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ALLEN "RUSS" RUSSELL EUGENE BOLEN JR.
April 26, 1953 ~ October 30, 2017
Allen Russell Eugene Bolen Jr, husband, father, and grandpa, died peacefully in his sleep at his residence in Highland, Utah on Monday October 30, 2017 after a six year struggle with Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia. He was 64 years old.
Russ was born in Walla Walla, Washington on April 26, 1953 to Russell and Norma Bolen. At the age of five, his family traded the apple farms of Eastern Washington for the rolling waves of the Southern California Coast. Growing up in California had a profound impact on Russ's life where he became a skilled SCUBA diver and a talented surfer. Most importantly, it was here that he met his wife of 44 years, Deborah Frey. The couple lived in Redondo Beach before choosing La Center, Washington to raise their six children. His parents, Russell, 91 and Norma, 91, of La Center, and his siblings: Diana (Rick) England of Battle Ground, Karen (Robert) Taylor of La Center, and Gary (Martha) Bolen of Woodland, also moved to the Washington area where they reside today with their families. Russ and his brother Gary operated Bolen Painting CO where they serviced both businesses and residents of Washington and Oregon for more than 30 years. Russ enjoyed Rock music, serving in his church, playing practical jokes, working on cars in his shop, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. From Russ and Debbie's six children: Allen Bolen and his wife Kamie; David Bolen and his wife Meghan; Kim Dunford and her husband Jonathan; Chris Bolen and his wife Mysha; Andrew Bolen and his wife Natalie; and Julie Snyder and her husband Morgan, have come an additional twenty grandchildren who easily superseded all his other hobbies. Russ lived for his family. He was a devoted husband and taught his children life skills, how to be decent, hard working, and contributing members of society. He was a good friend, who was known for both his seriousness and his antics. Russ never stopped being Russ and even as he battled his diseases, he continued to find ways to make his family laugh and enjoy him.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Ridgefield Stake Center, 21720 NE 29th Ave., Ridgefield, WA on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Following the services, Russ will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery.
Please sign his Guest Book at
www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My deepest sympathies to the entire Bolen family. I have the most wonderful memories of Russ and brother Gary coming into the office. Never have I met two people that were more caring for each other and everyone around them. Pranksters and fun loving guys! No matter how my day was going, I was always laughing by the time they left.
Erin Stilwell
November 14, 2017
I still laugh about the prank Russ pulled on one of my boys at Walmart - a fun memory to have of someone that loved life and people and was such a good man...We love you guys
Vikki Driver
November 8, 2017
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers are with all in the Bolen family. So very sorry for your profound loss. Hugs! Shirley & Gary Gross
Shirley Gross
November 5, 2017
Russ
You are an immutable warrior and a friend. Thank you for the memories! You have left a legacy.
Our condolences and warmest wishes to all the family,
Love and warmest wishes,
Oscar Bluth
November 4, 2017
I met Russ in the late 70's when I worked at Rodda Paint. I was the only woman on the sales floor and got a lot of "guff" from the guys, but not Russ...what a gentleman!!! I always enjoyed visiting with him and was especially please when we moved to La Center, right off Bolen Road!!! Condolences and peace to Russ's family, RIP to a great guy!
November 4, 2017
Russ has been a wonderful friend to us over the years. He was truly a remarkable person and will be greatly missed by so many. Our hearts go out to his family.
All our love
Dwight and Janie Schader
November 3, 2017
We send the Bolen family our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Russ. We have many fond memories of him and his participation in the kids ball games and other family events. He and Gary were always kidding the kids and made it fun!! He will be missed by many.
Gary and Mari Ripp
November 3, 2017
Prayers of Comfort. Thinking of all of you during this time. Hugs to all
Pam Nesland
November 3, 2017
We hired Russ around 25 years ago to paint our house because my husband "WANTED THE BEST". Russ was all of that and so much more. We were Blessed to have known him and our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this time. Ross & Bev Miles
November 3, 2017
"While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil." ... John Taylor
Ray Teerlink
November 3, 2017
I got to know Russ from his painting/staining skills at the "Big House", he was a great guy to get to know. I know he will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Wes Grahnert, Colf Construction (retired)
November 3, 2017
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