Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Russell Pace Obituary
Russ was born in Westville OK, on March 1, 1932. He won a full mathematical college scholarship and declined it to join the Air Force and move to Alaska in 1952. The Air Force would not extend his rotation in Alaska so he left the military because of his love for this beautiful state.
As a young man, he started out with nothing and ended up being a driving force in the business and entertainment industry, starting the popular country western bar The Pines on Tudor Road before Tudor was even paved. In addition to the ownership of The Pines Club, he also was the successful business owner of The Breeze Inn in Seward, Soldotna Bunkhouse, and the Yellow Rose restaurant in Anchorage. He also worked 15 years for FEMA including 2 tours during Hurricane Katrina. In his final years, he was a successful business owner at Pace Real Estate along side with his wife, Julie Pace.
Russ and Julie met in 1988 and shared a rare and beautiful love for each other that we all wish for. Family was always important with Russ. Julie, his children and grandchildren were very important in his life... as well as his beloved Rottweilers. His generosity towards friends & family was a life standard for him and he contributed heavily to many charities. Russ exuded a quiet strength... he was not a talker, he was a do-er. He loved a down and dirty pinochle game, racing fast cars and racing his snowmachine from Anchorage to Fairbanks He was the first known person to have been towed on waterskis by a float plane at Big Lake! He also loved flying small planes around the state but "forgot" to get his pilot license.
Russ and his wife were very hospitable to any visiting friends, family and anyone in need and the only payment he asked for was a good sense of humor and tolerance for over-friendly Rotts!
Russ is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Julie Pace of Anchorage; brother Larry Pace of Anchorage; daughters Paula Brault and Debbie Larsh of Anchorage, Max Cutler and several loved children and grandchildren of the lower 48.
Memorial Service will be on Tuesday, Nov 1, at 2:00pm. Service is located at Christ Community Church at 100th and Victor.
Rest in Peace Russ. You were loved by many.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Pace
Scott Stephens
February 3, 2022
Russ (via Nancy Lee) employed me as a singer with his namesake band, the Pacesetters. I'm grateful to them for a wonderful experience of three years in the beautiful state of Alaska. Russ was one of a kind and a true pioneer. It wouldn't be a stretch to call his Pines Club "legendary."
Kim Horacek
November 2, 2011
Kim and Kelli Pace would like to express our heartfelt condolences to Julie and loved ones and all our lovely sisters.
I (Kim) had the opportunity to connect with Russ when I was 24. It was healing for me to meet Russ as we were able to share our "stories". He touched my life with his gentle spirit and openness. I was truly thankful to have met him.
Over the next several years, I was able to visit Russ and Julie in their home and was excited to introduce Russ to his grandson, Jaeden who looks so much like him. Kelli also had the opportunity to meet Russ and was thankful for the experience. We were also able to meet many of our half sisters and feel our lives have been enriched to get to know each one.
Although we have not been in touch for several years, I will always cherish my time with Russ and am thankful to have known him.
~God Bless,
Kimberly Pace Horacek and Kelli Pace Sample
October 31, 2011
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time, Julie..We go back a few years and so happpy you were able to enjoy a beautiful life with Russ. May God bless you during your time of sorrow. Kay Strickland (Anderson) Wasilla, Ak
Jacqueline & Rustee Pace
October 31, 2011
Rustee and Jacqueline send our love to our Dad, Russ, all his loved ones, and the rest of our half sisters.
Dad made a lot of babies; one boy and tons of girls – every one of them beautiful. He wasn't always good at keeping in touch with us but we know in his heart that he loved us all.
Before settling down and making a life with Julie, he had nearly two decades of marriage with our Mom, Jeri. He adopted Jeri's four children from a previous marriage; Lori, Joneen, Vicki (Eve) and Tammy (Tamara). Jacqueline and Rustee then came along and we were all raised together in our Alaska home on North Salem Drive until they divorced when we were age 15 and 7.
Much of our life revolved around the bustling business of The Pines Club and satellite businesses owed and developed by mom and dad. Dad had a great ear for music. Though he was shy, he had a lovely singing voice and he passed his love of song onto many of his children.
Dad did love to race. They called him ‘Race Pace'. We grew up with a slew of his trophies in our home. He loved to travel. We enjoyed touring trips across the United States in his deluxe motor home, stopping to view and photograph every odd-ball museum and amusement, and taking in the splendor of the Prince William Sound in his Bayliner at Valdez.
We remember him as being gentle and quiet and enjoying simple pleasures.
We've found out about the memorial with late notice and regret we won't be able to fly to Alaska but we plan to have a small, private version of our own here in California. We have a few wonderful photos of Russ from early years that we'd be delighted to share with any of our half-sisters. Just email us: [email protected] & [email protected] . We love photos, so if you have any you'd like to share, we'd love to see.
Many Blessings and Happy, Peaceful Wishes to our Dad.
Fuzzy Sprinkle
October 31, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 31, 2011
Condolences again to Tamara Pace,Jacqueline Pace, and Rusty Pace...beautiful daughters and great friends of mine....Rest in Peace Mr Pace
October 31, 2011
Dear Julie,
My heart pours out to you in this difficult time. I've always admired Russ for his quiet strength, humility, generosity, and wonderful sense of humor. We've all lost a great man.
Love ya, Steph
David Dickinson
October 30, 2011
I met Russ and Julie through my soul mate Shirley in the late 90's. Russ was a wonderful man and a great friend. I consider myself blessed to have been able to call such a nice human being, Friend. His life touched so many and all will miss him.
Waltraud Barron
October 30, 2011
Dear Julie, I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of Russ. Please accept my condolences.
Waltraud
Sheri Long
October 30, 2011
"The first trampoline I had ever seen or jumped on was at the Pace home in the 70s'. Before that even, my family had started working with and being friends with Russ and his family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.
October 28, 2011
Julie:
My sympathies. Hope you and family are OK.
From your friend of years ago, Ray Metcalfe
Jay Page
October 28, 2011
Russ Pace - a classic Alaskan. He was a mover that made this town. I was a young man and came from Kodiak to build the pipeline as a laborer in the day. I have great memories of the Pines Club "before Tudor was paved." I won't go into the details. Thank you Russ for your lifelong contribution to make Alaska what it is. We are a better state for your considerable contributions. Rest in peace.
Diane Cowell
October 28, 2011
I'm sorry to hear of your loss,Russ will be missed.
I remember having plenty of wonderful memories from the old "Pines Club".Met my husband there,in early '70's.Diane Helton Cowell
Rozanne Timbes
October 28, 2011
You gave me a job when I was short on cash. You showed me that being honorable was a positive attribute. I doubt you ever knew a stranger. I'm proud to have known you all those years ago. Enjoy your snow machine rides on the clouds.
Sherri Black
October 28, 2011
Kim and Kelly ("loved daughters in the lower 48"), Sorry for your loss.
Melvin Parrish
October 28, 2011
To the Pace Family
I am sadden to hear of the loss of a fellow Rotarian. We had many talks awhile back of all that he was involved with,especially Fema he enjoyed so much doing. Then went down memory lane of the good ole Pines Club that many of us Alaskans enjoyed,had alot of good laughs. He will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with all of his family during their loss. God Bless. Mel Parrish
Cathy Cunningham
October 28, 2011
So sorry to hear about Russ; he was a very dear person. While living in Anchorage, one of my favorite places to go and dance was The Pines Club. My condolences to his family and friends.
Gloria Brace
October 28, 2011
To my Dear Friend Julie...I was honored to be one of the friends who was always welcome in your home. I witnessed the love between you two and it was amazing. Russ will always hold a special place in my heart as will you. God Bless you and keep you thru this journey.
October 28, 2011
Thanks Rus for all the racing memories. Great sponsor and friend. May your trip from here have a good ride that you can "Stand On It". wmg.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in Russell Pace's name
Memorial Events
for Russell Pace
How to support Russell's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Russell Pace's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
