In loving remembrance, the family of Russell John DeLanders announces his passing after years of health issues on Thursday, August 14th, 2018, at the age of 72 years. A Celebration of life memorial service will be held at Rogers Mortuary on Saturday September 1st 2018 at 11 AM.
Russell John DeLanders, son to the late Jack Almond Delanders and Patricia Cosmo Peterson was born May 19, 1946 at Glendale California Hospital and was raised in Burbank California. Russ graduated from John Burroughs High School in Burbank in 1965 and achieved his ASE master technician certification in both American and foreign cars. Throughout his professional career, Russ continued to achieve many specialty certifications, excelling in German and Swedish automobiles which led him to become part of an elite Volvo group called the “Master Mechanic Specialists” in 1985. Professionally, he was the owner of multiple businesses, Vegas Truck & Automotive being the last. Whether engineered, carved or painted, Russ was creative, intuitive and excellent with his hands.
Russell is survived by his first wife Deanne, 2nd wife Joanne and son Christopher Zaccardi, 3rd wife Caroline, 4th wife Dana and 5th wife Barbara. His sibling and family includes, his older Brother Richard and wife Sheila DeLanders and nephew Dale and Jackie DeLanders. In 1974 Russ began his longest relationship with wife Caroline Lee, and took in her two children, Christian and Chrishna Lee as his own. The couple had two more biological children, Madonna and Jonathan DeLanders. Nathaniel Lee, Natasha Flores and Hannah Lee were also added to this robust family. At this time he has 12 grandchildren; Nicholas Newman, Jadon, Raquelle and Audrey Martinez (children of Madonna DeLanders), Isaiah Lee (son of Chrishna Walker) Christian Joshua, Faith, Trinity and Ezekiel Lee (children of Christian & Brandy Lee) Marlee Flores (daughter of Natasha Flores), River and Carter Moyers (children of Hannah Lee and Lane Moyers).
Russ was a multi-talented artisan, a skilled wood craftsman and a master mechanic. He enjoyed science fiction (his favorite was the original Star Trek), animals like his horse, talking birds, a cat and most of all, many years of various dog companions. His love and passion in life was being on the ocean or any vessel that floated upon water , where he could cast a line to catch fish for dinner. As a boy, Russ grew up spending many weekends with his family on their boat and his dad taught him to skipper at age 10. In 1980, his dream of owning a yacht came true when he moved his family of 6 onto the “Majuro”, a 42 foot Chris-Craft yacht that he repaired mechanically as well as visually.
He was a real cowboy with boots and a hat who loved riding his horse, Fancy. He sometimes disappeared for a few hours riding through the local country trails as a way of escaping the stresses of life. In 1987, Russ relocated to Las Vegas, New Mexico, where he continued his passion for wood crafting and designed custom southwestern furniture. For three years he coached the all-star AYSO soccer league for his daughter and step children Rebecca and Toby Konno. In 2002 his boat won the championship for the Southwest Drag Boat Association by winning the season opener and the Jamin June race. In his later years Russ struggled with many health conditions. Thankfully, his loving daughter Madonna and Grandson Nicholas Newman was by his side. They continually provided assisted care until he went to heaven to be with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen