Russell McPherson, Jr

RUSSELL MCPHERSON JR. age 87, passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2013 at Hospice House of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Born March 10, 1926, to Russell Solomen McPherson and Margaret Ellen (Thompson) McPherson in the Sault, Russ (Mac, Junior, Juni) was a lifelong Sault resident. Russell was a member of the Sault High Class of 1944. He was a World War II Veteran having served in the 159th Infantry Regiment of the 106th Division in Neidersbreisig, Germany, the B Battery of the 127th AAA Gun BN in Stuttgart, Germany, and the 465th AAA Gun BN near Munich, Germany from 1944-1946. Russ was honorably discharged, and shared many army stories with his family and friends. He married Margaret Ann Olesek in 1949 and they have celebrated sixty four and a half wonderful years together. Russ, long-admired for his cheerful disposition, and happy-go-lucky attitude, worked for J.C. Penneys (downtown store) for 41 years, retiring in 1989. Suit-fitter extraordinaire, he set the standard for both customer service and satisfaction. Born with a flair for men''s fashion, he took pride in practicing the fine art of being a clothier both for his customers and himself. You could always spot Russa�"he was the "best dressed" at any venue. He is survived by his loving wife Margaret Ann and four children: Debra McPherson (Michael Doyle), Michael McPherson (Christine), Cynthia Brazil (Gordon), and Denise McPherson all of the Sault; grandchildren: Jason Brommenschenkel, Michael McPherson Jr. (Trisha), Kris Brommenschenkel (Lisa), Nicole Payment, Kara McPherson, Trish Brazil, and Tyler Moody (Lacey); great grandchildren Kristina, Brett, Avery Grace, Scott, Katie, Brianna, Rebecca, and Shayla. Russell is also survived by four sisters; Ruth Desormeau (Francis deceased), Delores Harju (Richard), Joanne Woodgate (Alvin), and Dorothy Morley (Frank deceased). His mother- in- law Jennylee Church Olesek and his brother- in- law Fredric Olesek (Pam). He is "Uncle Russ" to so many wonderful nieces and nephews. Russell was predeceased by his parents, brothers Clayton and John Dennis (Sandy) McPherson, and sister Judith Perkins (Wesley). Russ was a kind loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle and friend. He loved family gatherings, especially the holidays. He encouraged "family camping," and enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger years. He bicycled, cross country skied, gardened, and visiting Scotland was a most memorable travel experience for him in his retirement. His optimistic positive attitude, humor, singing, and smile are the gifts he shared and has left in the memories of family and his many friends. A memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, July 23rd from 5:00 to 7:30 pm with a short service beginning at 7:30 pm with Father Sebastian Kavumkal officiating at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home in Sault Ste. Marie. Interment will be at Oakland Chapel Gardens. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Hospice of the E.U.P. in Sault Ste. Marie. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com.

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Russell McPherson, Jr

March 10, 1926 - July 19, 2013