Obituary of Russell Todd Thornbrugh

Russell Todd Thornbrugh (52) former resident of St. Maries, ID died September 24, 2013 at Providence Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA following a courageous 4 year battle with leukemia. Russ was born June 12, 1961 to Edward and Sylvia (Chase) Thornbrugh Jr. at St. Maries, ID Russ grew up in St. Maries and as a young man, he went to work for his uncle Gene Haeg at Cabin City Service where he received his ASE certification in automotive mechanics when he was 16 years old. He attended St. Maries High School where he played football and excelled on the golf team. Russ graduated from St. Maries High School with the class of 1979. Following graduation, Russ went to work for the St. Maries complex of Potlatch Corp. He trained in all aspects of the mill's operations. He could fill in anyone's position who went on vacation. December 11, 1982 he married Jackie Gange and they were later divorced. In the early 1990's, Russ went to work as a salesman for Dave Smith Motors, a job he really enjoyed. Around 1995, he went to work as a sales representative for Phones Plus. A few years later , Russ formed his own business called Local Knowledge which placed golf course informational guides in golf carts that were paid for thru advertising. He later went to work for PE Systems in Spokane Washington where he met his love, Ashlie Allen, and they began to share their lives together. In 2008, Russ went to work for Critical Power , a business that purchases power equipment and generators from large companies which he re-furbished for re-sale. He took a leave of absence to go to Seattle, WA for a bone marrow transplant last December. He was never able to return to work. Russ enjoyed being a mechanic and working and maintaining automobiles out of his shop at his home. An avid golfer, he enjoyed playing where ever he visited. He annually participated in the "Longest Day of Golf" at the St. Maries Golf Course to raise money for Cancer Research. At one event, he played 232 consecutive holes in one day. Russ shot two hole-in-ones over his golf career, a feat few golfers achieve in their lifetime. One of these was on the third hole, a par four, at the St. Maries golf course. Russ enjoyed playing base guitar and played in several area bands who performed professionally. Russ also enjoyed the out doors. He enjoyed snow skiing, boating and fishing. He enjoyed cooking and was adept at creating various culinary delights. He loved his annual trip to float the St. Joe River with family and friends. He was die-hard Denver Bronco fan. He loved his family on both sides and was said to be the "glue" that held the family together. Russ is survived by his companion Ashley Allen at their home in Spokane. His daughter Savannah Thornbrugh of Coeur d' Alene, ID; Step-mother Jeri Thornbrugh of St. Maries; Aunt and Uncle Dixie and Gene Haeg and Uncle Chuck Chase of St. Maries; Uncle and Aunt Charlie and Arlene Thornbrugh of Aloha, Oregon; Uncle and Aunt Steve and Margie Pratt of Grangeville, Idaho; and Aunt Letha "Chickie" Pritchett of Nampa, Idaho. Brothers: Scott Thornbrugh of Coeur d' Alene, ID, Edward Thornbrugh III of Prosser, WA and Doug Ryan of Spokane, WA., Sisters: Heidi White of Carson City, NV, Lynda Jo Gross of Prosser, WA and Taresa Green of St. Maries. Russ is also survived by many beloved cousins and numerous nieces and nephews. Russ was preceded in death by both his parents. A celebration of Russ's Life will be Friday, October 4, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church with Deacon Floyd Turner officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery with a gathering of family and friends to follow at the St. Maries Eagles Lodge. Visit his online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.hodgefuneralhome.com Read Russell Thornbrugh's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.