Remembering George F. Russell, Jr.
1932-2025
George Russell’s passion for glass and his love for Tacoma converged when Dr. Phil Phibbs (1922–2022) approached him with a visionary idea: to create a glass museum in Tacoma, the birthplace of renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The concept resonated with George, who at the time served as Chairman of the Executive Council for Greater Tacoma, and aligned with his commitment to restoring and revitalizing the Thea Foss Waterway. He recognized that a glass museum could serve as a dynamic anchor for the area’s redevelopment. Later, as co-chairs of the Museum’s founding Board of Trustees, Jane and George Russell invited individuals, corporations, and foundations from around the world to join them in bringing Museum of Glass to life.
George brought a deep love of community, family, and friends to the vision for the Museum of Glass, and his generosity was expansive. He wanted the best for Tacoma, and he understood that a young, start-up institution would need additional support in its early years. He provided that crucial financial stability. When Jane sadly passed early in the Museum’s history, George honored her by naming her favorite place in the Museum in her memory: the Jane Russell Hot Shop. George leaves a remarkable legacy with both the Museum of Glass and Tacoma, the city he loved. He helped create a glass museum for all, where visitors can experience a genuine working Hot Shop, engage in a vibrant education program that honors Jane’s belief that education should be a foundational thread throughout the Museum, and find joy, inspiration, and connection.
Thank you, George.