Russell Eugene Martin, age 56

      Russell Eugene Martin, age 56, died Jan. 2 in Walla Walla, WA, following an inspirational battle with cancer.

      Russ’ career began working for Django Records in Portland, OR. He owned his own record stores at age 20 and subsequently worked for Capital Records and Miramar Recordings. He was the first paid Executive Director of the Walla Walla Symphony, and performed the same duties for the Helena Symphony. His last employment was as the Business Director for the Sustainable Living Center in Walla Walla, WA.

      Russ is survived by wife Penni; son Nicholas; stepdaughter Heather; parents Eugene and Ruth Martin; brother Ronald; sisters, Pamela, Patricia and Paula; two step grandchildren, Dorothy and Nikolai; twelve nieces and nephews, a great nephew and niece.

      A Celebration of Life for Russ is planned at 4 p.m. on Feb. 23, at the First United Methodist Church, 180 Denny Way, in Seattle, WA.

      Donations can be offered in honor of Russ to The Walla Walla Symphony; Walla Walla Rock Camp (as sponsored by the Walla Walla Symphony) and The Bleeding Disorder Foundation of Washington (in honor of his son Nicholas.)