Obituary of Russell Dee Wilburn

Russell Dee Wilburn lived, laughed, and loved for 86 years until cancer beat his fighting spirit on January 10, 2021. He died peacefully at home in Portland, OR surrounded by his son, Terry Wilburn and three daughters; Lisa Pyles,( Robert Pyles) Caroline Armon, and Kristy Karsten (William Karsten ). Russ is survived by his four siblings; Ronald Wilburn, Marlis Driscoll, Sue Abel, and Randall Wilburn; two daughters Diane Patterson and Elizabeth Reed; 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; longtime companion Betty Gleason, and extended family. Russ was born in Lincoln Nebraska, the son of Ronald and Bernice Wilburn. He grew up in Minneapolis, MN and served in the Korean War. Russ celebrated 43 years of marriage to Susan Watt, before her passing in 2000, after the family from Richfield, MN to Portland, OR in 1968. Russ was an award-winning real estate broker for over 50 years. He loved his work and retired at the age of 84. He enjoyed fishing, duck hunting, relocating squirrels out of his back yard that ate all the birdseed, baseball games, beautiful women, bargains and discounts, and traveling all over the world. Ozzie, his childhood nickname, lit up every room he walked into. He took a genuine interest in each person he met and shared many stories of his incredible memories with wit and optimism. He was very intelligent, forthright, and generous. Russ was truly unforgettable to all who knew him. Russ deeply loved his family and they came first. He instilled his outgoing, caring, can do anything attitude and adventurous spirit in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A gift to have known and loved, he will be greatly missed. A celebration of life with military funeral honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery, at a future date to be announced.