Family legacy lives on with third generation

For almost 35 years, ever since Frank “Doc” Russell started the family tradition back in 1964, the Russell family has been selling ferry tickets at the Orcas ferry landing.

So it is with great family pride that Russell’s daughter-in law Margaret Russell and granddaughter Mary Russell are moving the family business back into the store known as Russells.

“To celebrate the remodeled and refined Russells we are having a grand opening celebration,” said Margaret. “We have home decor, jewelry, elegant wine gifts, martini shakers and clothing. Everything will be 25 percent off during our celebration and we are offering beautiful complimentary gift wrapping.”

The grand opening is very much a family affair with food from Mary and husband Ron Rebman’s Orcas Village Store and homemade biscotti every day.

“I love having my family around me. I don’t want to retire. We are quick – quick to fight and quick to make up. I guess we are very Irish,” Margaret said.

Margaret hopes that her great-grand daughter Adrienne, not yet 2 years old, will be the fifth generation to sell ferry tickets and work in the family business when she graduates from high school.

In addition to the home furnishings and clothing line the new Russells’ will hold the stock from the liquor store that has been at the Village Store and have Rob Kirby’s Coffee Counter with Local Goods coffee line. Local artist Caroline Buchannan has a new line of hand-painted tiles that the store will carry in addition to her cards and paintings.

“We are ecstatic. We are so happy to be home. We are proud that we have been here for 31 years,” Margaret said of the reopening.