1939 – 2019
Russ favored green, but the life of this remarkable man is a portrait in full color!
Russell Vernon Salisbury was born in Great Falls on July 26, 1939 to Ralph and Verneva (Lewis) Salisbury. On February 10, 2019, he died refusing to follow the doctors’ orders, being stubborn and coloring outside the lines for nearly eight decades. Russ met death as he lived; on his own terms along the banks of the Missouri River in the golden fields of Floweree that captivated him.
As a certified organic farmer and rancher, Russ was a pioneer in the field and a champion for the Earth way before “being green” was cool. Countless individuals and organizations turned to Russ for his progressive thinking, proven techniques, guidance and generous support. For many, it was Russ who came along with a “Hatful of Peas”.
Russ’ true color was bold! A manly man, he delighted in wearing his favorite color purple for impact. He had the courage and strength to live out the extreme beliefs and ideals that others only talk about. His commitment to his word was his deeds. “Hard work and honesty are the only two things that matter in this life”.
Russ knew the value of even the most worn down, used up crayons in the bottom of the box. He collected things others considered useless envisioning a way they could be reused, repurposed or remade; the Kaiser car converted into a shop truck for Russ’ service station, the corral constructed out of old vehicles, the converted school bus hauling cattle down the highway with their heads hanging out the windows and so much more!
Russ scribbled brightly wide and long. The master mechanic with an artistic flare was practical yet eccentric, complex yet simple, thrifty yet generous. He struggled to express what was on his mind and in his heart, but his hands and feet spoke loudly. His strong, dirt and grease stained hands designed whimsical metal sculptures, made every machine “go”, and easily tossed 55-gallon drums. Those same hands held on ever so lightly as his fancy feet glided effortlessly and famously across the dance floor. Ladies stood in line for a twirl with Russ!
Beneath the surface of all that Russ planted in his life lays a deeply rooted, vibrantly colored legacy. Russ is survived by the land which was the love of his life; wife, Elsie Tuss; brother, Kirby (Tina) Salisbury of Belize, Central America; sons, Shane (Ann) Salisbury of Billings and Todd Salisbury of Carter; grandchildren, Damon Salisbury of Casper, WY, Cory Salisbury of Mesa, AZ, Castle and Sophia Salisbury of Billings; niece, Christie Juarez; nephew, Scott Salisbury and a varied assortment of other colorful characters.
Russ requested no service. We honor his request but cannot deny our loss and wish to remember Russ. We welcome your condolences, thoughts and memories. Please, send them to 717 Agate Avenue, Billings, MT 59105.
Dr. Seuss said it best, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
