Russell “Rusty” “Russ” Jay Farstead, age 60, passed away peacefully at his home in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, on Saturday, August 20, 2022. Rusty was born May 5, 1962 in Billings, Montana.
Rusty obtained his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts at Montana State University Northern in Havre, Montana. Then he moved to Washington State where he worked for the Boeing Company until retirement in 2017.
Rusty was an avid outdoorsman, camping frequently in his RV with his wife, Cindy, and their dogs. He enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and shrimping in the beautiful Northwest waterways, and was recently elected the President of the Wildcat Steelhead Club of Sedro-Woolley.
Rusty had a passion for vehicles and often could be found in his shop restoring his classic 1962 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova or at the Northwest Bombers diesel club souping up his diesel 4×4 truck.
Rusty was a jack-of-all-trades, trained as a carpenter, self-taught mechanic, and confident handyman consistently improving the retirement dream home for him and his wife.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Mailliard; stepdaughter, Misty (Cory) Nahoopii; sister, Debbie Farstead; brother, Dave (Nita) Farstead; 13 nieces and nephews; 17 great nieces and nephews; 3 great-great nieces and nephew; his 4-legged children, Lucy (dog), Peanut (dog), and Duchess (cat).
Rusty is preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Delores Farstead; brother, Steve Farstead.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00, on Sunday, August 28, 2022 at the Riverfront Park in Sedro-Woolley, WA. The family requests any memorial be directed to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley in Burlington, WA. Share your memories of Rusty and sign the online guest register.
Rusty I just heard the news and am so heartbroken that this world lost another bright light. Talking with you over the years sharing fishing stories, listening to you talk about Cindy and how you lit up telling us about your fishing trips and great adventures you 2 were always going on. You definitely left too soon. We have appreciated you and Cindy both tremendously over the years. Godspeed
You will be dearly missed Rusty. Seriously one of the nicest, kindness, most big hearted man I have ever met. I remember he took me for a drive in his Dynomite Diesel Truck that used to be a racing truck, that was ride line I will never forget! Listening to Rusty fire that thing up in the morning would draw me to the window every time to watch him back out and take off. Cindy we love you and please let us know if we can do anything for you at anytime.
-Shawn & Lindsy Pettibone-
Rusty, my buuud, I will always remember the good times we had at work. I will always remember your kindness. I will always remember your sense of humor. I will always remember us trading fish stories. You were truely a one of a kind guy and anyone who knew you loved you including me.
So long Rusty. I am very grateful for the time we had together. I will never forget.
We’ll miss you buddy , you’ve touched so many with your generosity, and huge heart .
I will miss you Rusty!
We had so many great fishing trips together (even when we wound up mad at each other) Alaska was a trip of a lifetime with you and Cindy! We had so many fish yet to catch. I will never wet a line without thinking of you! I love you like a brother Rusty and I will miss you terribly.
We will miss you Rusty! Hugs and prayers Cindy!
Rusty – I remember the first days years ago when you lit up talking about Cindy. You loved her so much. I know you will be missed by her and everyone you touched. They will have all the wonderful memories to cherish that you were a big part of. Rest in peace Rusty
Love you Rusty. Prayers and love to Cindy.