Leland Russell Shultz

"When tomorrow starts without me, and I am not here to see, if the sun should rise and find your eyes, filled with tears for me, I wish so much you would not cry, the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you loved me, as much as I loved you, and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too! When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart." -Author Unknown

Leland Russell Shultz, age 90, of Las Vegas, Nevada fell asleep in Jesus, on Monday, May 22, 2023.

Leland was born December 16, 1932 in Shanghai China, to Seventh - day Adventist missionary’s parents. Leland lived a full and often exciting life growing up traveling to far countries during uncertain times. Leland’s family escaped the communist invasion of China early in his life in a harrowing manner; Leland recounts stories where God’s hand was very obvious as the family of seven, many very young children, escaped communists by flying onto dirt runways in dense jungles, then facing machine guns at military checkpoints. Because of these experiences he never once doubted his God was watching over him. Leland's parents continued to serve the Seventh-Day Adventist church both abroad and in the United States for the rest of Leland’s boyhood. Leland, the middle son of five children, continued to hear the calling of their Lord and all of Leland’s siblings served either at home or abroad throughout their lives.

Living from Massachusetts to California, Leland’s family noted he had a restless soul and at a very young age left home to make his mark on the world. First state-side and later as a missionary with his family.

Leland lived in Shanghai, Tibet, Hong Kong, Hawaii and Washington state; later with his family they lived in California, Ghana West Africa, Washington DC, Maryland, Bandung-Indonesia, Wisconsin, and finally in Las Vegas.

Both Leland and his daughters attended the Seventh Day Adventist boarding school Far Eastern Academy. Leland in Shanghai and Hong Kong and much later his daughters attended the school in its final location of Singapore.

His daughters noted that as they grew up they moved locations every 2-4 years – making the world their home instead of just one place. Because of his restless nature, his daughters saw places others only read about or visit via the internet. While it was hard being away from family and having no “home base” they know they experienced the world in a way most never will have and have friends from their early years all over the world.

As a young man, Leland served in the United States Army during the Korean war. Being a conscientious objector, due to his religious beliefs as a Seventh Day Adventist all his life, he was assigned and performed driving services for base commanders; serving last at Fort Lewis, Washington. He relayed to his daughters that he faced disbelief regarding his vegetarian lifestyle and his Sabbath beliefs but felt the Lord had his hand on him during his military conscription.

Leland’s other jobs & careers included dairy worker, field hand, bee keeper, fresh fruit delivery driver, gas service attendant, printing press operator (Pacific Publishing Press), publishing house manager (Ghana, West Africa), circulation manager (Java, Indonesia), nursing home administrator (20 years), and after retirement he continued to work as a security guard for local hospital’s in Las Vegas.

Leland never retired, choosing to serve his God and man until shortly before his death by volunteering on various church committees, hosting Bible studies in his home (until 6 weeks before his death), and caring for, and ministering to, several aging relatives/friends in Las Vegas

Leland is pre-deceased by four wives; Joyce Kincaid Shultz, Carolyn Olson Shultz, Regina Lilly Shultz, and Maude Woo Shultz.

Leland’s siblings all preceded him in death; James Jr., Warren, Betty Dalton, and Marvin.

Leland is survived by his daughters Sandra Haskins and Suzanne Shultz; 5 Grandchildren Travis Haskins, Andrew Haskins, Jonathan Haskins, Zachery Myers, and Kyleigh Potter; 5 Great-grandchildren, three cousins Gerry Shultz of Nevada, Leslie Shultz Sr. of Wisconsin, and Charles Shultz of Tennessee plus numerous nieces and nephews – children of his siblings and all remembering their “favorite” Uncle Leland!

Leland loved life and marveled at his advanced age. He outlived all his male relatives in the two generation before him, age-wise, and his siblings. He concurred that God had a purpose in his longevity and worked hard to fulfill God’s missions for him until his death. He insisted on driving until shortly after turning 90 so he could participate in God’s missives; much to his daughters chagrin. Leland continued to volunteer at his church – the Paradise SDA Church – up to a few weeks before his death. He gave Bible studies in his home, drove folks to and from church, and offered church members home cooked Sabbath meals – relying heavily on his daughter Suzanne to perform those tasks in his final years.

Although he felt he still had God's tasks to complete upon his death; family and friends bid him farewell as his duties were well and faithfully done until the end! Rest easy, Leland (Dad), until your reward in Heaven, when God will say “well done my good and faithful servant,” as he greets you upon His return.

A visitation for Leland will be held Friday, June 23, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Palm Eastern Mortuary, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123.

A Celebration of Leland's Life will be held at the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church, Sunday, June 25, 11:00 am. Followed by potluck. Service can be livestreamed on the Paradise SDA Church Youtube or Facebook channels search for Paradise SDA Church Las Vegas; or copy and paste link https://www.youtube.com/@paradisesdachurch2102 choose "Live" stream will start when service starts.

A graveside service will occur Monday, June 26, 2023, at 10:00 am at Palm Eastern Cemetery, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123.

Please join us at any, or all, of the events celebrating Leland's life well lived

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Shultz family. Or copy/paste https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/las-vegas-nv/leland-shultz-11300348

SPECIAL THANKS TO HARBOR HOSPICE TEAM for their dedicated service to Leland in his final days!

ADDITIONAL SPECIAL THANKS TO Margie Antonio & Her CAREGIVING TEAM at HARTWELL SENIOR LIVING! This team cared for Leland as a honored senior or a special family member!

Without the support of these two wonderful resources plus church friends of both Leland and Suzie, Leland's final days would have been less comfortable!

A Life Well Lived

A life well lived is a precious gift, of hope and strength and grace, from someone who has made our world a brighter, better place. It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears, with friendships formed and good times shared, and laughter through the years. A life well lived is a legacy, of joy and pride and pleasure, a living, lasting memory our grateful heart’s will treasure. -Author Unknown