served the Idaho State Parks for 39 years.

Dave and Paula raised their two children, Aaron and Chrisy, at Round Lake and in the Sandpoint area, where Dave coached Little League and soccer, played men’s softball, attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and took every opportunity to be in the great outdoors. He enjoyed waterskiing on the Pend Oreille River, skiing at Schweitzer, backpacking in the Selkirk Mountains, annual elk hunting with his buddies, cruises and trips with Paula and fishing in Alaska with his brothers. Dave was a loyal and generous person whose warmth, enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor touched everyone who knew him. Most of all, Dave loved his family and was deeply proud of the successes of his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by Paula, his loving wife of 56 years, son Aaron (Annemarie) and daughter Chrisy (Ben), grandchildren Maya, Samuel, Matthew, Cooper and Larkin, and a whole host of family and friends. He will be missed more than words can say.

A celebration of life for Dave will be held next spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation or Friends of Idaho State Parks, or plant a tree in Dave’s honor.

    Russell