Gordon Russell “Russ” McAllister, age 76, passed away December 7, 2020 in Glendora, Calif. He was born February 5, 1944 in Covina, California to Gordon Norris McAllister and Margaret Lucile Hartshorn Johnson McAllister. When he was a small child his parents moved back to Kanab were he grew up. He graduated from Kanab High School in 1962 where he excelled in basketball, field and track, and other sports.
Russell married Elaine Wright on February 15, 1964. They moved to California where he worked and became a Journeyman Plumber.
Hunting and fishing were Russell’s favorite past times. He always looked forward to the Utah deer hunt. His boss knew that in October he would be on vacation, roaming the hills of Utah.
Russell is survived by his wife of 56 years Elaine McAllister; children Brenda (Frank) Esqueda, Alan (Desiree) McAllister, and Julie (Mher) Zone; sister Mary Ann Swapp; sister-in-law Joyce Johnson; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers.
Burial will be in the Kanab Utah Cemetery under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary. A recording of the graveside is posted below.
Elaine, Brenda, and family, my deepest condolences to you all. May the great memories of fun times and the unity of friends and family help carry you through these difficult times
Your friend, Vicky Bertirotti.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Russ was an awesome man. I’ll never forget his laugh. I’ll never forget all the memories we made on Allen St. Praying for all of you at this difficult time. Xoxo
No words can express our deepest sadness in losing our long time friend and neighbor of over 50 years. We shared a lot of joy while in Glendora on
No words can express the sorrow that we feel in losing our dear friend of over 50 plus years. When we were are Allen Street there were so many good times and poker games, Russ will surely be missed. Love and Prays to Elaine and family.
Dear Elaine and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on behalf of our family. We are so truly saddened about Russ. We will never forget the summer of 1977. That was the year we met and were welcomed into the neighborhood. It was a good year. We made lifelong friends. Russ, Dennis, Roger, and Richie created a bond. On a whim they created a New Years Day card game. We will never forget how excited Russ got. He was like a kid in a candy store. You and Russ would come over and prepare the card table on New Years Eve for The New Years Day game. And that’s how we began our own New Years Eve celebration. Even after we moved the tradition kept on going..
When we heard about Russ it was like a bolt of lightning struck us. He was a truly exceptional human being and a true friend. He will be missed.
This quote was written by: Rosemary Nelson
“ Precious memories are treasures that cannot be stolen “
What a beautiful service. My heart aches with all of yours. Russ was such a funny sweet and loving man. When he smiled it was contagious and hugs so tight. Even though I was little on Allen Ave, I remember that street being family even after the years we had left. I looked forward to New Years and seeing all of the dads when I woke up as they played their marathon poker game. I am praying for your family during this devastating time, and praying that the memories of him always stay vivid in your heart. Love Gloria, Chris, Christopher, Julia and Kristina Jimenez 💙
Dear Elaine and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on behalf of us and the whole family. We are truly saddened about Russ.
We will never forget the summer of 1977. It was a good year. We made life long friends with our new neighbors around us.. Russ , Dennis, Roger, and Richie created a bond. They all had one thing in common, cards. They created a New Years Day card game which lasted many many years.
We will never forget Russ and how excited he got the night before every New Years Day card game. He was like a kid in a candy store. You guys always came over on New Years Eve to set up before the game. And that’s how we began our own New Years Eve celebration. Even after we moved the tradition kept on going.
When we heard about Russ it was like a bolt of lightning struck us. He was a truly exceptional human being and a good friend. He will be missed more than you’ll ever know.
This quote was written by: Rosemary Nelson
“Precious memories are treasures that cannot be stolen”
He will forever be in our hearts.
What an amazing tribute to a great man. Growing up on Allen Ave., we all had great memories of the dads. They’d all come out and watch us play baseball, football, and Over-the-Line. The street for sure exemplified FAMILY. I can still see Russ driving his truck down the street after a long day at work or hanging out with the dads drinking “a cold one”. We never had to worry about plumbing problems because we all knew a great Plumber. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. I’m so thankful that my son and I got to visit with Russ and Elaine in September. I got to see his Raiders Man Cave and listen to his stories. You could see his eyes light up when he talked about his Raiders. Rest in Peace Russ, you will be missed.