Russell Clay Ruiz was born Aug. 13, 1955 in Santa Barbara. He went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Aug. 17, 2026. Russell leaves behind his beloved wife Diane of 26 years.

Russell was a ninth generation Santa Barbaran, and was a devout historian with a history degree from UCSB.

He thoroughly enjoyed his rich Santa Barbara history and culture. This prompted him to give tours at the old Mission, El Presidio State Park, and Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

He also participated in Old Spanish Days Fiesta, as well as many parades. Russell was a descendent of the founders of Santa Barbara Presidio.

He spent four years on the USS Bluefish nuclear submarine, and was stationed at many places during his Naval service, one being Norfolk, Virginia.

Russell received many service medals including the Navy expeditionary medal, C Service deployment ribbon, Meritorious Unit Accommodation, and the First Good Conduct Award. Russell left the Navy in 1981 with an honorable discharge.

Russell was a man of many talents. He played the violin, bugle base, and revolutionary drum for the Presidio, and performed at numerous other parades.

Russell and Diane started their own reenactment group for Fiesta parades, as well as Christmas and Veterans Day. They were called The Spanish Colonial Pioneers and won numerous awards.

Russell also performed Civil War reenactments, acted and sang in many plays, and sang in several church choirs.

Russell had a gift for the gab and was quite witty, as well as a gifted storyteller. He was also quite talented as an impressionist of presidents.

He had a love for Early California dancing in Fiesta, Alpine German dancing, and performed at Danish Days. This shows he truly had a deep love of all cultures.

A military graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 at Santa Barbara Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 at Oaks Bible Church, 400 Puente Drive, Santa Barbara.