Russell Vernon Lee Jr. passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at the age of 83, in Eureka. Russ was born April 7, 1942, in Berkeley to Russell Sr. and Carolyn Lee. He grew up in the Napa Valley and Bay Area of Northern California and had one younger sister, Karen. Russ went to several different schools, which often made him the new kid in school. The last school he attended was Calistoga High School in Calistoga. Leaving home and school at the age of 15 on a crazy adventure with a friend, Russ jumped trains across the U.S., working on a horse ranch in Colorado, operating a dump truck in Texas (until they found out he was underage), and ultimately ending up in Florida.

After his adventure, at age 17, he enlisted in the US Army and became a paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Russ spent a lot of his tour of duty in France. On March 8, 1962, while getting ready to board a C-130 for a training exercise out of Evreux Air Base, he gave up his seat to a fellow soldier, 20-year old James Waples. The plane crashed in the Ecouves forest, and all 15 occupants were killed. During a conversation with Dad in the 2012-2014 timeframe, we decided to do an online search for information about the crash. To his surprise, we found information, friends and relatives searching for answers, and a photo of a memorial that had been constructed at the crash site. James Waple’s girlfriend (at the time of the crash) was actively looking for anyone that could share more details about what happened and how James got on the plane. Russ reached out to her, they started a friendship, and she was very grateful. After his discharge in New York, he drove back home across the U.S. to California. During this trip, Russ planned several stops to collect debts. You see, while in the Army, he became somewhat of a “loan shark” helping fellow soldiers in need. Of course, payback was part of the deal, and only one guy got away without paying.

As an adult, Russ returned to school and got his GED, followed by an AA from College of the Redwoods. He worked for Beneficial Financial and Hyster Company before starting his career at Caltrans in the early 1980s as a resident engineer in construction. Many great times were spent with Dad during the summers at his home away from home, including Orick, Dos Rios, Gasquet, Phillipsville and Benbow. Later, he transferred to traffic operations so he could be home more and watch his boys’ baseball and football games. Russ retired from Caltrans in 2005 after 23 years of state service. He was a member of the Eureka Elks Lodge and Eureka Moose Lodge, where he spent many afternoons during retirement enjoying a beer and BS with fellow members.

In the early 1960’s Russ was married and had a son, Brian. In 1967, he met Joan Cunningham at a mutual friend’s house, and they were married on January 1,1970 in Carson City, Nevada. Classic bad boy meets good girl scenario. In 1974, Russ and Joan were blessed with their twin sons, Scott and Ryan. Dad loved his family very much. He was dedicated, consistent, fair, a great mentor/teacher, and a hard ass at times. He had high expectations, which likely stemmed from his early years on his own and time in the Service. Dad meant his word and stuck to it. He never forced us into anything, including sports. But, if there was something we really wanted to try or do, he would support us 110%.

Russ was an avid outdoorsman who was happiest out in the hills deer hunting or on the bay and lagoons bird hunting. He loved going hunting and fishing with his boys. He was also an incredible shot, loading his own custom ammo for years. Time spent at the Cottrell Ranch was a favorite of his. Russ was a good athlete who fell in love with golf later in life. We’re not sure how you can love something that makes you cuss like a sailor, break clubs, and nearly throw your bag in the creek, but he did. He and his boys spent a lot of time on the golf course together, and a large chunk of that time was spent with him pissed and us trying to hide and laugh without being seen. No, we had a lot of fun times too. Russ and Joan (Mom and Dad) enjoyed traveling with their RV and took several long trips around the country, including Tennessee, Texas (Big Bend National Park), and Alaska. Their Alaska trip was by far the longest, spanning nearly two months with travel through Canada, along the Alcan Highway, and to various sites and locations in Alaska.

Russ was a good man. He was very intelligent and a perfectionist. No matter the task, he would always excel. He was very good with finances and investments, much of which was self-taught. He was an incredible free-hand artist, just as his mom was an incredible painter. He was mechanically inclined and good with his hands. He could fix and build anything he chose. He was a go-to for advice, and his advice was always solid. We think Dad knew “more about more” than anyone we’ve ever known.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Lee Sr. and Carolyn McDonald; sister, Karen Chalhoub; and brother-in-law, Pat Gaskill. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joan Cunningham Lee; his twin sons, Scott Lee and Ryan Lee, and estranged son, Brian Lee, and his mother Pam; his grandsons, Braedon Lee (Mary) and Jordan Lee; and his great granddaughters, Lyla Lee-Murillo and newborn Marlowe Lee-Murillo born 3/19/26, the day after Russ passed. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, June Gaskill, and brother-in-law, Gary Cunningham (Lynn); nieces, Leanne Johnson (Jeff) and Melissa Bode (Ryan); nephews, Robbie Cunningham (Brandi) and Ron Harvey; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to sincerely thank the doctors and nurses at Providence St. Joseph Hospital for their care and compassion during this time. They also wish to express their gratitude to Ayres Family Cremation for their support and professional care.

At Russ’ request, there will not be a formal service. His family will be holding a private gathering to celebrate his life. In his memory, and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation or Hospice of Humboldt.

We miss you, Dad. The only thing that brings us peace is knowing you’re not suffering anymore. Thank you for being a hero to two little boys and all of your love, support, understanding, teaching, guidance … everything. Wherever you are, we hope you are enjoying a big pull of gin and a stogie. Until we meet again, Pop, just know you were greatly appreciated and loved by your family. Lastly, please come give Mom a hug. She misses you terribly.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Russell Lee’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.