Russell Vincent Winfrey

Russell Vincent Winfrey, also known as Vince, or "Pop Pop" to his five grandchildren, passed away with his family at his side Tuesday evening, June 16, 2020, in Ellensburg after a short battle with cancer.

Russell was born to Jim and Jackie Winfrey on July 28, 1954 in Moses Lake, Wash.

Russ and his four brothers grew up in Odessa, much to the legendary terror of the townsfolk there. Although the tales of his wild childhood antics have transcended generations now, Russ was a quiet, kind-hearted and sometimes mischievous father and grandfather who enjoyed fishing, shooting, showing his children how to do things that likely gave their mother heart murmurs (much to their delight) and throwing back a few beers.

Perhaps best known for his butchering skills, Pop Pop was a master of many things and enjoyed a colorful career. As a young adult, he went fishing in Alaska. As a young father, he and his wife Pat owned and operated The Pig Palace in Hartline for some time. He went on to receive his AA degree from Wenatchee Valley College in refrigeration and worked for the Safeway milk plant in Moses Lake until its doors were shuttered. After doing a few short stints in automotive and farm repair, he returned to what he did best and finished out his working years at Basin Meats in Moses Lake. Russ ended up in Ellensburg with his daughter Kali, able to see, and tease, all of his grandkids every day.

Russ is survived by his parents, Jim and Jackie Winfrey of George, his wife Pat Winfrey of Ellensburg, his three children Timi, Nick and Kali, and his five grandchildren, Olyvia, Gabriella, Liliana, Werner and Brayden. Nick's firstborn, Werner Vincent, carries on Vince's name.

A memorial will be held at a later date.