Life Tributes for the week of 9/25/18

Russell (Russ) T. Leslie

It’s hard to be filled with sorrow when you are overwhelmed with gratitude.

Russell (Russ) T. Leslie, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away from this life on Sept. 13, 2018 at the age of 81. He was born on Dec. 24, 1936 in Redding, California to Marie Aberg Leslie and Wayne Claude Leslie. During WWII, his father was in the Army and they lived several places where he was stationed. After the war, the family moved to Redding, California.

He lived many places in Redding, but most notable to him was the “Leslie’s Hope So”. It was the family mine owned by the Leslie brothers. During WWII, it was said some gold was pulled from it before it went dry. He graduated from Shasta Union High School in 1954. After high school he served in the National Guard from 1954 to 1957, then served the United States Army from 1957 to 1959.

In 1962 he married Judy Lee Aikens. They had three children, Nick, Keith and Kevin. Judy preceded him in death in 1981. In 1982 he married Susan Gail Kostick and embraced her two daughters, Darcy and Dawn, as his own. Susan preceded him in death in 2001. He met DeeAnn Hunter-Clark in 2003 and they married in 2010. She survives him at their home in Longview, Washington.

After the Army, he started a career as a log truck driver and eventually owned his own logging truck and went into business for himself from 1966 to 1976. He also worked for the California Highway Patrol as a motor vehicle specialist, drove truck for several businesses and retired from the California Correctional Center in Susanville after 14 years as a maintenance mechanic. Russ never really retired. He continued to work long into his 70s, mostly as a truck driver, which he loved.

Russ was a volunteer fireman for the Susanville Fire Department for 10 years. He loved the camaraderie and life-long friends he made there. He also drove water truck for the California Department of Forestry and helped fight many fires.

He had many hobbies. He was an avid fisherman. He had many fond memories of bass fishing on his boat, including many bass tournaments. He loved time spent with family and friends on Eagle Lake hoping to catch an Eagle Lake Trout. He always said, “the worst day fishing is better than the best day at work.” He was an accomplished bow hunter and worked as an elk hunting guide in Colorado for several years. He raced motorcycles and owned many motorcycles throughout his lifetime. One of his favorite things to do was to “hit the road” with his life-long friends, Phil and Shirley Frisbee. He also raced dwarf cars and loved to water ski.

Russ was a true “Jack Of All Trades” and could build or fix anything. He always had a project in the works. He was a wonderful provider and worked hard most of his life to provide for his family.

He is survived by his wife, DeeAnn Leslie; his sons, Nick Leslie, Keith Leslie and Kevin, (Julie) Leslie; a brother, Dave Leslie (Karen) his stepdaughters, Dawn (Mike) Tinney, Darcy (Paul) Salinas, Heather (Brian) Dean; grandchildren, Kayla, Jordan, Justin, Jarrett and Kaden; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many good friends who were like family to him.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 at the Gospel Tabernacle Church in Susanville.

A potluck social will follow immediately after the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susanville Volunteer Fire Department 1505 Main St. Susanville, CA. 96130.

Vernon George Main

Vernon George Main passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 5, 2018, surrounded by family and love.
He was born in Susanville, California to Vaughn and Lottie Main and grew up in Doyle.

Vern worked for Fish and Game in construction and then spent 33 years with the federal government in Sacramento and Sierra Army Depots. Then worked part time at Long Valley Charter School in Doyle.

His greatest joys were his daughters, Marie (Mark) Jeselink, of Rocklin, Linda (Andrew) Marks, of Yuba City, Jaime (Joe) Johnson, of Harold]; Stepson Matt (Laura) Ball, of Citrus Heights; and nine grandchildren and his dogs.

He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting, spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, of 27 years, Peggy; his daughters; stepson; grandchildren; and numerous relatives. At his request there will be no service but a private scattering of ashes at a later time.

A life enjoyed and well lived, Vernon G. Main Jan. 26, 1944-Sept. 5, 2018.