In the song of life, Russell Clifford Druett was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Russell preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Russell believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Russell perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.
Russell was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 2, 1946. His parents were Peter Druett and Helen Wagner. Russell was raised in Minnesota and Illinois. As a young child, Russell was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Russell rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.
Early on in his family relationships, Russell showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He had two siblings; a sister, Marie and a brother, Kenny. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.
As he was growing up, Russell developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Growing up, Russell took part in basketball and football. However, to Russell, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.
Early on in his school years, Russell showed an interest in learning. At times, school learning did not provide Russell with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often be “lost in a book” well above his grade level. He graduated from Rich East Township High School in 1964. He enjoyed some courses more than others, his favorite class in high school was science.
Russell was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his son. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Russell was blessed with one son, Lester. He was also blessed with three grandchildren; Ashley Heide, Christopher Heide and Payton Druett.
Russell found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was in aircraft maintanance. He was self employed for 20 years. Russell tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.
Russell was a Navy veteran. He was on the Aircraft Carrier Singapore. Russell saw action in Vietnam. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Naval E4 AMS 3. Russell’s fellow soldiers saw him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.
Russell enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were car collecting, coins and antiques. Russell was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.
Russell liked sports. In high school, Russell played football and basketball. Recreational sports included basketball. Russell was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and baseball.
Throughout his life, Russell was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Russell was an active member of the Navion Association. He had a tendency to bring peace to his relationships by avoiding disagreements.
Russell’s faith was important to him. He was a member of the Church of Christ. During that time, he was a youth teacher. Russell's passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his religion, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.
Because he loved the world around him, Russell enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Russell put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. Favorite vacations included San Diego and Chicago.
Russell was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Russell’s favorites was a cat named George. They were best friends for 10 years. His family was rounded out by another cat named Buger.
When Russell’s retirement finally arrived in 2008, he was well prepared. His new life involved staying in Banning, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in antiques and car collecting. Even in retirement, Russell continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.
Russell passed away on August 24, 2010, in Banning, California as a result of an automobile accident. He is survived by his son, Lester and his wife, Jodi; his sister, Marie Lartz; his three grandchildren, Ashley Heide, Christopher Heide and Payton Druett and his ex-wife, Patsy. Services were held at 11:00 AM, Friday, September 3, 2010, at the Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Ave, Beaumont, California.
Russell was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Russell always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Russell was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Russell Clifford Druett.
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