Russell J Fate Obituary (2023)

Russ Fate, of Yakima Washington, passed away at the age of 71 from a heart attack at Tacoma General Hospital on September 23, 2023, a date of significance to him as his mother was born on that same September date. Russ was born September 5, 1952, at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Yakima, Washington and is preceded in death by his parents, Hugh (1980) & Rosemary (2016) Fate and by his brother, Douglas (1951). He grew up on Ashue Road west of Wapato with two brothers and a dear sister as well as many animals including cows, sheep, chickens, and a succession of family dogs. He graduated from Wapato High School in 1971 participating in multiple sports. Russ attended Washington State University where he earned a Bachelors Degree in education and years later achieved a Masters in education also from WSU. He returned to teach at Wapato Middle School where his dedication to kids shaped the minds of a multitude of 6th to 8th graders for 32 years. Patriotic from a young age, Russ served his country in the army reserve and continued to be involved in Wapato sports as a coach and a league referee for high school basketball games as well as church league games. He was an avid member of the Yakima Cascadians and hiked high in the mountains many summers, even remarkably spending a night on top of Mount Rainier. During his later years Russ was very happy keeping his yard up with many beautiful flowers. He was always very close to his dogs and spent a lot of time entertaining his nephews. Russ is survived by his sister, Rebecca Clark (Kevin) of Grants Pass, Oregon, brothers, Alan of Yakima, Washington, and Don (Lois) of Puyallup, Washington as well as his beloved dogs, Rocky, Muffy, and Rusty. A fitting remembrance of Russ' teaching career by the school staff the day of his retirement on June 9, 2009 signifies his exceptional value to the school during his 32 years: "See that worn spot on the floor, just in front of the lockers at the intersection of the front hall and the sixth grade area That's where Russ stood; See that space out on the cement sidewalk that greets the buses That's where Russ stood; See those yellow tickets with the stamp on them They were the prizes for good behavior that Russ gave; See those wrappers, with candy long eaten and enjoyed, and see those pencils all spent of their lead They were provided by Russ. In the dim light of a school dance see the spot left unfilled That is the spot that Russ filled; See that man who breathes still He is the man saved by the student who performed CPR as taught by Russ; As long as any of us here now walk the halls of Wapato Middle School, we will remember the space that Russ filled." Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com.