Russ Wargin

On Wednesday September 29, 2021 Russ Wargin, loving husband, Dad and Papa passed away at the age of 85.

Born June 26, 1936 at St. Anthony Hospital in Denver Colorado to Edward and Mabel Wargin. Russ entered the world with a curiosity, drive, and intelligence to learn anything on his own, characteristics that defined him for the next 85 years.

Russ had a long and distinguished career in the mechanical and electrical fields as a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He worked for AT&T for 20 years, and after retiring had a second career with Elitch Gardens as their HVAC specialist for 11 years.

On April 23, 1955 he married Catherine Mottola and they raised daughters Sandy and Michele. A consummate storyteller, he had a true or mostly-true anecdote for everyone he met. Russ and Cathy enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, Erin, Shannon, Luke, Mindy and Kyle and their great grandchildren, Gray, Story, Dante, Olivia, Dillion, Anthony, Zakiyah, Tierra, Jamari, and Aurelius.

Among his many hobbies and passions were aviation, railroads, gardening, bird watching, boating, camping and trips to Lake Powell with the family. Russ was a lifelong learner and self taught electrician, mechanic, carpenter, builder and problem solver. In his retirement he became the neighborhood “go to” fix it man. Russ would arrive at all of our homes with his tools and a master plan, finishing (and refinishing) basements for us all. Before he left us, he finished every single project on his list.  It is hard to summarize a lifetime within a few paragraphs, and we will forever remember and be shaped by his love and care.