Russell R. Niehaus

Sept. 28, 1926 - April 15, 2011
Russ was a special person, truly loved by family and friends. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Portland and the University of San Francisco Law School. He served in the U.S. military in World War II and spent time in Japan. Russ practiced law for 50 years in Portland. Russ dedicated much of his time volunteering. His personal and professional life reflected great moral and responsible leadership.

He was the first president of Birthright, now known as Mother and Child. He founded KBVM-FM, one of the first Catholic radio stations in the U.S. and served many years on KBVM's Board of Directors. Russ served on the Jesuit High School Board for several years. He was a member of the Ethics Committee of the Oregon State Bar and also served on the St. Vincent Hospital Ethics Committee. In 1988, Russ was awarded the St. Thomas More Award by Catholic Lawyers for Social Justice. Russ was awarded the University of Notre Dame Man of the Year for 1967, for unselfishly devoting his time and energy to religious and civic activities.

His greatest achievement, for which he was most proud, was creating an Adoration Chapel (with the help of many dedicated volunteers) called the Westside Chapel, at St. Mary's Cathedral. Russ is survived by his wife of 59 years, Esther; his children, Bob Niehaus, Tina Kjesbo, Mary Freeman and Patty Shattuck; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandson, Dominic LeBella.

Memorial donations may be sent to Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation Cancer Program: https://www.ohsu.edu/about/dchf/help/default.cfm