Ward Russell passed away on Nov. 9, 2006 at the Bailey Bushay Hospice Facility in Seattle. Ward is better known to his many friends and former customers on Whidbey Island as the Ward of Ward and Norman Russell’s Barber Shop on Main Street in Bellevue, which he purchased in 1947. The shop, considered an historic landmark, is operated today by Ward’s grandson, Kurt and Norman’s son, Vic.

Ward will be remembered as an avid sportsman, a wonderful friend with a great sense of humor and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Ward loved Bellevue and was often called the “Unofficial Mayor of Main Street.”

He is survived by his brother, Norman, a son, Wally Russell, owner of Bayview Barber Shop on Whidbey Island, a daughter, Janis Hester of Quincey, Wash. Five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving partner of 22 years, Mary Lee Drummey.

Ward will be laid to rest at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Bellevue. He will be missed but never forgotten.