Russell Alan Shonting

Russell Alan Shonting passed away in his home on Friday October 6, 2023 with his daughters Catherine and Karen by his side. His battle with Alzheimer's Disease showed his courage facing life challenges with a smile and laughter. Despite the devastating effect this disease eventually had on his memory and physical body, he kept his sense of humor and fought hard until the end.

As a child, Russell always wanted to try something new and go to new places. When he was about 15 years old he talked his mother into taking dancing lessons with him at the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in his hometown of Columbus Ohio. He loved to dance and he loved music. Music would become a big part of his life. Russell also dreamed of going to the west coast. This dream would actually materialize because he enlisted as a Reserve in the Marine Corp. He would transition to active duty with the rank of Corporal and receive some of his training in 29 Palms and Bridgeport, CA. After leaving the Marines, he stayed in California, his dream came true.

Russell met the love of his life Clara Louise at a dance while he was in the Marine Reserves and Clara Louise was in nursing school in Ohio. Russell was an excellent dancer and caught the attention of Clara Louise immediately and vice versa. They fell in love and eventually both of them would move to California where they would share a lifetime of love of music and theater. They were so passionate about the arts in Los Angeles, they regularly contributed throughout their lifetime to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Disney Hall (where they have a plaque in The Garden) and to The Center Theater Group at the Music Center. They were blissfully married for 60 years. Together, they had 4 children, David, Catherine, Karen and Scott, 3 grandchildren, Whitney, Noah and Samantha and 6 great grandchildren, Logan, Carson, Cayden, Landon, Jeremiah Patrick and their only great granddaughter Elowyn Dawn.

Russell became a remarkable and respected Electrician in Southern California. He worked for LA County for over 40 years of which over 25 of those years Russell was one of the top Electricians for the LA County Fire Department. Russell was also a very involved member of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and held many elected positions. He fought for better working conditions, healthcare benefits and greater retirement benefits. He worked with and educated many members on how important it was to save money for their future by encouraging them to contribute to their retirement plan. Many of his fellow electricians would later thank him for this wisdom and advice as they were able to retire early and comfortably. Russell loved his job with the Fire Department. He regrettably had to retire early due to injuries incurred while on the job (including his hearing loss).

Russell will be laid to rest beside Clara Louise and David on Thursday October 19, 2023. A short service will be held at Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary in Canoga Park at 10:30am. followed by a brief graveside service at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth where Russell will be buried with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association of Southern California in Russell's name.

A visitation for Russell will be held Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM at Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary, 6909 Canoga Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303. Following the visitation will be a graveside service from 11:30 AM at Oakwood Memorial Park, 22601 Lasse St, Chatsworth, CA 91311.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gateskingsleygates.com for the Shonting family.