Russell Burgess, 102, Velva, ND, died Tuesday, November 7, 2006, in a Minot hospital.

Russell was born on April 26, 1904, in to William and Gertrude (Smithers) Burgess in Enderlin, ND. At an early age, he moved with his family to Ruso, ND and would attend school in Ruso and Velva, ND. In his early 20's he became interested in amateur radio, which he continued his entire life as a hobby. In 1925, he attended Coyne American Institute, in Chicago, IL, where he would earn a diploma in electronics.

Russell was united in marriage to Evelyn Rice in October 1937, at the Lutheran Church in Devils Lake, ND. They made their home in Minot, while he was employed by Frosaker Motor until 1942. They moved to Dayton, OH, where Russell was employed by the US Government as an inspector of communications equipment in Ohio and Michigan, including war plants located in Detroit and Kalamazoo.

They returned to North Dakota in 1945, where he owned and operated the Roxy Theatre in McClusky, ND until 1957. They moved to Williston, ND, in 1959, where he owned and operated the A & W Drive-in until 1964. They settled in Velva, ND, in 1964, where he built the Valley Outdoor Theatre in 1966, owning and operating the business until retiring 1975.

He was a member of United Methodist Church and the Senior Citizens, both of Velva.

He was an avid bowler, and was recognized for his exceptional skill for his age group. Russell was known for taking "Katie" for walks in the park. He will be deeply missed by all those who shared in his life.

He is survived by: loving wife of 69 years, Evelyn Burgess, Velva; Son: Ross (Carol Ann) Burgess, Johns Island, SC; Grandchildren: Suzanne Waring, Wellington, New Zealand; Sara Burgess, Falls Church, VA, and Brian Burgess, Mt. Pleasant, SC; and Great-Granddaughter: Kayleigh Burgess.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Ruthanne Burgess Stephenson.

Memorial Service: Saturday, November 11, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at Velva United Methodist Church;
Interment: Friday, November 10, 2006, at 2:30 p.m. at the Velva Community Cemetery, Velva, ND;
Visitation: There will be no reviewal, however, family and friends are invited to sign a memorial register book on Friday, November 10, 2006, from noon until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home of Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred to Souris Valley Care Center, Velva or to the Velva United Methodist Church.