Russell Larry Christman

Russ (Russell Larry) Christman, husband and dad, son and brother, grandson, teammate and friend died at his home in Draper, Utah June 24, 2019 at the too young age of 37. Russ began life in West Valley City, Utah where he was born on April 26, 1982, the son of David and Cindy Myers Ellsworth. He was raised by Cindy Myers Christman and Larry Christman (who later adopted Russ). He attended schools in West Valley and was graduated from Granger High School in 2000 where the construction trades educational program provided him with skills that he used throughout his life. He was taught and picked up a very strong work ethic from his Dad, Larry, that carried him throughout his life. Growing up, he gained a love of baseball, softball, hunting, fishing, camping, boating, water skiing and snow boarding. His love of water sports was largely driven from his association with his large extended families of grandparents, uncles and aunts and lots of cousins. Russ just seemed to be a natural athlete and enjoyed many of these activities throughout his life...like the time he joined Emily at midpoint to finish her marathon run without even a day of training for it. He participated in the Boys Scouts and achieved his Eagle Scout Award. Russ fell in love with Emily Fletcher when they met in 2002. They were married in Cottonwood Heights, Utah on March 10, 2003.After their son Carter was born in 2003, Russ and Emily took on the major remodeling of a “fixer upper” home in Sandy, Utah. While living there, their daughter, Ellieana, was born in 2006. In 2009, they found their next “project” home in Draper, Utah that was a new, but unfinished home. It took a lot of major work to finish it up using Russ’ great construction talents to create a very lovely home for their family. While living in Draper, their youngest sons,Greyson (2013) and Fletcher (2014), joined the family. Russ was offered a job by Costco on the day that his son, Carter, was born in October 2003. He has remained with Costco for nearly 16 years as a very loyal and faithful employee. Starting as a stocker, he became a forklift driver and moved up in the organization to become a Manager which he was doing at the time of his passing. Russ wasn’t just an employee. He was completely invested in his job. He loved Costco and wanted to be there as a lifelong career. It was an integral part of his identity. He loved his work and was loved and respected by those he worked with. He was the “go-to-guy” in merchandising whenever there was something he could use his “side job” construction skills...like assembling the playground equipment displays or anything else that required some complicated putting together. Russ was a family man. At Christmastime, he was the master Gingerbread House Builder. Christmas was a highlight of the year; at Easter, he had a creative knack for coloring the best Easter Eggs; For Halloween, nobody could rival his Pumpkin Carving artwork. They experienced many happy vacation times together: Disneyland and Disneyworld, Yellowstone, the Oregon coast, hiking Zion’s Narrows with Fletcher in a backpack...both ways with no help. With his love of camping and hunting, he set up the logistics to make sure everything was accounted for. His Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler was second to none...along with many other delicious dishes. He was always prepared with “entertainment toys” for a fun camping experience...hammocks, slack line, marshmallow roasting ticks...everything. With his fishing gear, he would outfit the kids and cousins and make sure they had a great fishing experience. He loved fishing...but didn’t particularly like eating fish. He loved going to Utah Ute Football games each season, and was regularly seen wearing his U of U insignia clothing, regardless of the time of year. He was also a practical joker and loved making other people laugh. Russ always managed to stay fit and trim, likely due to his preferred diet of Coke (no ice) and Twinkies. Russ was a very hard worker and was always pitching in to help others with their remodeling projects, or whatever it might be. He loved using his hands to create things whether remodeling a house or building a skateboard half pipe. He could tackle almost any construction trade from framing to roofing, electrical to plumbing, and especially tile work...but groaned about having to do drywall and painting. He was also very talented in working with all things automotive. He recently successfully replaced the engine in his Hyundai after it had sat in the garage for a couple of years. He kept the family cars going with whatever they needed. Russ (who despised being called Russell) is survived by his wife Emily; his four children: Carter Russell (15), Ellieana Valerie (12), Greyson David (6), and Fletcher Donald (4); his parents, Cindy and Larry Christman; his birth father, David Ellsworth; siblings: Cheri (Ryan) Dautel, Brittany (Chris) Virostko, Chris Christman, Austin Christman, Zach Saglowski, and Brianna Saglowski; Grandparents: Ned and Beverly Myers, Lynn and Marlene Christman, F. Don and Lu Ellsworth; Emily’s parents, David and Valerie Fletcher; brother and sister-in-laws; Ryan (Allison) Fletcher, Sarah (Adam) Jones, and Laura (Drew) Miller. And many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Judy Ellsworth. Honoring Russ’ expressed desire, his request was for his remains to be cremated, and at a future date they will scattered at his beloved happy hunting ground at the upper Current Creek. Russ is being remembered at a Memorial Service on Saturday June 29, 2019 at 10:30 AM at the Upper Pavilion in Washington Park in Parley’s Canyon just to the east of the Mountain Dell Golf Course. Take I-80 East to Exit 134 and then onto the north frontage road past the Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Christman Family Memorial Fund at GOFUNDME.COM. The family is most appreciative of the outpouring of love and compassion that has been shown to them at this very difficult time. We love Russ and his absence leaves a gaping hole in our hearts and in our lives. We will hold his memory in our hearts forever. Arrangements through Serenity Funeral Home.

Russell Larry Christman

April 26, 1982 - June 24, 2019