Bob Russell

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.