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Robert Russell Obituary
1921 - 2010
Robert F. Russell, born February 23, 1921, in San Bernardino,
passed away in Redding on December 25, 2010.
He was educated at San Diego State and Chico State where he obtained a Masters in Education. Bob coached Chico State's first swim team before teaching and coaching at Portola and Orland High Schools.
He was Director of Athletics at Enterprise High School in Redding from 1954 to 1969, serving as head football coach for fifteen years and head track coach for fifteen years. Bob was North Section CIF Track and Field Commissioner from 1969 to 1988, and two trophies are given in his name at the NSCIF finals each year. He served as principle at Pioneer High School from 1970 to 1981 during which time Pioneer achieved distinguished status as one of the top three continuation high schools in the state.
Bob served in the Army Air Corps as an officer during WWII and was a fighter pilot and squadron leader in the South Pacific. He was later a test pilot and then served in the Air Force Reserve for eighteen years. Bob was also an accomplished jazz pianist and songwriter.
Bob is survived by his wife, Pat Russell, his children, Leslye and Rick Russell and Robert Brown, his eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Lawncrest Chapel in Redding on Monday, January 3, at 10:00 a.m.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please offer donations to Redding Hospice.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Russell
Rick Russell
July 22, 2018
Words from my father, " When the going gets Tough, The Tough get going" ( 1st gymnasium Enterprise High School, immediately after completion). "Don't break Trust", approx. 60 days before passing....
Leslye Russell
December 23, 2011
You are in our hearts always.... We send love and light to you....
"He believed in us" is on your gravestone at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Igo. You saw the best in people and assisted them on their paths of realizing their potential. So many have been inspired by simply knowing you.
I sign again before this guestbook closes....
Don Snow
December 2, 2011
Thanks Leslye. Thanks Rick. And thank you
Pat for keeping this open. Just read all
of the wonderful memories of a very inspirational man. He will always be in
my heart.
Don Mangrum
June 3, 2011
Hmm. Layne, I gave people ample time to honor your father...I will do so again.
I transferred from Shasta High to Enterprise toward the end of my Freshman year. I was around 15 yrs. of age. I saw Jay's Cafe next to EHS. The bell had sounded and there was no one in the cafe. I stepped inside for a cup of coffee and a smoke before filling out my transfer paper work. In walked two very distinguished looking gentlemen. One tilted his head toward me and said, "shouldn't you be in school?" I replied that I was a transfer and would do so as soon as I finished my coffee and Marlboro. The man retorted, "my name is Robert Russell and I am the Vice Principal. By the time I finish my coffee and smoke, if you are not in that office, you may find another school to attend." I dropped my smoke in the coffee and jogged to the office. The man with Bob was Bob Grossen the Attendance Officer. From that time on I had the utmost respect for Mr. Russell. When he called my name I jogged to wherever he was and stood until he relayed what he wanted of me. I returned to Shasta County in 1989. I wanted to see Mr. Russell whom I had not seen for ten years. He would come to my softball games. I had added 40 lbs. to my 5'6" frame. I was too ashamed to face him. Now I regret that. One day Mr. Russell sent Bob Fink to my office for assistance. Bob introduced himself and said, "the way Bob Russell described you, I thought you would be taller and more muscular." My chest swelled and at that moment I thought I was 6' tall. I held Robert Russell in the very highest respect. So sorry that my pride prevented me from visiting him. I lost one of the best friends I had ever had.
Mary Snow
March 8, 2011
Uncle "Beep-Beep", you were a wonderful man. I didn't get to know you as well as I would have liked to, considering the distance between us, but I thought about you and Aunt Pat all the time. I will never forget the times we spent together, though there weren't that many. Listening to you play piano, sitting on your front porch, talking, or out in your beautiful back yard by the pool that was always too cold for me to go swimming, or even just calling every year on your anniversary just to say "hi". I will never forget you or those wonderful memories we made. You were an inspiration and a guiding force to so many, but you will always be my "Beep-Beep".
Love always,
Mary
Jim McShane
January 28, 2011
Layne,
So sorry to hear about your father. As it happened, I was taking another old friend down to S.F. for some follow up cancer treatment on that Monday.
Without a doubt, Bob Russell was the best administrator I ever worked with, and it was simply because everything he did was for the benefit of kids.
I will never forget the first day I worked at Pioneer. He had missed a couple of meetings we had set to help get me started (I was hired in late October.) The 1st morning of school I showed up about an hour early and went into his office and said "Bob, what am I going to do? I'm not prepared at all!" He simply asked "You know how to teach
don't you?" I said yes. He asked "You like kids don't you?" I said yes. He said "No problem then, you'll be fine."
As long as I kept that in mind, that kids were the priority, I knew all would be OK.
He was truly a great teacher of teachers and kids. A life well lived! We all should be so lucky.
Jim McShane
Jim McShane
January 28, 2011
Layne,
So sorry to hear about your father. As it happened, I was taking another old friend
down to S.F. for some follow up cancer treatment on that Monday.
Without a doubt, Bob Russell was the best administrator I ever worked with, and it
was simply because everything he did was for the benefit of kids. I will never forget
the first day I worked at Pioneer. He had missed a couple of meetings we had set
to help get me started (I was hired in late October.) The 1st morning of school I
showed up about an hour early and went into his office and said "Bob, what am I
going to do? I'm not prepared at all!" He simply asked "You know how to teach
don't you?" I said yes. He asked "You like kids don't you?" I said yes. He said
"No problem then, you'll be fine."
As long as I kept that in mind, that kids were the priority, I knew all would be OK.
He was truly a great teacher of teachers and kids. A life well lived! We all should
be so lucky.
January 21, 2011
Leslye & Pat: Just got word of Bob's passing and wanted you to know that all of us from his "Portola Tiger" days share in your loss. It was my privilege to have Bob as my football, basketball and baseball coach in our senior year at PHS (1949-50).
We remained good friends over the many years since those early days.
Be comforted in knowing that Bob lived a long, happy and influencial life and had a positive influence on so many young lives.
Ray Donnenwirth - Portola
John Perkins
January 18, 2011
Coach Russell had a unique and impressive way of working with students and faculty alike...his leadership at EHS was an extraordinary boon to those that had an opportunity to witness it... Bob set the bar high for every student and expected them to achieve their goals. He was an inspiration to thousands...his influence lives on with those fortunate ones that shared time with him. My deepest sympathy to Pat and the rest of your family.
Jacqueline Welles
January 5, 2011
Layne, I did not know your father, but he helped you become you, and that is tribute enough.
Principle Bob Russell speaking at Pioneer High School commencement, 1981, his final year at Pioneer.
Leslye Russell
January 5, 2011
Leslye Russell
January 5, 2011
Thank you so much to everyone for your beautiful, heartfelt words. Each word, warm thought, and memory is appreciated by all of Bob's family. I hope his life will continue to inspire and energize those whose hearts he has touched.
Coach Bob Russell, Enterprise - Shasta football game, 1964.
Leslye Russell
January 5, 2011
Kathy Robison
January 2, 2011
Robert F. Russell "Bob", I have so many good memories back on Deerfield Ave! You and Pat were my "other" parents, and when I lost my dad, you stepped right in, and helped me through some rough times. You were so much to so many people, and one respected man. Thank you for caring, loving, teaching and guiding me in the most important years of my life. I often think about the game nights, you playing the piano and singing, watching football, eating dinners, relaxing in your BEAUTIFUL backyard, and the list goes on and on. Oh and lets not forget your golden tan, from time spent working in your yard. I feel privileged to have been close to you and your family, and you will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything, most importantly for being "you". I will truly miss you and I thank god for being a part of your family for all those important years. Pat, Robert, Rick and Leslie, you are in my prayers during this time of sadness. My love to you all. Kathy Simo Robison
marie
January 1, 2011
Robert will be missed as both a great neighbor and friend
Rest my friend
Marie Cikuth
Jack Beale
January 1, 2011
I will miss our talks on the phone, most of all I will miss
talking to about the good old days. I can still hear your P38
bussing the coke plant and the football field at Shasta
High when Ron Farley was coach.Love You Bob.
Kiki & Eddie Strong
January 1, 2011
Jan.1,2011
I'm so sorry to hear of your passing.My Sister Yvonne(Thetford)Oliver called to tell us.You were an inspiration to her and my whole family.Our deepest condolences to your family.I also went to EHS class of 68.
Heaven is a much better place now as are my Mom & Dad who are waiting for him.God bless you all.
Lucy Brown
December 31, 2010
Bob and Grandpa Russell to our family,
You were a wonderful father to my husband from a very young age and will forever be grateful for the impact you had on his life, mine and our 5 children. You loved and inriched all of our lives over the many years! Oh how you will be missed by all of us! Most importantly you loved mom and shared many happy years together! Heaven is truly blessed as so many are rejoicing on the reunion you are having at this time! I am sure the garden you are planting will be a very beautiful one as we were so blessed with our many happy memories spent in your beautiful back yard! Oh how we love you Bob!! You will be missed!
Lucy Brown and Robert Brown family
Melanie Morgan
December 31, 2010
It was a pleasure to know you the last 17 years that I groomed your dogs,every two weeks. You and Pat have become more than just customers. I will miss you.
Gerd Poppinga
December 31, 2010
Robert "Bob" Russell was an extraordinary man whom I am privileged to know. He was a walking encyclopedia with a wealth of useful information. I loved hearing his life stories and learned so much from him. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to the family and friends that are grieving at this time. Bob will always be with us as I know he would want us to continue being strong and live life to its fullest. God Bless.
December 30, 2010
Coach I was sad to hear of your passing on Christmas day. Fifty years ago you were my Varsity Football Coach. Some days it seems like it was yesterday. A lot of games and a lot of memories have come flooding back of those years. Rest in peace coach. Mike Liddell EHS 61
December 29, 2010
Coach Russell, thank you for teaching me important values in life. It was a joy being around you, it showed in your piano playing and in your teaching. May God bless your family this Christmas and always. Jackie Allen '61'.
Duane Deacon
December 29, 2010
Coach Russel taught me team and self discipline; traits not learned in a book and ones that stayed with me and contributed greatly to my success in my 27 year military career and later in the corporate world. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Duane Deacon, Class of '61.
Dellie MacFarlane
December 29, 2010
Coach Russell was my first counselor at EHS and even after many years still called me the "girl from the hills". A great man indeed. Dellie Dennis MacFarlane EHS '61'.
Deb (Baker) O'Neil
December 29, 2010
Dearest Bob-- You were a funny, funny guy and I absolutely adored that about you! You knew 90% of all the jokes in the world (and then I told you the other 10%)You were always in great humor and that is a priceless gift, to make people laugh and smile. I will never forget you Bob Russell!!!
December 28, 2010
A life well lived and loved by all. Coach was a big influence on my life and will be sorely missed. Ken Slevin EHS'64
John Reynolds
December 28, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 28, 2010
I was Bob's barber for many years and considered him a friend--Loved hearing stories of his past-Upbeat and wonderful pleasant personality I will always have fond memories of him- Prayers are with you dear Pat
December 28, 2010
Coach Bob, You have obviously influenced many lives in a respectful and positive way. My condolences to Leslie and the rest of the family. Heaven is so much richer now. Norm Johanson
December 28, 2010
Gods Speed Coach.... It's been over 50 years, but there are those who make a difference...Dick Curren... Enterprise HS '61
Don Snow
December 28, 2010
An inspiration, a positive influence who
impacted so many lives. You will always
be in my heart.
Don Mangrum
December 28, 2010
You were more than a Coach and more than a Friend to me. Your counsel and concern kept a wayward kid from ending up behind bars. I owe a good part of my 44 yrs. of marriage and lengthy career to your time and energy on my behalf. For being a great "dad" you will always be in my heart and thoughts. Missing you.
"Masher"
December 28, 2010
Mr. Russell, I hope that they are ready for physical activity in heaven, because I know that you will be leading them in jumping jacks. I never played football for you, but I always admired your ability to get the most out of all of us in our PE Classes. RIP JoAnn Payne (Mason) Class of '61
Donna-Rae Standley
December 28, 2010
It's been 50 years but I remember a smiling coach who always had a pleasant word for a female athelete at Enterprise High. The boys thought he was a very good coach and respected him. He lived his life well and he will be remembered.
Pat LaPointe
December 28, 2010
Bob
You were a good coach and thanks for helping me through PE all those years.
December 28, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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