Russell Durrant Fay, 85, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, August 15, 2024, in Rexburg, Idaho. He was born July 28, 1939, in Ely, Nevada, to Hazel Annie and Harry Skinner Fay.
He was the youngest of three children. His two older sisters, Shirley and Pat, by eleven years, doted on him with such care and affection that it often felt as though he had three mothers.
He spent his childhood surrounded by family, with many memories of delivering flowers for his uncle’s flower shop, playing with cousins, and doing household chores for his mother.
As a young man, Russell was an exceptional athlete, excelling in football and basketball for the White Pine Bobcats. He also played tenor saxophone, but eventually, his main priority was sports, and he retired from music in his junior year.
His passion for basketball and deep faith in Jesus Christ led him to Uruguay, where he played on a traveling basketball team that helped build connections between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the local South American communities. Russell cherished his mission, playing ball and sharing his testimony, and felt truly blessed to have such a rich and fulfilling experience.
After his mission, Russell joined the Nevada National Guard and pursued a business and bookkeeping degree at Brigham Young University. He enjoyed an active bachelor life and spent his free time skiing, golfing, and savoring independence. By 31, he completely embraced the lifestyle, even buying a red Dodge Charger and new leather furniture for his apartment, and he committed to remaining single forever.
Shortly after embracing the life of a bachelor, Russell, fortunately, was talked into a blind date with Karen Sue Smith. Three months later, on November 2, 1970, they were sealed in the Logan, Utah LDS temple. Their children love hearing the story of their whirlwind romance, which ended with Russell spontaneously proposing using a soda pop top as an engagement ring.
Russell and Sue’s commitment to family started right away when their first daughter was born in 1971. Five more children followed in quick succession, and when Russell talked about the children he never thought he’d have, he would say with a smile, “They just came.”
Russell’s love of Nevada brought him and Sue back to Ely, where they raised their family for 25 years. During that time, Russell worked as the administrator of the local nursing home. His patient, pragmatic, and kind demeanor, coupled with his stoic nature, made him well-suited for the role. He often brought his children to the nursing home, where he introduced them to the residents, teaching them empathy and service.
He attended every sporting event and band concert his children were involved in and quietly watched from the stands or while leaning on the fence at the ball fields.
Russell was a tireless example of service to his family. Every morning, he made his kids a hot breakfast, his specialty being pancakes. His love for cooking meant it was never a chore, and he welcomed their friends from early morning seminary without a word, simply making more pancake batter when needed.
He imparted a strong work ethic in his children by spending fall Saturday afternoons cutting wood at Ward Mountain, where he also taught them to drive the truck. This tradition reflected the values of hard work and responsibility he learned from his upbringing, doing the same household chores with his dad.
In his retirement, Russell took up photography, with the “golden hour” his favorite time of day.
He would sit on his back porch, patiently waiting to capture a shot of a lone fox or hawk. His love for wildlife was beautifully reflected in the images he captured. In March, you’d find him in his living room watching March Madness with youthful enthusiasm and a sparkle in his eye. He had a true passion for college basketball.
In addition to loyal service to his family, he brought that same mindset to his religious dedication. He held many callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including bishop, ward mission leader, Sunday school teacher, high councilman, various clerk positions, and finally, as an Addiction Recovery service missionary with Sue. He attended as many blessings, baptisms, and mission farewells as possible and supported his grandkids in their various religious milestones.
In Russell’s own words: “In retrospect, it has been an up and down path to having a total faith in my Savior Jesus Christ. Fortunately, I am arriving at the end of life’s path with what I believe is an unshakeable testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel.”
“Thank you, Dad. We love you, and we will see you again.”
Russell is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Sue; his five children: Heather Fonger (Marc) of Spring Creek, Nevada, Derek Fay (Stephanie) of Rexburg, Idaho, Amanda Julander (Tahari) of Rexburg, Idaho, Bridget Sims (Michael) of Crofton, Maryland, and Katy Fay of Stansbury Park, Utah; 25 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Shirley; his brother, Baby Fay; and his daughter Megan Jorgensen.
Russell’s services were held Saturday, August 17, 2024 in Rexburg, Idaho under the direction of Flamm Funeral Home, the interment was at the Parker Cemetery.