Russell Alvin Whittington

Russell Alvin Whittington

February 26, 1954 – December 31, 2023

Our hearts were shattered on December 31, 2023, with the passing of Russ (Dad, Pops, Grandpa). He passed in Glenwood Springs, Colorado with his family by his side.

Russ was born in Richmond, California on February 26, 1954, to A.J. Whittington and Anne Laura (Hawkings) Whittington. He spent childhood time in California and Louisiana. Montrose, Colorado was ‘Home’ for fifty years.

His ‘Glory Days’ were spent with family and forever friends. His passion for speed led him to race motorcycles, and snowmobiles. He had great love and respect for the Colorado mountains, where he hunted, skied, golfed, fished, built two cabins, and enjoyed endless rides and camping with his wife and four boys by his side. He played softball for over 25 years in the Montrose area. Russ coached his boys’ teams and was overjoyed when they all played together on the same team.

Russ started his working career, working for Fred Dousio in the early 70’s, and went on to work for John Deere and Massey Fergison. In 1987 he ventured out on his own and opened Russ’s Auto Electric. Farmers, Ranchers, Truckers, Automobile owners and a few pilots came from miles around to have Russ work on their cars, vehicles, tractors, semi’s and everything in between. He was a fair and honest man, a true MacGyver willing and able to fix anything. Russ never asked for a lot, but he gave a lot.

 After selling Russ’s Auto Electric, he went on to become a real estate agent for over a decade. Russ and Gale retired in 2016 and was a ‘snowbird’ splitting time between Arizona and Colorado, having recently moved to Delta, Colorado.

Russ is survived by his wife of 48 years, love of his life and best friend Gale. His four sons, Alan, Shawn, Andy and Toby, brother Bill, 8 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents A.J. and Anne Whittington, brothers Bob, Wayne, Harold and one sister, Mary Anne.

Cremation has taken place per Russ’s last wishes. He requested no service. He asked his family and forever friends to ‘go fishing’ and cast a line in his memory.