Longtime Homer resident, Mr. Russell L. Grainger died Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, due to Aspiration at his home in Homer, Alaska.

He was born in Stockton, California on January 19, 1943. At 10 years old, in 1953, his family moved to the Territory of Alaska. He attended Denali grade school, Central Jr. High & Anchorage High School, class of 1961.

In 1961, he joined the US Navy, a family tradition. He toured Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Okinawa & Saigon, Viet Nam aboard the USS Currituck AV-7, a Seaplane Tender. He loved his 4-year Navy experiences. After returning to Alaska, he met his wife, Linda, in Kenai in 1966 before he started working for Amoco on the Cook Inlet platforms. They made their home in Anchorage. Russ was a member of the Alaska Motorcycle Racing Association Club.

In 1974, after the Pipeline influx hit Anchorage, he, his wife & son moved to Homer. He resided 14 miles out unpaved East End Road, in an A frame for 51 years. In his 33-year career with Amoco, he drilled oil & gaswells in Alaska, California,Wyoming, Utah, Louisiana, The Netherlands, Egypt, Scotland, UK & Trinidad & Tobago. He retired April 1999, after Amoco/BP merged.

He was preceded in death, mother, Shirley Irene Bowe 1945, 6 stepmothers, father, Paul Lyle Grainger 2005, brother, James Lee Grainger & David Manson, both Viet Nam veterans.

He is survived by the love of his life over 58 years, Linda. His son, Mark (Shannon) who grew up in Homer, now residing in Austin, Texas, surviving Manson families of (Sparks, Nevada). 2 sistersin- laws, Cathy Wood Kitchen, (Grants Pass, OR) Rosanna Vondra, Mother-in law, Carol Vondra (both of Fairbanks), 14 nieces & nephews & many close cousins.

Russ was a member of the Homer Elks & American Legion. He loved traveling the world & Hawaii. He loved motorcycles, snow machining & camping. He loved everyone & always wore a smile. He was a very happy, funny guy. His gentle spirit, kind heart & humor will be missed by family, friends & neighbors. He was a devoted husband, father & gavewonderful Healing Dad Hugs to anyone. A celebration of life will be announced later in the Spring of 2026.

Arrangements made by Homer Funeral Home & Crematory.