Leland ‘Lee’ Russell

September 17, 1933 - January 31, 2021

OCEANSIDE — On Sunday, January 31, 2021, Leland Russell, Loving Husband, Dad, Gramps, passed away peacefully at home. He was 87 years old.

Lee was born in Riverside, September 17, 1933, the second of three sons to John Francis and Evelyn May (Searl) Russell. He married the Love of his life, Jacqueline, August 13, 1960 and has two daughters Laura and Lisa.

Lee’s early life included being a farm boy on the family farm/poultry business. He excelled at 4H, Boy Scouts and Demolay. Lee graduated in 1951 from Colton Union High School, and then entered San Bernardino Valley College earning his AA in June of 1953.

Lee immediately left for Army basic training at Camp Roberts, CA and then shipped out to the Seventh Army Headquarters near Stuttgart, Germany where he served for 2 years.

Upon completion of his military service, Lee entered U.C. Riverside in fall of 1955 and graduated with a BA in Social Sciences in 1957. He then proceeded to San Jose State University for the next 2 years where he received a secondary teaching credential and an MA in the Social Sciences. German and English were his teaching minors.

Lee began his career in 1959 at Barstow High School where he taught World History, English and Civics and served as a part-time English teacher at Barstow College. Lee would then become the Librarian at the newest high school in Barstow. Over the next 5 years Lee created a library considered by the State Dept. Of Education to be “exemplary.”

Also, in 1959, Jackie, originally from Kansas, started her teaching career in Barstow where they would eventually meet and marry on August 13, 1960. Their two daughters were born in Barstow. Both Lee & Jackie were active in school and teacher association activities, making time to be instrumental in the founding of the Mojave River Valley Museum.

In 1969, Lee was hired by Miracosta College to serve as college librarian. Over the next 26 years,

until his retirement in 1995 as Dean, Learning Resources, Lee helped in the expansion and services offered by MCC that live on.

Lee and Jackie have been active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside, both serving as elders and in numerous other capacities. Lee’s other passion was El Camino Rotary where he was past president among many other accolades and had perfect attendance in his 47 years in the group.

Lee also assisted with many local organizations such as the YMCA, Friends of the Oceanside Public Library and the Tri City Hospital’s Ostomy Group. Lee also delivered meals to local shut ins through the Meals with Love program.

Lee enjoyed many other activities such as playing cards with the “99er’s,” making his yards look beautiful, assisting with the family tradition of making Pomegranate jelly and lunch/golf with the “Grumpies.”

Lee is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jackie. His two daughters, Laura (Michael) Mulroy and Lisa (Jill) Russell. He has two Grandsons, Sean (Ally) Mulroy and Ryan

Mulroy. He has 3 great grandchildren, numerous “adopted” children, grand/ great grandchildren, nieces, nephews. Also, his younger brother “Handsome” Harry Russell.

Lee was preceded in death by his folks, John and Evelyn Russell, brother Howard Russell and two Sister-in-laws, Marilyn and Meredith.

Lee will be missed by the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime. He was an exemplary Husband, Daddy, Gramps and Friend who is Loved beyond compare.

Lee had a very infectious smile, sense of humor and quick dry wit. Many will remember the dreaded “red” pen that he would correct their correspondences .... once a teacher, always a teacher. We will remember his “use your discretion” whenever we left the house...and that dreaded aforementioned “red” pen.

In honor of Lee, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s San Diego. The donation page can be found at alzsd.org or address 6632 Convoy Court, San Diego, CA 92111. Services will be held at Eternal Hills, Oceanside on March 13th at 10 a.m. This will be a grave side service but please wear a mask.

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