Russell Evans

Russell Evans, a Seattle resident for most of his 96 years, passed away January 4th at his home in Kenmore, surrounded by loving family members.

Russ attended Lincoln High School and the University of Washington, and operated a mid-sized super market in the Wedgwood area of Seattle for 22 years. In 1978 he changed direction by opening Evans Music, with three stores specializing in pianos, organs and MIDI musical equipment.

He is survived by his wife Jo Ann, four children—Kathi Evans (Dan Motet), Curt Evans (Kim), Carolyn Evans and Keith Evans (Phyllis); three step-children — Clark Shipley (Ruth), Grant Shipley and Sara Andre (Bruce), plus numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

On Halloween night of 1963, Russ was reading the classified ads as he minded the door for trick-or-treaters, and spied an ad for a pipe organ “in excellent condition” for $2350. He followed up, and soon found himself the owner of a 5-rank theatre pipe organ. Thus began a lifelong affiliation with the theatre pipe organ hobby, which ultimately connected him to like-minded hobbyists around the world — U.S., Canada, Australia and the U.K.

He played a major role in working out the agreement between Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit, and All Nations Church, to invest $70,000 in the Kimball-Wurlitzer theatre organ originally installed in the church in the 1970s, upgrading the instrument to attract top-tier international theatre organists for concerts.

We sadly say “Good bye” to Russ. A celebration of his life will take place at All Nations Church (formerly Calvary Christian Assembly), 6801 Roosevelt Ave. NE, Seattle, on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at 2:00.