Cloyd R. Russell, age 87, passed away Aug. 3, 2019, at his home in Erda, Utah, due to complications from pneumonia. He was born Sept. 24, 1931, in St. John, Utah, to Geneva Remington Russell and Cloyd Ellis (Jim) Russell.
Cloyd attended Tooele High School and after graduation enlisted in the Air Force on Jan. 4, 1951, as an airman first class. He was trained as an aircraft mechanic for the B-26. He was stationed in Japan and was one of the first groups to be sent into Korea. He was promoted to flight engineer and flew many missions around Korea, Japan and surrounding islands. After his honorable discharge, he returned home to begin mink ranching with his dad.
Cloyd married Janice Lila Nordquist and together they ran the R- Ranch, raising a variety of livestock, including mink and cattle. Janice passed away Nov. 13, 2003.
Cloyd’s other passion was horses and he rode on many adventures including hunting, trail rides, and rounding up wild horses. He was an accomplished team roper, competing in rodeos and jack pots. His favorite horse, Buck, was his buddy for 27 years and the last horse he rode.
Cloyd was well known for his “Cloydisms,” his colorful way of seeing people and the world. The majority can’t be shared here but we remember them fondly.
Cloyd is survived by his sister, Beverly; brother, Harvey; children, Melanie, Bret (Tawna), Brian (Michelle), Tunie Boswell (Richard); companion, Nancy Madill; and a herd of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by wife, Janice; father, Jim; and mother, Geneva.
A celebration of life will be held at the family home in Erda on Aug. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m., 90 W. Church Road. Our sincere thanks to Rocky Mountain Hospice for providing support and comfort to our dad and family during his final days. We would prefer donations to hospice in lieu of flowers.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at daltonhoopes.com