Russell T. Blower

Russell T. Blower, age 89, of Grants Pass, died Monday, January 16, 2012 at Highland House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

A graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 20, 2012 at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens.

A memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2012 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors with Pastor Mark Skudstad officiating.

Remembrances may be made to Honor Flight of Oregon, 1987 Demaray Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon 97527 or www.honorflight.org.

Russell was born September 25, 1922 in Albany, Oregon to Cecil & Nancy Blower. As soon as he was born he was taken by rowboat to the family farm on the Yaquina Bay in Toledo, Oregon. When he reached the age to attend school, he and his older brother would go by rowboat each morning. Russell attended Moody Grade School and graduated from Toledo High School in 1940. He immediately went to Oregon State College to pursue an agricultural degree. When his father became very ill, Russ was needed at home. On August 21, 1943 in Corvallis, Oregon he married the love of his life, Eunice M. Johnson. October 15, 1943 he was called to active duty with the United States Army. During World War II which included a tour of duty in the Philippines, he received a Purple Heart. On December 22, 1945 he returned to Toledo to his bride. Russ began working at the sawmill and then for Copco Power Company. Soon three sons arrived. In 1953 he and his wife were transferred to Grants Pass, Oregon. Very shortly the power company downsized. Russ took what was to be a one day job with Ausland Construction. This one day, turned into 35 years as foreman. Some projects he worked on included local schools, Farewell Bend Campground, Caveman Pool, Job Corps/Rogue Community College, Manzanita Rest Area, and Highland Overpass. On April 13, 2007 his wife passed away.

Russ was a member of Jerome Prairie Church. In 1993-94 he received Volunteer of the Year from Parent Teacher Association of Jerome Prairie School and the Maintenance of Playground, Luv Award in 1994.

His hobbies included farming, traveling, fishing/clamming and spending time with family.

Survivors include two sisters, Kay Brown of Waldport, Oregon and Leona Hannah of Powell Butte, Oregon; three sons, Edward Blower of Coos Bay, Oregon, Larry Blower of Grants Pass, Oregon and Samuel Blower of Brooks, Oregon; five grandchildren, Kristy Timmons, Jenny Blower, Scott Blower, Michelle Brown and Roy Blower; and six great-grandchildren, Tyler Brown, Alyssa Brown, Conor Smith, Dylan Smith, Clare Timmons and Logan Timmons.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Bob Blower and Bill Blower.