Russell Valentine Heglin-Hernandez, 21, a lifelong member of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, passed away unexpectedly to cancer at his home in Sedro-Woolley on January 8, 2015.

Russell was born on February 14, 1993 in Auburn, Washington, the son of Robert Hernandez and Kirsten Heglin.  He was raised in Sedro-Woolley by his grandmother Linnette B. Hernandez and father Robert Hernandez. There attained his education.  While attending Sedro-Woolley High School, Russell was an integral part of the baseball team where he excelled as an athlete.

After high school, Russell worked alongside his family in the commercial fishing and crabbing industry for several years.  He also acquired his CDL license and enjoyed many outdoor activities. He often took his nieces and nephews on hikes and outdoor adventures.

Family was everything to Russell, whenever anyone was ill or needed help he was the first one there to give assistance.  They always came first.

Russell is survived by his great-grandmother, Violet Fernando; his grandmother, Linnette Hernandez; father, Robert Hernandez; mother, Kirsten Heglin; his siblings, Victor Heglin-Hernandez, Brandy Daniels, Luke Heglin, Kender Lee and Evan Lee; his companion Shalaia Wahwassuck, a step daughter, Delicia Bright  and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 7:00 PM at the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe Gymnasium with Funeral Services on Wednesday January 14th at 10:00 AM with John Cayou, Ron Iukes and Isadore Tom, Jr. officiating..  Interment will be at the Hamilton Indian Cemetery.