Sunset and evening star
and one clear call for me,
Let there be no moaning at the bar
when I put out to sea….
Rus was born in the Eernissee house here on Vashon on August 24, 1926 to Carl and Opal Cronander.
His big brother Jim and friend Bill Smith awaited the news underneath the biggest monkey on the
island…..so the story goes. He passed at the Vashon Community Care Center with Dee by his side at
the age of 83 on Dec. 20, 2009.
Rus was a man of great intellect. He graduated from Vashon high school and after a stint in the Navy
earned degrees from the University of Washington in electrical engineering and nuclear physics. He
worked for the government at the Hanford Nuclear site, and for Boeing and General Electric on missile
projects. Lastly he worked for NOAH on their research ship’s radar and radio equipment. Upon
retirement he single-handedly designed and built a house for the love of his life Dee on the Cronander
homestead land where she still resides.
Rus traveled the world. Among his many endeavors he ran an international school in Vientiane Laos
and taught English to Cambodian refugees on Vashon in the 1980’s. He was always a patient tutor for
all those who sought his expertise and unique perspective on solving a technical problem. Recently his
favorite pastime was reading the latest science journals with “Bubba” on his lap.
Rus was married in 1973 to DeLyle E. Smith in Carmel, CA . He was dearly loved by “Dee” and his
step-children Terry Smith (Carrie Oliver) of Vashon, Charmaine Nichole (Michael) of Seattle, and
Mike Jones (Ellen) of VA. He was proud of his grandchildren Walker and Lillie Smith, and Kimberly
and Christina Jones. He will be greatly missed by his older brother James Cronander of San Rafael CA.
and his many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express our gratitude to the “angels” at the Vashon Community Care Center
and hospice for making Rus’ last days a peaceful and quiet passing. Any remembrances may be given
to the Vashon food bank of which Rus was an advocate.
All of us who knew him will miss his kind and gentle soul. A final farewell gathering will be held at
the Smith residence at 9311 SW 274th st on Sunday Jan. 17th at 3 p.m.
(paid obituary)
