Russell W. Elmer

Russell W. Elmer, 85, a lifetime resident of Lower Cove, died at home August 18, 2006 after suffering from cancer. Funeral services will begin at 1 pm Saturday at the LDS Chapel, 11206 S. McAlister Road in Island City. Burial will follow at the Summerville Cemetery. Friends may call to visit with the family at Loveland Funeral Home from 5 to 8 pm on Friday.

Mr. Elmer was born January 19, 1921 in Lower Cove to Frank and Margaret Meroney Elmer. His childhood was spent on the family homestead. He attended grade school at Lower Cove School and graduated from Cove High School in 1940. After high school he attended welding school in Portland, attaining skilled used throughout his life not only on the farm, but in many unique building projects.

On November 10, 1946 he married Norma Jean Roulet of Elgin. Their first home was in Imbler. They moved to Alicel in 1952 and two years later moved to their present home that Mr. Elmer built in Lower Cove. He was known throughout the Grande Ronde Valley as a prominent farmer, co-founder of Blue Mountain Grass Seed Co. and a Union County Commissioner from 1970 to 1974. Mr. Elmer had a lifelong love of the mountains. He enjoyed packing into the Minam with horses and mules. His love of flying began in the early 1960s when he purchased his first plane, a Piper Cub. Since then he has flown multi-engine planes, helicopters and gyrocopters. Flying became a passion, whether for business or pleasure. Many stories could be told of his parachute "care packages" received by campers and hikers in the high country.

Mr. Elmer was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding many leadership positions. He will be remembered for the way he dedicated his life to serving others.

Mr. Elmer is survived by his wife, Norma Jean; a sister, Wanda Hughes of Grants Pass; his children, Trudy Hassinger of Cove, Doris Grossnickle of Portland, Susan Wesley of Laie, Hawaii, Patti Wise of Woodland, Washington, Steven Elmer of Shelburne, Vermont; 21 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Memorial may be made to the GRH Hospice or LDS Family History Center.