Russell D. Harden

Russell D., born June 15, 1934, in Missouri, clocked out for the last time on September 24, 2025, in Grand Junction, Colorado.

A longtime car crusher and junkyard owner, Russell ran AA Auto Salvage on Struthers Avenue, where he could turn rust into treasure—or at least argue that it was worth keeping “just in case.” His work was loud, greasy, and tough, but he loved every minute of it, right down to the last bolt.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathy Harden, who somehow managed to put up with him all these years; his kids—oldest son Rusty, middle son Jason, and youngest daughter Sara—who inherited equal parts of his stubbornness and his charm; and more grandchildren and great-grandchildren than he could ever keep track of (and he never tried too hard).

Known for his snow-white hair, full beard, sharp wit, and unshakable grit, Russell had a knack for finding value in life’s scraps. He will be missed, remembered, and almost certainly argued about at family gatherings for generations to come