Russell Wayne Bernal

Russell Wayne Bernal, age 67, passed away suddenly on June 19, 2021, at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, Montana. Russ was born and raised in Denver, CO to Bennie and Darlene Bernal on October 12, 1953. He was the oldest of five children. He attended Sheridan High School. He married Debora Parish in 1973, and they had two children. His daughter, Tracy Renee was born on April 20, 1978. His son, Erik Russell was born on November 13, 1979. Russ and Debora divorced in 2000. Russ met Kay Eve in August of 2004, and they married on May 29, 2005, in a beautiful outdoor garden ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada, surrounded by friends and family. During their 17 years together, they lived in Littleton and Aurora, Colorado, with a brief five year stint in Boise, Idaho. They moved to Great Falls, Montana in October of 2014, to help care for Kay’s parents. Russ kept his good buddy, Phil Eve (father-in-law) busy golfing every day the course was open. They also enjoyed fishing and the slots. Russ and Kay enjoyed traveling together, especially camping all over Colorado, Idaho, and Montana in their RV. Russ was happiest golfing, boating, and fishing. Highlights were a 2018 cruise trip in the Western Caribbean and a resort trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Russ’ sister, Chris and husband, Dale. Most recently, Russ enjoyed the cabin life in the mountains near Lincoln, Montana, a property his best friend, Dennis Parr entrusted to him to care for and use at his leisure. His primary occupation was truck driver, most of it driving trailer truck for the US Post Office. After retiring and moving to Montana, he took a part-time job delivering medications for Big Sky Managed Care, a job and people he loved. Russ is survived by his children, Tracy Craven and Erik (Amanda) Bernal; four of his grandchildren, Meagan (Tyler) Cullen, Mason Craven, Madelyn Craven, and Emmett Bernal; sisters, Christine (Dale) Mayo and Jacqueline (Rick) Perez; brother, Edward (Eileen); many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his little buddy, Tucker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Darlene Bernal; brother, Gary Bernal; and four-year old grandson, Paxton Cash Bernal. A vigil service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2021. A funeral liturgy will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 2021, both at O’Connor Memorial Chapel, 2425 8th Ave N, Great Falls. On August 7, 2021, in Denver, there will be a celebration of life. More details to come. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in honor of Russ’ grandson Paxton who passed away December 2020. The website is www.eastersealshouston.org/program/donate. Click the donate box. Choose “Caroline School” in the drop-down box. Type in “Russell Bernal” in the “in memory of” box. Or type “Paxton’s Elmo fund” in the comments box. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.