Russell Grant Bair

Russell Grant Bair, beloved husband, father, grandfather, outdoorsman, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on July 17, 2026, at the age of 65.

Russell was born on June 26, 1961, to Ken and Sandra Bair of Richmond, Utah. He was the youngest of three children, joining his older siblings, Brenda and Richard. Raised in Cache Valley, Russell learned early the values of hard work, self-reliance, and appreciation for the simple things in life. His father was a dairy farmer, and some of Russell's fondest memories came from working alongside him on the family farm. Though life eventually led him into a career in technology, he always considered himself a country boy at heart.

He graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Computer Programming and began a career with Moore Business Forms. Through decades of dedication and company transitions, he remained with the same organization for more than 40 years, ultimately working for RR Donnelley at the time of his passing. His loyalty, dependability, and strong work ethic earned the respect of colleagues and friends throughout his career.

While Russell excelled in his profession, his greatest joys were found outside. In his younger years, he was an avid skier, spending winters on the mountain snow skiing and summers behind a boat water skiing whenever he could. As the years passed, his love for the outdoors remained a defining part of his life. He was happiest hunting, fishing, and spending time in the mountains and fields he loved. Mule deer and pheasant hunting were his greatest passions, and many of his most treasured memories were made pursuing them with family, friends, and faithful hunting dogs by his side.

Russell had a special bond with dogs and was rarely without one throughout his life. His hunting dogs were more than companions; they were members of the family. Whether training them, hunting alongside them, or simply enjoying their company at home, dogs brought him tremendous happiness. Few things brought him more peace than being outdoors with a good dog nearby.

His love for country living never faded. Russell often said he was a country boy at heart. Growing up, he worked alongside his father on the family dairy farm, where he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and appreciation for the simple things in life. Throughout his life, he remained connected to that lifestyle, finding satisfaction in caring for his yard, keeping a meticulously maintained lawn, enjoying the outdoors, and tending a small flock of chickens in his later years. He took pride in these simple routines and found joy in the honest work they required.

On November 26, 2010, Russell married Kalee Ann Jensen. Together they shared a love that was gentle, steadfast, and deeply devoted. It was not a love that sought attention but one expressed through quiet acts of kindness, unwavering support, and the comfort of simply being together. Their marriage was built on friendship, mutual respect, and a deep appreciation for one another. Through life's joys and challenges, they remained devoted companions until his passing.

Perhaps the most defining part of Russell's life was not the illness he was born with, but the way he refused to let it define him. Born with Cystic Fibrosis, Russell faced challenges that would have overwhelmed many. Cystic Fibrosis had already claimed the lives of both his brother Richard and sister Brenda when they were only eight years old. Yet Russell chose a different path. He lived with purpose, determination, and hope. He pursued an education, built a successful career, married the woman he loved, raised a family, and actively sought out the experiences that made life meaningful.

In 2006, after years of battling the disease, his health declined dramatically and he spent six months on a ventilator while awaiting donor lungs. In early 2007, he received the gift of a double lung transplant through the organ donation program. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Given a second chance at life, Russell embraced it fully. He returned to the activities he loved, continued working, cared for his home and animals, spent time with family and friends, and enjoyed nearly two decades of life that many thought impossible. For more than 19 years, he lived as a testament to courage, perseverance, gratitude, and the determination to keep moving forward regardless of the obstacles before him.

Russell never allowed Cystic Fibrosis to become his identity. Instead, he became known for his strength, independence, and quiet grit. Those who knew him saw a man who faced adversity head-on, who met challenges with resolve rather than complaint, and who consistently chose to focus on living rather than on limitations. His life stands as an example of what can be accomplished through resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to making the most of every day.

Even at the end, Russell faced his circumstances with the same dignity and courage that characterized his entire journey. Surrounded by those he loved, he made the decision to discontinue treatment and peacefully accept that his time had come.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Sandra Bair, and his siblings, Brenda and Richard Bair.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kalee Ann Bair; his daughter, Megan (Richard) Davidson; his sons, Colby (Bailey) Bair and Shayne (Kailee) Bair; his stepsons, Chett Jensen and Chalis (Vanessa) Jensen; and his cherished grandchildren, Trey Davidson, Jack Davidson, and Harper Davidson.

Russell will be remembered for his quiet strength, humble nature, unwavering determination, and deep love for family. He loved the outdoors, the companionship of a good dog, the satisfaction of a freshly mowed lawn, and the simple country life that always felt like home. Most of all, he will be remembered as a man who refused to let life's hardships define him. Through courage, grit, and gratitude, he built a life rich with purpose, love, and meaning, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the transplant team at University of Utah Hospital, whose care and dedication gave Russell nearly twenty additional years of life, and to the organ donor and donor family whose selfless gift made that miracle possible.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11 am at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E. Preston, Idaho. Viewings will be held on Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m both at Webb Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Richmond, Utah Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

The services will be streamed live and may be watched Saturday at 11 am (MST) by clicking on the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/RwLGSsjWgRE?feature=share