Russell George Van Moppes, USN LCDR RET., of Kenmore, WA passed away on April 13, 2024. He was born on April 23, 1930, in Pleasantville, NJ to Mortimer Louis and Constance Conley Van Moppes as the 10th of 13 children. Russ spent most of his childhood in Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ and attended Asbury Park High School in NJ. As a child he earned the nickname "Peck's Bad Boy" from his mother for his many exploits on his bike, hunting frogs, leading a pack of neighborhood friends and, generally, finding mischief. But also, he worked hard selling newspapers, shining shoes, caddying at local golf courses, and helping run a local gas station and automotive garage. Even in childhood and his teens, Russ's strong work ethic was very clear.
At age 17, Russ enlisted in the US Navy. He was selected to serve on the submarine force in 1948 where he spent the majority of his 22-year military career. In 1958, he earned the rank of Navy Ensign and was selected for Officer Candidate School. From there, he rose through the ranks to become Lieutenant Commander of the USS Bonefish in Pearl Harbor. In total, he served on 5 different submarines in the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold Wars. Also, Russ served as a Public Relations Officer in New London, CT, as a Media Officer for the Naval Command in Washington, DC and as a USN Submarine Warfare Instructor at the University of Nebraska where also he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. He loved his country and was honored to serve.
In 1970, Russ retired from the Navy and moved to Seattle where he began a second career as a stockbroker. In Russ's words, the Navy was "lots of fun, no money" and so, he spent the next 35 years as a registered financial advisor which was "lots of money, not as much fun." Ever the optimist, Russ managed to make it fun and was a born salesperson. He listened carefully to his clients and earned their trust in how he handled assets and met financial goals. Often, he became not only their adviser, but also their friend. From his first position at Foster Marshall, Russ went on to work for Piper, Jaffrey & Hopwood in Bellevue, WA and D.A. Davidson in Redmond, WA. His understanding of people, knowledge of business, language skills, and innate work ethic earned Russ a level of success that he could not have imagined as a kid. He retired from his work in 2007 at age 77 but remained active in following the markets. He read three papers daily up until shortly before his death, not only for financial news, but also to keep up with local, national, and world events.
In 1987, Russ married his wife, Elna, whom he referred to as his "beautiful bride" all the years of their marriage. Together, they had many adventures traveling the globe, both near and far. Their travels fed his constant curiosity to learn and understand the world around him. Winters were spent in Wailea, Maui where Russ and Elna owned a condominium for over 20 years. In summers, Russ enjoyed boating in the PNW waters and countless days were spent with family and friends on Puget Sound and the waters of the US and Canadian San Juan Islands. Simply put, he could never spend too much time on his boats, Amen and Consort. Russ was a member of the Seattle Yacht Club where many happy times were enjoyed over the years and whose outstations were very helpful on boat voyages North. Russ was an "Old Salt" who loved the water, whether it be swimming in it, navigating on it or laying beside it, especially on a sandy Maui beach.
Russ enjoyed thoroughly the game of golf and, at various times, was a member of Sand Point, Overlake, Wailea, and Inglewood Country/Golf Clubs. Battling a "tough hunk of real estate" was a true passion for him. Never one to sit still in his retirement, he earned a Scuba certification, took French lessons, enrolled in art classes, and painted watercolors. From his watercolors, he made cards to pass along to family and friends which became a vehicle for another passion - the hand-written letter. Anyone who received his notes, whether it contained an expression of love, or sometimes unsolicited advice, received a true gift. He enjoyed studying words and was very specific about the ones he used and how he used them. Also, Russ enjoyed coffee shops and searched for one wherever he lived or visited. There, he would drink lattes, read, eat "sticky buns" and talk to whomever would listen. He made friends easily with many baristas and café patrons over the years.
Russ lived his life fully, and in his own way, undaunted until the very end. He had ethics, will power, and courage. He never saw a challenge, always an opportunity. It is nearly impossible for our family to imagine our lives without his life force, but we are surely blessed by having known, loved, and been loved by him.
In addition to his wife of 36 years, Elna, Russ is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Beth) Van Moppes, Mary Lynn (Lynn) Van Moppes, and grandchildren Audrey Elizabeth Lesher, Spencer Herb Straight, and Makayla Caroline Straight, all of Kenmore, WA. He was the final survivor of the 13 siblings in his family.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Lacambra, Dr. Erik Torgerson, and Dr. Jeffrey Westcott (retired). Your wonderful medical care extended Russ's life by many years. We would also like to thank Dr. Whorton and Dr. Ross of Evergreen Hospital for their compassion and guidance in Russ's last days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 28 at 2 pm at Inglewood Golf Club in Kenmore, WA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Naval Submarine League (www.navalsubleague.org) or, because Russ loved birds, to the Audubon Washington Society (www.wa.audubon.org). If you wish to send a message to family or read a more complete obituary, please go to www.AcaciaFuneralHome.com.
Russ's ashes will be scattered by family on his beloved Island of Maui.
May you have "fair winds and following seas" always, dear Russ.
