“Denny,” born to Laura Gale Harper-Hurst and Tommy Lee Russell, was a true singularity, a light in life whose passing will be mourned by many for generations to come.
Denny is survived by his mother, Laura Gale Harper-Hurst, and stepfather, Stephen Jay Hurst, of Rockaway Beach, Oregon. Denny was an organ donor, and through his gifts, many lives were saved.
He is survived by his four beloved children: Devlyn Russell, Keeliana Suzan Russell, Sage John Russell, and River Willow Russell.
He is also survived by his siblings — two from his mother, Laura G. Hurst: Des DesJardins and Shaun DesJardins; and two stepsisters from his stepfather, Stephen Jay Hurst: Angela Bea Firey and Virginia Jay Hurst.
From his late father, ‘Tom’ (who passed in 2008), Denny is also survived by four siblings: Tommy Lee Russell Jr., David Russell, Twila Marie Russell-Knoll, and Riyyah Lee Russell-Knoll.
Denny is also survived by his loves and partners that he had in life: Sandra Dickson and her daughter, Kyliegh Best (and grandson Mokoa), and Sabrina Cale and her daughter, Celeste.
A resident of Rockaway Beach since 2004, Denny loved life and lived it to the fullest. He worked as a stage builder and enjoyed sharing stories about the famous people, bands, and groups he had the chance to meet and hang out with. He loved the ocean, the beach, and walking his dog Sky.
Denny was a lifelong fan of everything sci-fi, space, music, and fantasy. From D&D to MTG, cosplay, live shows, or movies, he was always ready to dive in with enthusiasm.
He had lifelong friends in many people: Theresa Maloney, the mother of Sage and River; Taunya Russell-Plank, Devlyn’s mother; and Suzan Selmen, Keeliana’s mother. He also had countless friends such as – Eric, Joe, Mike, and Keisha, just to name a few.
Denny leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly. He was the kind of man who, if you knew him, you were his friend.
In recent years, Denny worked as a cook at Camp Magruder, a job he took great pride in. Each new recipe brought him joy, and he cherished the people he worked with. The kids he cooked for always made him smile.
Denny loved to laugh, to learn, and to share his warmth with others.
Above all, Denny loved his four children deeply.
We will miss Denny so very much.
Celebration of Life – Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 12:00PM
Waud’s Funeral Home, 1414 Third Street, Tillamook, OR 97141