Russell Wesley Collins of Bayside, California passed away too soon and unexpectedly March 8, 2017 in Ukiah at 48 years old. He was born in North Hollywood to Kelley Colleen Collins and Russell Basset Gates III on May 3, 1968. Russell was raised in San Francisco by his mother and stepfather E. Michael Helldoerfer and moved with them when they bought a small farm in Sebastopol in the early 1980s. He attended Santa Rosa Junior College to study automotive engineering.

Russell worked as an electrical apprentice, drywall installer, roofer and helped run his parents two businesses, Helldoerfer Hauling and Jacoby’s Collectibles and Antiques. He moved to Humboldt County at the same time as his parents in 1992 to be closer to his sister’s family. Russell ran his own thrift store in Arcata before deciding to try life on the road. He worked for many years for Butler Amusements traveling all around the country. After returning to Humboldt County he went to trucking school and hit the road again doing long distance hauling putting over 2 million miles on two semis. He spent hours on the phone while waiting for loads talking with his sister about everything under the sun, but his true passions were the San Francisco Giants and politics. He loved to listen to right-wing radio and then rant about it for hours. He was adamant that everyone vote (preferably Democrat, he would joke) and keep our country “By the people, for the people.”

Russell returned after much cajoling by his empty nester brother-in-law and sister to live on their property. Russell had many skills which he showcased in the apartment he helped build for himself, beautiful woodshed, and finally his dream woodworking shop. He was in the midst of building all the cabinetry for his tools and had many plans he made with his brother-in-law for the future.

After his apartment was built he went back to driving, taking a job with Eureka Truck Lines and worked for them until his death.

Russell was a devoted uncle to his nephews and niece and their families, determined to spoil them all in his quiet way and be the #1 Uncle. He could figure out how to build or repair anything and had the skills to teach it in a way you could understand once he mastered it. We will all miss his grumpy face in the morning, his infectious laughter, his sarcasm, his wit, and most of all his wisdom, talent and knowledge.

Russell was preceded in death by his mother Kelley, stepfather Michael, father Russell Gates, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

He is survived by his sister, Kimberley C. Roscoe, her husband James Roscoe, their children Catherine Roscoe (Lauren) of Tacoma, Wash., Daniel Roscoe and his daughter, great niece Elanora of Arcata, Michael Roscoe (Christany Poggio) of Union City, Mathew Roscoe of Los Angeles, and numerous Roscoe relatives and friends he made over his short lifetime.

Russell was a very private man and the family has decided there will not be a service. His ashes will be scattered this summer at his favorite place in the world by his sister and her family.

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The obituary above was submitted by Russell Collins’ family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.