I had the great good fortune of working with Russ for 10+ years as a consultant for the City and, specifically, Russ, in his roles as public works director and deputy city manager.  Always enjoyed his unique intelligence and demeanor.  More than anything though, he was unfailingly kind and considerate.  Along with many, many others, we will miss him greatly.  Condolences to his family, friends, and those who got to work with Russ at the City and in the region.

I am Deb’s friend from our hockey years in Philadelphia. Russ was a wonderful, loving man, the salt to Deb’s pepper. He will be greatly missed.  — Jean Stewart

I'm so sorry to hear about Russ's passing. I'm sad to learn that such a bright light has gone out. I met Russ at meetings for the Friends of Lake Kapowsin group. He was such a kind, helpful, and giving person. I will keep your family in my thoughts, and I wish you comfort and healing at this time.

We were sad to hear of Russ' death.  As Commissioners  for Pierce County Drainage 21, working with Russ at the City of Fife was always a pleasant and informative experience.  He always accommodated us in every aspect of our business needs regardless of their sensitivity or depth of need.  He will be missed and will stand out as someone to emulate.   May Jesus bless Russ' family and relatives during this time of sorrow.

My heart-felt condolences to the Blount family. I met Russ only once about a week before the accident. I walked away from that meeting with a bounce in my step, and a cheerful heart, mostly because I knew, as a FME Chamber of Commerce worker, I would have the joy of working along side of such an amazing man as Russ. But that was just the type of person Russ was: He left each meeting enriching everyone at the meeting. I am heartbroken over the loss of such a great man, and member of our community. 

I represent people who build things and worked on many issues over the years with Russ. Those things can be contentious and I was always pleased to see Russ across the table. I knew he would be thoughtful and professional but willing to listen and solve problems, with warm humor. I have talked to others who worked with Russ and know he was widely respected as a professional and a human being. He was a good man. 

I am Deb’s sister, Sandy. There are many great memories I have of Russ and Deb. The first meal she made for him before they were married was a giant bowl of pasta, figuring she would have left overs for the week…. No left overs! Russ could eat … he enjoyed a nice cold beer…Philadelphia’s Yengling was one he liked and couldn’t find it in WA.,One trip out to Graham I put 2 quart bottles in my suitcase and I’m return he got up early and made his famous popovers for breakfast.  They met our 2 Standard Poodles and loved them. Russ was able to find 2 and brought them home. He loved those dogs and they would run to him as he came up the driveway. A great match! There are so many kind and generous moments that filled so many lives. Thank Russ for all your gifts.

Russ participated in so many regional meetings and roles over the years it is impossible to keep track.  Russ was a thoughtful, even-keeled, positive presence in the room, who always contributed and advocated tirelessly for his community.  He will be sorely missed.  My heartfelt condolences to his family, and his co-workers at Fife, and all the others out there who enjoyed working with him for so many years.

To the Blount Family:  I can't begin to tell you how sorry and devastated I was to learn of Russ' passing, so I know it must still be unfathomable for you all.  Russ died way, way, way too soon - but I hope you will take comfort in knowing what an immense legacy he left in the Fife community. I have spent 10 years as the City of Fife's state lobbyist and in that role, I spent significant time with Russ on a wide variety of transportation and capital projects. To me, Russ Blount was Fife, through and through.  I will miss him, his positive attitude, his keen mind, his kind spirit, his sense of humor, and just his decency and compassion as a human being. Sometimes we don't know why people are taken from us, but in Russ' case we can know that he packed an awful lot of great life into 63 years.  Russ was an absolute, 100% gem for Fife.

-Doug Levy- 

To the Blount family:

I'm sure all of you must be devastated. I know you all must have been so proud of Russ. I know Dick was.

Fondly,  Peggy Shull

I was so sorry to hear about Russ's sudden passing. I worked with Russ for many years in a professional capacity between the City of Fife and Pierce County, and he gained my respect immediately for his positive can-do spirit and drive.  Russ was always well informed and seemed to inspire the best in everyone. The best memory I have of Russ though is finding out we both lived out south of Graham and shared an interest in historical sites. Talking to him about his grandfather's homestead site (I believe) and how much it meant for him to be there was a real pleasure.  Russ will be missed by so many...