Russell B. Salyards

Russell B. Salyards April 6, 1917 - July 14, 2011 Resident of Orinda Founder of Loards Ice Cream & Candies Russell B. Salyards, 94, passed away Thursday July 14, 2011. He was born April 6, 1917 in Gibson City, IL. Russ is survived by his wife, Frances (Lathbury) Salyards, brother, Bill Salyards, two nieces and six nephews and many close friends. Russ attended Drummer Township High School, was elected class president, played basketball and was football quarterback. He received a scholarship to George Washington College located in Washington DC in hope of becoming a coach one day. In 1940 Russ left Illinois and moved to Berkeley, CA where he joined Frances and they were married in Reno, NV. Furthering his education, Russ completed IBM school in Oakland, CA; giving him the knowledge needed for his position in the U.S. Army during WWII. He gained rank as Master Sergeant and was stationed in Memphis, TN. Soon after his efforts in the service, Russ worked in the Accounting Dept. of UC Berkeley; it was then he and Frances decided to start an ice cream business. For the next 50 years, Russ would have a positive effect on his many employees and customers and considered a delight to many generations of children. "We will definitely never forget you Russ!" Russ is at rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, CA. A celebration of his life will be held on August 28, 2011 from 1:00 - 4:00pm at the San Leandro Veterans Memorial Building located at 1105 Bancroft Ave. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Children's Hospital, Oakland, CA.