On Sept. 16, 2021, Russell Franklin Pringle passed away peacefully in his sleep, at 78 years old, at his residence in Olympia, Washington. Russell was born Feb. 9, 1943 in New York, New York, to Samuel Edward Pringle and Helen Bernice Maine. Russell attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, in California, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in agronomy. It is at this time he met his wife, Roberta Ruth Butler, to whom he has been married for 54 years. Upon graduation, Russell accepted a job with the U.S. Department of Agriculture working as a soil scientist in Renton, Washington prior to his transfer to Chehalis, Washington. During his career, Russell transferred to many places, as far north as the Arctic Circle and as far south as the Wetlands. Russell was passionate and professional in his service of over 40 years to a career he loved very much. He served as an educator, a mentor, and most importantly a friend.
In addition to an accomplished career, Russell played an active role in bettering his community, a community he held dear to his heart. Russel volunteered, served, and led 50-plus years with the Centralia-Chehalis Elks Lodge where he served as exalted ruler three times, 40-plus years with the Lions Club and 15 years with the Sons of the American Revolution. He deeply treasured the time spent with these organizations and the work they did for their community.
Upon retirement, Russell turned a passionate hobby in genealogy into a business, known as Dirtman Genealogy (he was always clever with words.) He had a fondness for connecting people with family members and family history previously unknown to them. It was with great pleasure he made new friends, found new family members of his own, and assisted many of his family members who were involved in their own genealogy quest.
Russell is survived by his wife Roberta Ruth Pringle; children Robert Edward Pringle and Melissa Kimberly Pringle; grandchildren Kyle, Nichole, Victoria, Austin and Kayleigh; great-grandchildren Elaina, Rylee and Killian.
At this time, cremation of his remains has not taken place. Services are being planned and notices will be sent to family and friends at a later date.
Russell will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by many, but we take comfort knowing he is home with his Savior Jesus Christ.
