Russell Julius Souza

Russ passed on Friday, February 10, 2017 after a heroic battle with cancer. He was a second generation Sebastopolian who was very proud of living within shouting distance of where he was born. Russ was predeceased by his first wife Siv (Gudjohnsen) Souza. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Elizabeth Anne (Smith-Faris) Souza; his son Russell (Kimberley) Souza of Tennessee; daughters Kristine (Chuck) Hutchins and Judy (Don) Fusco of Sebastopol; stepson Andrew (Krista) Faris of Sebastopol; grandchildren Kenneth (Sarah) Souza, Gary (Krystal) Souza of Tennessee, Sarah Hutchins of Sebastopol; brothers-in-law Stefan Gudjohnsen of Sebastopol and John (Jo) Gudjohnsen of Texas and great-niece Haley (Siv) Gudjohnsen of Texas. Russ graduated from Spring Hill School in Sebastopol and then from Analy High School in 1955. He retired in 2000 after 35 years working in the composing room of The Press Democrat. Russ was a member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Sebastopol. He was on many bowling leagues over the years and came close to bowling a 300 game on several occasions. He was also an avid golfer playing many rounds at the Sebastopol Golf Course and Bennett Valley Golf Course, where he proudly got his hole-in-one on January 30, 2012. He was also a member of S.I.R.S Branch 76. The thing Russ enjoyed most of all was get-togethers and road trips with his family, where he is fondly remembered for bursting into nonsensical songs. He was also well known for his Gravenstein apple orchard and growing delicious navel oranges. Russ will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him for his dignity, gentleness and quiet strength. A memorial service will be held at Mount Olive Lutheran Church at 460 Murphy Avenue in Sebastopol on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Mount Olive Lutheran Church.