Russell Wells Clary

Russell Wells Clary was born on September 21, 1942 in Tacoma, WA to Russell “Dutch” Clary and Lila Obrist Clary.

He was a proud Franklin Pierce Cardinal alum, graduating in 1963.

Shortly after graduation, Russ enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for 6 years in the specialty of Air Police.

Following his discharge from the military, he pursued a career in law enforcement and helped maintain law and order on the streets of Sumner from 1969-1998.

After retiring, and not being ready for a rocking chair, he signed on to drive a tour bus for Hesselgrave Charters. He enjoyed his many trips to baseball games, hockey games, ski trips and Reno. He thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many new people and sharing in their fun. He also enjoyed saving his tips for something special he might have in mind.

His worst adventure was getting caught up with a busload of pilots during the WTO protests/riots in Seattle in 1999. He could only say, “all’s well that ends well”.

In 2000 he was recruited by the City of Federal Way as a court bailiff. He enjoyed his time there and subsequently returned to the City of Sumner in the same capacity. He maintains close friendships with court staff still today.

Russ was very active in his Parish community at All Saints, and served with the Knights of Columbus for many years until his health no longer allowed him to actively support the ministry. He was able to join his brother Knights on many occasions in the Parish Center to cook up a delicious breakfast for all parishioners to enjoy.

Russ was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed going to Mariners games, Seahawks on tv (best seat for the game was his recliner), Tacoma Rainiers baseball games, and, back in the day enjoyed season tickets to Tacoma Rockets junior hockey and Sabercats semi-pro hockey. He joined a mens rec league and played hockey himself until a misstep earned him a broken leg and he was taken out of the game!

In 1992, Russ met his wife Susan and they married in 1993 and the rest, as they say, is history. Having met a little later in life, they set out to have as many adventures as the good Lord was going to let them have together. They met strangers on cruises who became life-long friends. There were too many excellent road trips to even count that gave us memories for a lifetime. No matter what he may have told you, I did not take him on a death march in Utah. It was called a tour of the Timpanogas caves!

Russ’s life was one based on service. Service to God, service to his country, to his family and his community.

Russ was preceded in death by his daughter Michelle in 2020.

He will be forever missed by his wife Susan, his children: Patrick (Laura) Clary, Frank (Caitlin) Myers, Kimberly (Brandi) Myers, Deanna(Mike) Christensen, John (Brigit) Clary and grandchildren Sean, Meghan, Joseph, Michael, Charlie, Tucker, Bailey, Nathan, Kyler, Blaine, Chase, Maddie and Jake, and 6 great grandchildren: Carson, Aiden, Addison, Ashlynn, Keanan and Kinslee.