Russell Lee Clow

Russell Lee ClowJune 4, 1946–November 3, 2026

Russell Lee Clow, 80, passed away at home in Willits, California on November 3, 2026, with his family and dogs following a brief illness.

Born on June 4, 1946, in Ukiah, California, to Jack and Katherine Clow of Philo. Russell came from a family whose roots in Anderson Valley stretched back to the 1870s. The Clow name has long been part of the valley’s history, with generations of family connections to the land and community.

Growing up in the Valley, Russell spent his childhood fishing the Navarro River, exploring the surrounding hills and countryside, and working in the family’s grocery and Ace Hardware store. Those early years fostered a strong work ethic, an independent spirit and a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Russell built a career as an electrical lineman, a profession he truly loved and took great pride in. His work carried him throughout Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, including Portland and Astoria, Oregon and many years with the City of Healdsburg.

Some of his most memorable work was along the rugged Pacific coastline, where helicopters helped set power poles in remote and challenging terrain for Pacific Power and Light and PG&E. Russell loved climbing poles and working high above the landscape, often surrounded by spectacular views of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. It was demanding, adventurous work, and he appreciated both the skill it required and the extraordinary places it took him.

When he wasn’t working, Russell was happiest outdoors, especially on the water. An avid fisherman, he loved the Navarro River of his childhood, the mighty Columbia River and the waters off Bodega Bay. He took great pleasure in life’s simple traditions, from cutting firewood to smoking his freshly caught fish. An accomplished water-skier, Russell was just as comfortable gliding across the water as he was carving down the snowy slopes of Lake Tahoe. And no trip to Tahoe was complete without sneaking away to the casinos at Stateline for a game of craps. Whether fishing a favorite river, working outdoors, or chasing his next adventure, Russell found joy in the freedom of the outdoors and the simple pleasures of a life well lived.

He was also a devoted San Francisco 49ers fan since childhood and a loyal San Francisco Giants fan, following his favorite teams through the highs and lows of many seasons.

Russell is survived by his longtime partner, Brenda Yee; his mother, Katherine Clow; his brother, Larry Clow; and his sister, Jackie Kirkland (Steve). He also leaves behind his three children, Jennifer Silverstein (Jay), Todd Russell Clow (Veronica), and Stephanie Domenichelli (Steve); and his five grandchildren, Jacob LeBrett, Michael LeBrett, Itzel Clow, Ava Domenichelli, and Addison Domenichelli.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Clow and brother Richard D. Clow.

From the rivers and redwoods of Anderson Valley to the towering power poles overlooking the Pacific coastline, Russell’s life was closely connected to the outdoors and the work he loved. His memory lives on through his family, the stories they share, and the generations of Clow family history.