Phillip Russell
MISSOULA — Air Force Memorials: Remembering the life, death and legacy of Phillip Russell.
It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our beloved father, Phillip Russell, of Paradise, who passed away Saturday, May 14, 2016, at St. Patrick’s Hospital. Phil was born at Scotia Hospital in Humboldt County on March 19, 1954. He was the son of the late Milton Russell and Merry Russell.
Phil enlisted into the US Air Force shortly after graduating high school in Red Bluff, California. Part of his service time was spent at the NORAD, one of the top-secret bases in The Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado Springs. During this time, he met his late wife Debra Larson (Jan. 10, 1957-Oct. 4,1993) in the Peace Corps.
Phil’s daughters, Jennifer Russell and Kristen Russell, and a grandson, James De Anda, survive him. Phil’s wife of 25 years, Diana Lynne, and her daughter Corina Horstman also survive him.
To those who had the opportunity to know Phil, knew him as a legend. Dad was a kind hearted, very hard working and simple man of honor. He had a steadfast loyalty to friends and an endless dedication and love for his family. After retiring from the Plum Creek Lumber Mill in Polson, he enjoyed spending time working hard on his cabin on the Clark Fork River with a desire to retire and live peacefully off the grid. He also spent time traveling to see his mother, his eight sisters and his daughters in California. Outside of working on the cabin and traveling, he also had a passion for Harleys. As a member of the Iron Butt Association, the world’s toughest motorcycle riders dedicated to long distance motorcycle endurance riding, he would thoroughly enjoy the long soul cleansing rides on his Road King or just a day out with his friends.
As you take that final ride on the highway to heaven, we will keep you in our hearts. We love you Dad.
