Russell Eldon Kellogg

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Russell Eldon Kellogg. He had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. Russell was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Russell was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around him. His sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made him a wonderful friend for all who knew him.

From the time he was born on July 18, 1928, Russell showed a deep concern for others. He was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Russell came into this world in Pontiac, Michigan. His parents were Pearl (Ellis) and Eldon Kellogg. Russell was raised in Michigan and Toledo, Ohio.

Because fellowship was so important to him, Russell promoted harmony with his siblings. He was raised with four siblings. He had three sisters, Marvella, Claudia and Gwen and one brother Raymond. Russell was something of the family diplomat. He helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

As a young boy, Russell interacted well with other children. He was helpful. He was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Russell had a number of interests in his youth. He was an active child. In his spare time he liked his dog and airplanes.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Russell was considered by many to be a high achiever. He graduated from Macomber High School in 1946. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers. His favorite classes in high school were art and music.

Russell's talents in writing proved to be an asset for him during his college years. He excelled in classes, even in some subjects that didn’t particularly interest him. Russell became known to his peers as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of courses, especially those in Liberal Arts which allowed him to build on his remarkable retention of general knowledge. He earned his degree from Los Angeles Trade Tech College. He also pursued graduate school, earning his A A in Fine/Commercial Art. His favorite courses were all art classes.

Russell was romantic, even poetic at times. He was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show his emotions without going overboard about it. On June 1, 1947 Russell exchanged wedding vows with Rosemary Emma Aubry in the church rectory in Toledo, Ohio.

All who knew him would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Russell was able to bond with his children. While he could be a firm disciplinarian, he could also fill the role of being a collaborator with his kids. Russell was always a mentor who helped his family reach its full potential. Russell was blessed with three children, three daughters, Claudia, Diane and Mary.

Russell projected a subtle but positive influence in his workplace. He was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and he worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While his colleagues did not view him as a high-spirited type, Russell was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for his ideas. Russell could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. He possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. He was an innovator who worked well independently, and he enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. His primary occupation was fine/commercial art. He was employed for 10+ years by Rex Franklin Co. And 45+ years self employed.

Russell was an Air Force veteran. He was in the peacetime service from 1950 to 1955 in Anchorage, Alaska. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Russell was comfortable showing his creative spirit. He enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Russell took on a new project, he saw it through to its completion. His favorite pursuits were classical music, airplane models and train models. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Because Russell was a person who enjoyed helping, teaching and working with others, he was a perfect fit for many types of organizations. His ability to encourage others, energize the group and his ability to solve all sorts of problems made him a desirable member of a wide variety of organizations. Throughout his later years, Russell was an active member of the church bowling league.

Russell was a man with clear convictions and high principles, and his faith was important to him. He was an inspiration to many people who recognized his sense of commitment and esteem for others. He was a member of St. Louis of France Catholic Church 1955-1971 and Sacred Heart Catholic Church since 1971. During that time, he occasionally worked as an usher when asked.

Russell was a well-respected man who was charitable in every way. He would contribute without hesitation for the benefit of others. As a result, Russell received many accolades for varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Cleo Award (like an Oscar) for designing character for Clairol Shampoo in late 1960's-early 1970's.

Russell possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced his travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included Hearst Castle, Queen Mary, visits to relatives in Toledo, Ohio and wife's in Houston, Texas.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Russell accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in around 2004/ soft retirement/art work slowly stopped, and Russell was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in not having to run around so much - more time with family and collections.

Russell passed away on August 4, 2011 at Inter Community Hospital in Covina, California. He is survived by his wife Rosemary, his daughters Claudia, Diane and Mary, his brother Raymond and Sister Gwen. Services were held at Custer Christiansen Chapel in Covina, California. Russell was laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.

Though he could be a private person at times, Russell was always able and willing to give of himself. He was so in tune with others that he often seemed able to read their minds. Russell carried with him an almost mystical sense of life. He was a person who was highly original in his thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of his life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Russell Eldon Kellogg shared himself freely and family and friends will remember Russell for the strength of his convictions.