It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Russell William Antsen.

”Russ” was born on 4/11/69 in Olympia, WA where he spent his childhood and early years. While in Junior High and High School, he developed a love for operating heavy equipment while working at his grandfather’s business, Jones Quarry.  He went on to study Business and Journalism at Oregon State University before starting his own business, “RAT” or “Russ Antsen Trucking” company.  His truck was in the movie “Assassins” and was once on the National news due to a delivery for a top secret military operation.  (It’s true-we all saw it!) He continued to work as a trucking and heavy equipment operator for the remainder of his life, which eventually took him to Colorado and Arizona.

He landed in the quaint little town of Chloride Arizona, where he met the love of his life, his wife Annie.  He loved the desert lifestyle of riding his Harley, winning the local pool tournaments and boating on Lake Havasu with his sister’s family.

Russ will always be remembered for his kind heart and willingness to help anyone in need, often something as simple as changing a stranded motorist’s tire in the rain.  He was truly a “shirt off his back” friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.  He passed away on 12/27/25 after a brief but valiant battle with cancer.

Russ is survived by his wife Anthonita Alcayaga-Gill of Chloride AZ, mother Sally Antsen of Oceanside CA, brother Kevin Johnson of Anchorage AK, sister Lisa Thornton (John) of San Juan Capistrano CA, and nieces and nephew Ashley, Brooke, Cydney and Dominic Thornton of San Juan Capistrano CA, who all adored their “Funcle Russ”.  He was preceded in death by his father Dave Antsen, brother Jay Johnson,  and dear grandparents Russell and Eva Antsen and Bill Jones.

A Celebration of Life is planned for March 28, 2025 at 2:00pm, at the VFW in Chloride AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Russ’ honor to The Wounded Warrior Project, or Toys for Tots, an event he loved attending on his beloved 1958 Harley Davidson Panhead.