Russell William Gilbert

Russ was born on December 23, 1947 and was a life long resident of East San Diego County.

After graduating from El Capitan High School, Russ joined the Air Force, where he was trained as a Chinese linguist and served as an interpreter in Taiwan during the Vietnam era. Upon

leaving the Air Force, Russ returned to San Diego and attended San Diego State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Asian studies.

Russ went to work for the Daily Californian newspaper as a part time photographer. At first

he only covered East County high school sports, but he soon worked his way up to full time chief photographer. Russ was very proud of the fact that the Californian was the first newspaper in the county to cover girls’ sports. He knew that the paper would have to use the pictures if that was the only thing he shot and turned in, and he felt that girls deserved as much coverage as the boys’ teams received.

He went on to work for the San Diego Union/Evening Tribune newspaper, and was one of the

the few San Diego photographers to cover the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. While at the

Union/Tribune, he traveled to Beijing, China to record the opening of the Great Wall Hotel,

the first building collaboration between China and the West. When the Union and Tribune

papers merged, the photo staff was reduced and Russ left to work for himself.

After working for himself for about 5 years, Russ joined Home Depot where he learned kitchen design. He put that knowledge to work with Boyce Construction where his job was doing

kitchen design layouts and overseeing the installations. He spent the last 11 years his career working for Western States Wholesale Cabinets as a Kitchen and Bathroom designer,

helping people realize their dream kitchens.

Russ had lived in Lakeside with Emily (nee York), his wife of 51 years, since 1978. He is also survived by their two beloved cats, Bentley (Mr.B) and Penelope; his siblings Mary Lou Byrne

(Gary Kearney), Colleen Schlobohm (Jim), Dean Gilbert, sisters-in-law, Diane Dutcher (Paul) and Tracy Bonesteel (Ken); Good friends Bud and Dawn Locke of Arkansas; many nieces and

nephews and many wonderful friends to numerous to mention. He was preceded in death by

his parents and cherished lifelong friend Patrick Strobel.

Russ, you were such a bright light and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved you.

There will be a Celebration of Life after the first of the year.