Russell J. Bigbear was chosen to crossover on January 9th, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tacoma WA. Russell was born October 3rd, 1954 at the White Earth Indian Hospital to Raymond Conklin and Doris Bigbear. He was raised by his Uncle Charles Steward and Aunt Isabelle Stewart. He grew up in Minnesota between White Earth Reservation and Ponsford as a child, and the Cities as a teenager. As a young adult aged 18, he moved to Washington and went back and forth between there and Minnesota before finally settling in Washington State.

Russell was very strong willed and charismatic. He was diagnosed with a terminal liver disease and far surpassed the timeline the doctors had given him, by many years. He continued to show his strength up until his passing.

Russell had a flair for mechanics and racecars, and often built his own cars to race. He was a self-taught mechanic, and loved to share his knowledge. He embraced his Native American heritage and often passed down his wisdom and knowledge to his children and grandchildren. Russell loved riding his motorcycle, camping fishing, and boating. In his earlier years, he could often be seen riding his Harley with 4 children lined up to the handlebars. He adored his family, but had a soft spot for his grandchildren. They were the apple of his eye. His favorite past times were when he could get all of his children together with his grandchildren for a camping trip. He loved to be spontaneous and take off for the weekend and see where he ended up.

Russell is survived by his wife, Laura Conklin, and his sisters, Verna Fuller and Kim Ling. Also survived by his two sons with Aldene Morrison, Chad and Russell Morrison and his three daughters with Kathy Ostrander, Starla (Jason) Roseen, and their children Devun and Mason, Daughter Lisa (Richard) Reynolds and their children, Keyndal and Kylee Reynolds, and Kathleen Ari and her children Jayden and Kaylin Ari. Two stepchildren with Laura Conklin, Ryan and Jessica Beach and their children, as well as two great grandchildren and many cousins and extended family.

He was proceeded in death by his brothers Kenneth Conklin and Richard Bartness, and sister Marilyn Conklin. He had many cousins that were raised as siblings including Lorraine (Suzie) Stewart, and proceeded in death by Charlie, Gilbert, Gary Stewart and Nancy Bigbear.

Memorial will be at Mountain View Funeral Home on February 4th at 10:00am 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood Tacoma WA, 98499

Russell has touched many hearts. He has passed down his strong will to his family he has left behind. He will be missed and never forgotten. Until we meet again.

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