Russell Alger "Russ" Bemis III

Bonner - It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Russell “Russ” Alger Bemis III, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, on February 3, 2025, due to natural causes. Russ was 71 years old. Russ, born in Willits, California to Russell A. Bemis Jr. and Frances Weselyk, left behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. Russ’s vibrant spirit and mischievous twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes will be dearly missed. He cherished his memories of Hogan High School, particularly his time on the football team. In 1975, he married the love of his life, Roberta McLoughlin, in Vallejo, California, embarking on nearly 50 years of shared adventures. From 1973 to 1995, Russ had a career as a welder at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard before transferring to Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, where he served until his early retirement in 2007. He was especially proud of his work in Coronado, CA, often giving tours of his shop and even witnessing Air Force One land. Seeking proximity to their youngest daughter, Rachel, Russ and Roberta relocated to western Montana. Beyond his professional life, Russ was a man of many talents and interests. He embraced his role as a “girl dad,” mastering the art of braiding hair, tying bows, and helping his daughters Ramona and Rachel with everything from school projects to Girl Scout cookie sales. He was equally adept at playing cribbage and poker, volunteering in Rachel’s classroom, and always lending a helping hand to friends and neighbors. Russ and Roberta shared a passion for travel and enjoying road trips across the U.S. and traveling abroad. His three grandchildren, Dominic, Blake, and Savannah, brought immense joy to his life, and he relished teaching them to swim and sharing his dad jokes and stories of his “glory days”. Russ is survived by his beloved wife of almost 50 years, Roberta, of Potomac, Montana; daughters Ramona Seals (Derek) of South Carolina and Rachel Bemis (Mike Carroll) of Montana; grandchildren Dominic Bemis Johnson of Virginia, Blake Seals of Virginia, and Savannah Seals of South Carolina; brothers Steve Carroll (Maureen) and Mitch Branson (Alisha); sisters Georgette Picasso, Stephanie Henderson (Bill), Dawn Hatfield (Dan), and Cindy Webber (Neil); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russ and Fran; stepmother, Lynn Bemis; and siblings, Sandra, Kelly, and Lannie. Russ was a devoted parishioner and usher at St. Ann’s Catholic Church and a member of The American Cribbage Congress. Those who knew him best will remember his infectious laughter, his constant jokes, his love for the Beatles and 60s music, his penchant for funny shirts, and most importantly, his unwavering devotion to his family. He was a loyal husband, a great provider, a proud grandfather, and a man who appreciated a good TV show. Roberta and dog Daisy will be comforting each other as they navigate their new normal. A Funeral Mass and Reception will be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bonner, Montana, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Missoula Catholic Schools Foundation and/or The American Cribbage Congress would be a fitting tribute to Russ’s memory.

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