Coy Loren Russell Jr

Coy L. “Buz” Russell, Jr.

12/20/1937 - 12/30/2023

Coy Jr. was born in Petaluma, CA to Coy Sr., and Vera Russell (Klemenok) . Although sandwiched between sisters Adele and Darlene, he took his brotherly duties seriously and with the protective outlook of a big brother. They grew up in Los Angeles and Redwood City, CA.

As a very young boy, his uncles loved to fly their balsa wood airplanes in the Petaluma farm countryside. Upon seeing young Coy holding up an airplane painted black, up on the roof of the barn, one said “there’s the black buzzard” creating an enduring nickname, shortened to “Buz”.

After graduating high school in 1955 he attended UC Berkeley for three years.  He joined a fraternity, Theta Delta Chi, making lifelong friends.  He met Karen Johnson, taking her out on his Vespa for their first date. (Karen claims he was an hour late)  Buz and Karen married in 1961,  a union that lasted over 62 years. Daughters Stephanie Lauren  and Kimberley Anne joined in ‘62 and ‘64, creating a family he was proud of his entire life.

Coy was a proud veteran of the US Coast Guard serving on a buoy tender out of Alameda, CA.

He loved construction and it became his lifes’ work in many variations from construction in high school to real estate inspection and finally specializing in hospital inspections.  His work took his family from Oakland to Seattle WA, Hillsboro OR, Anchorage AK and finally Applegate CA to be closer to extended family.

Coy was especially proud of following in his father’s footsteps, serving on the Board of the Reno Gospel Mission in Nevada. Together, father and son formed a legacy of service.

Buz shared a love of outdoors, animals and travel with his family that he lovingly passed on to his grandchildren as well.

Predeceased by parents Coy Sr. and Vera Klemenok, and sister Darlene Russell.  Survived by his sister Adele Rose, wife Karen of 62 years, daughter Stephanie Russell (Craig Adams) of Sonora, CA, grandchildren Sean and Lauren Adams, and daughter Kimberley Russell of Concord, CA,

Memorial services will be held at Orchard Creek Lodge, Del Webb Sun City, Lincoln, 965  Orchard Creek Lane, Friday, January 19th, 2024  from 11am to 1pm.  Burial will commence afterward at New Auburn Cemetery, 1040 Collins Dr, Auburn,  at 1:30 pm.

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If possible, please RSVP to [email protected] .

Contributions may be made in Coy's name to: Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission, 2115 Timber Way, Reno, NV 89512