Born January 15, 1957 in Medford, Oregon to Max and Lee Killingsworth

Attended Yuba City High School graduating 1975 Russ loved music and was deeply involved in the music program at YCHS. In September 2017 he drove to Yuba City to participate in a memorial concert under the direction of his beloved music teacher Dean Estabrook.

Russ served in the U.S. Navy March 1976 to March 1982 His sea duty was served aboard the USS Leahy CG-16 stationed at San Diego, CA

Russ received his AA at Sacramento City College,
BA and teaching credential at Sacramento State College and
Masters Degree at Stanislaus State College

Teaching math at Patterson High School was his first job after receiving his credential. He also started and coached Academic Decathalon for PHS. In the evenings he taught at Modesto Junior College. In 1991 he moved his family of four to Washington to be closer to his wife, Dani’s family and work on his PHD. He taught at South Seattle Community College, and was a TA at the University of Washington. For the last 20 years he has taught at Seattle Pacific University. He has been an advisor for the Veterans Cadre since it began. He loved working with the students and helping them to successfully achieve their goals.

He was involved in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, was a past president of the Washington State Math Council. He also served on the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

In 1999 he stopped working on his PHD and stepped in to his first of many leadership roles in the Boy Scouts of America. He did scouting well and this became a family activity. He was a Webelos Den Leader, and Cubmaster for Pack 449, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster for Troop 449 and an Adult Advisor for Crew 474. He served at the District level. When he directed Green River District Cubs at Sea day camp grew his beard out in order braid it and attach skull beads. The next year he grew his hair long for Adventures with Lewis and Clark. Hiking and backpacking were a passion for him and he both trained and hiked Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He was awarded the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award.

Russ passed away January 17, 2018 surrounded by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years Danita, son Russell Mark (Mallery), daughter Megan, son Matthew, all of Kent, sister Julie Marshall (Jeff) of McKinney, TX and sister -in-law Dayle of Maple Valley, WA.