Robert Mitchell Russell

Robert Russell Obituary

Passed away on October 26, 2010 of sudden cardiac arrest. He was born December 24, 1929 to Robert and Jean Russell of Oakland, Ca. He grew up in Oakland, graduating from Oakland High School, with a life long appreciation of history and art. He joined the Marine Corp November 1951, served in Korea and was honorably discharged October 1954. That is when he moved to Santa Rosa and began working at Sonoma State Hospital. He stayed for 35 years. He is survived by seven cousins who will love him forever, but his real family were the people he worked with, his fellow antiques collectors, swim club friends and most of all, his wonderful neighbors. Bob devoted his whole life to helping others, never asking for anything for himself. He lived simple and died simple. In honor of Bob's wishes there will be no services, however anyone who ever met him is aware of his love of animals and generous support of Animal Protection. Donations to the following agencies in Bob's name will be greatly appreciated. Humane Society of Sonoma County 5345 Hwy 12, Santa Rosa, Ca., Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue 403 Meacham Rd, Petaluma, Ca., Bird Rescue Center 3430 Chanate Road, Santa Rosa, Ca., Pets Lifeline 19686 8th St. East, Sonoma, Ca., Change Program (Horses) P.O. Box 64, Vineburg, Ca. and Countryside Rescue 3410 Guerneville Rd. Santa Rosa, Ca.

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Published by Press Democrat from Nov. 13 to Nov. 16, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Russell

5 Entries

November 17, 2010

I work at Mitchell's dental office and enjoyed his every visit. He would arrive with his dog and I would watch him out the window taking his buddy for a stroll on the property before coming in for his appointment. He always came in with a smile, happy to be here with us. He was a gentle and loving soul, a very special man. I feel honored to have known him. I hope his dog is being loved and spoiled by someone really special. That would definitely give Mitchell peace. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Audrey Laton, Santa Rosa CA

November 17, 2010

My memories of Mitchell go back to the earlier days of his life. He was always fond of playing war. When I was 4 or 5 years old I"ll always remembering Mitchell and other older cousins digging a large hole in the empty lot next to his grandmothers house and making a fort. He would herd all us little one into the fort and then bomb us with dirt clods and rocks. We were scared but loved it.
I loved his Korean war stories, especially the one of the North Korean and the American who would spend every day shooting at each other over a windy canyon. It was impossible to hit anything but kept it up only to wave at each other at meal time ane then to return later and continue firing.
Mitchell was an authority on Indian history. I remember talking to some who had conferred with him on some research and I was proud to tell him I was his cousin. These are some of the memories I have had over the years. Carl Avelar Portland, Oregon

Cindy Roach

November 15, 2010

Robert was one of our most dedicated supporters - dating all the way back to 1961. His kindness and generosity touched the lives of thousands of homeless animals. I will personally miss talking with him and listening to his "history lessons" about Sonoma County. He was a wealth of information! Thank you, Robert. We'll never forget you! The Staff and Animals of the Sonoma Humane Society.

November 14, 2010

Mitch was one of the kindness
individuals. He loved to laugh and dearly loved his dogs ( two airdales at that time).
I can remember when he and another male cousin teased our grandfather and made him mad. He chased them upstairs and the two boys ran into the house and hid under our grandparents bed. Our grandfather could not reach them because he was too big and they just giggled. My mom use to refer to them as the Katz & Jamar kids. Both of those boys are gone now!
Keep laughing Mitch you were one of a kind.
Your older cousin, Dallas (Cosma)Riches

November 13, 2010

Mitch as he was called by his cousins had a laugh that could be heard, as one would say , around the block. My brother and I loved to have Mitch draw pictures especially of boxers, in fact he was quite good. I can remember one summer when he stayed with my family, it was a short stay, but the drawing paper would come out and that was it! I am so glad he was able to touch so many people. I am one of his younger cousins. Everyone loved you, Mitch.
Carol Marie Cosma Bish

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