Russell Wendell Baglien

Russell W. Baglien September 4, 1930 -- March 10, 2021 “To whom much is given, much is expected.” That was the mantra of Russell W. Baglien, whose journey on earth ended March 10, at the age of 90. He was at home surrounded by his beloved family and lifelong friends who sent him away with prayers, tears, laughter and, above all, an abundance of love. And what was Russell given? He was born in the fall of 1930 to George and Ella Baglien in Lignite, North Dakota to a family that would ultimately grow to 11 children. At the age of six, the family loaded their earthly possessions onto a Whippet sedan and, like a scene out of the Grapes of Wrath, moved to northern California in the mid-1930s. The Baglien’s lived poor, but loved large. Little Russell, with his straw white hair and crystal blue eyes, would disappear to the basement of the tiny family home and chew on coal to get the minerals his body must have craved. Yet, he reflected upon his years in Dunsmuir as magical. He loved the freedom and adventure that was afforded him and his many buddies who tore around the town, under the watchful eye of Mount Shasta, playing anything that involved a ball. He was surrounded by six doting sisters who spoiled him rotten and older brothers who dished out advice about girls and how to throw a knuckleball. At the age of 12, the Bagliens moved to the fertile grounds of Woodburn, Oregon. At the same time, a beautiful young lady, with deep roots in the community, was returning home to her family farm on Boones Ferry road. Charming Russell met demure Janice on the back porch of Janice’s aunt’s house. He was there to return a borrowed set of golf clubs. On that fateful day young Russell’s future course was fated: he would go forth in life with Janice in one hand and a golf club in the other. Russell was a natural born athlete. Oh, to see how he must have glided on the court or around the diamond. He was an outstanding basketball and baseball player for Woodburn High. He was offered a college scholarship to Linfield College but couldn’t afford the additional costs to attend. Russell was advised by brother Clarence to enlist in the Air Force, lest he be drafted into the Korean War. As an Air Force sergeant, Russell prepared troops to venture overseas. The military provided discipline and helped Dad realize his gift for communications and public speaking. Utilizing his athleticism and leadership, he also coached various sports teams on base. After his honorable discharge, Russell returned to Woodburn and rekindled the spark with Janice. The two were married in St. Luke’s Church in the fall of 1954. Taking advantage of the GI bill, Russell attended Oregon College of Education majoring in education and coaching the OCE junior varsity men’s basketball team and directing OCE’s collegiate sports information bureau. Upon graduation, Russ taught at Ninety-One School in Hubbard before embarking on a lifelong career in insurance as an independent agent. His business acumen resulted in being recognized as a top salesman for Ohio National Life Insurance; an appointment by Governor Victor Atiyeh to the Capitol Planning Commission and the chairmanship of the Oregon Small Business Administration Portland Advisory Council. Always active in the Republican party, he ran for but lost a race for a seat in the Oregon senate in 1972. Most of his civic endeavors focused on improving his hometown. He was a member of the Woodburn Chamber of Commerce and Jaycees. He spearheaded the construction of Legion Field and the first Woodburn Mexican Fiesta. For his efforts, he was named Woodburn’s Junior First Citizen. He also wrote a popular and often humorous column in the Woodburn Independent called “Russ’s Bag” about farm life, friends, family antics and life in our small town. He continued his volunteering well into his 80s reading to students and coaching the elementary basketball team at St. Luke Catholic School. His abundance of natural talent and intellect, bolstered by foundations of love and belonging, and the importance of family would be the reservoir of Russell’s charm and unwavering values. He was a mentor to many and a listener to all. Janice and Russ’s home was a safe and loving harbor for the friends of his children and his fatherly advice and steadfast unconditional love extended to many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. “Popsie’s” grandchildren provided an unending source of pride and joy. He was Elyse, Adrienne, Emily, Aidan and Ella’s biggest fan and they loved him deeply. And as life would have it, a Great Granddaughter Cooper Claire, was met, held and cherished by Popsie just weeks before he passed. Russell was the last living member of his siblings and among a generation of Woodburn residents who gave back more than they took. He is survived by Janice, his wife of 67 years; his four children Jilda (Pat) Ballweber; Mark (Chris) Baglien; Janelle Baglien; Jennie Sue (Todd) Weltner; five grandchildren Elyse (Sam) Douthit; Emily Ballweber; Adrienne "Andi" (Ted) Park; Aidan Weltner and Ella Weltner; and one great grandchild, Cooper Claire Douthit; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be remembered as a man who loved big and lived large. With a voracious memory for jokes, he was a legendary story teller. His hugs were restorative. His laugh unforgettable. His sparkle enduring. Born into poverty, Russell took the most important thing he was given, love, and returned it a thousand fold. Friends and family are welcome to celebrate Dad on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10 am at St Luke Catholic Church in Woodburn.

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Russell Wendell Baglien

September 4, 1930 - March 10, 2021