Russell Eric Biggs

Mar 11, 1970 -

Oct 6, 2023

Dr. Russell Eric Biggs was an outdoor enthusiast, a gifted physician, an entertainer, a generous friend, a loving husband, father, brother and son - and he lived a bold, courageous life. Russell was an outstanding storyteller, and on Oct. 6, 2023, he finished his life story.

Most of Russell's stories were about outdoor adventure, like the one about his Wrangell goat hunt that took a turn for the worse. Chances are you knew how he shredded gnar throughout the Chugach Mountain range and rafted nearly every navigable river within 100 miles of Anchorage. Maybe you even heard how he crawled through a Belizean cave and ended up next to a poisonous snake or when he paddled the mighty Zambezi River. If you asked Russell what he was up to, his eyes would light up about his latest adventure.

Some of his stories were about his 20-plus years working in medicine, and they were just as captivating. Russell graduated medical school at the University of Texas - Houston in 1999, and completed his anesthesia residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire in 2003. After graduating, Russell began his private practice career and was an anesthesiologist in Anchorage, Alaska, from 2005 to 2023. At work, Russell was known for his skill under pressure and his ability to connect with patients. He was invested in patient safety, at one point visiting each clinic in town to establish - now standard - safety measures to prevent allergic reactions to antibiotics. Russell was equally known for his sense of humor and elaborate practical jokes. His office mirthfully recalled how a coworker repeatedly failed in his buffalo hunts, so Russell brought in a life-sized buffalo cutout to help him identify the target.

His most important stories were with his family, often as they explored the world together. Russell started family sing-a-longs while the Biggs rafted the Grand Canyon's rapids. He led the Biggs through foreign streets, somehow squeezing a wide RV down tiny German alleyways. He shepherded his family throughout all conditions - like when they lost their baggage abroad on Christmas day, when they bounced down muddy roads in Tanzania, and when hail rained down at Gardaland in Italy. Above all else, Russell showed his family the beauty of nature and appreciated it alongside them.

Russell's stories made their way into the world in many ways. He shared his life through his camera lens and even screened his short films in theaters - many were about his Newfoundland dog Mojo, who walked, rafted and drooled his way through many of Russell's adventures. He thrived on stage with his Americana-rock band, The Council of Smokers and Drinkers. He spoke publicly about the need for transparency and accountability in local government, even winning an Alaska Supreme Court case. He gathered crowds around the Alaska Surgery Center's water cooler. He distracted his hungry children with many "shaggy dog" stories delivered around restaurant tables. He captured his wife's affection with his humor, stories and songs.

Russell's greatest story ended too soon in Oludeniz, Turkey, from injuries sustained in a paragliding accident. Russell leaves behind his wife of 31 years of marriage, Karen; their three children, Greyson, Megan and Lauren; his father, Danny; brother, Greg; and many beloved extended family members. His celebration of life will be held on July 7, 2024, at the Alpenglow Lodge at Arctic Valley Ski Area in Anchorage. Russell, may your spirit soar on eagle's wings.