Russ Nobbs, founder of Rings 'n; Things, was a longtime supporter of SPR starting from the early days of both organizations. Both were located in Second City, a two-story brick building in Downtown Spokane that housed artists, craftspeople, and eclectic stores. (A bank building stands there today). As his business expanded, Russ continued to support Spokane Public Radio as a member, as a program underwriter, and as a board member.
Russ lived vivaciously, having been accepted to MIT and ultimately rejecting engineering school to work towards the environment. He led numerous recycling efforts in the Spokane area and was editor of the Natural, a Spokane counter-culture newspaper. In 2012 he was inducted into the Washington State Recycling Association’s Recycling Hall of Fame. That same year he was awarded the inaugural Mike Chappell Spokane River Hero Award from the Center for Justice.
Russ passed away June 27, 2014 after a battle with T-cell lymphoma.