Russell Alfred LaPine

Russell Alfred LaPine, “Russ”, age 89, of Plattsburgh died April 9, 2021 at the CVPH Medical Center due to natural causes. Russell was born at the old Elizabethtown Community Hospital in Elizabethtown, N.Y. on April 21, 1931. Russell was the son of Theodore and Dorothy (Cross) LaPine.
Russell Graduated from the Westport Central School in 1949, a graduating class of ten, one of or the smallest classes to graduate from Westport. Russ and the school Principal, Prof Connors, had a visit nearly every day, sometimes social, sometimes not so social. Upon graduation Russell went to work for the Dock and Coal in Westport and a year later enlisted in the United States Air Force, exactly one day before he was to be drafted into the US Army. Russ served in the Air Force from 1950-1953.
During his long life Russell worked for many years at the Dock and Coal, Consolidated Rock in California and driving tank trucks for Mobil Oil until his retirement. Driving truck was his home away from home, he loved every minute he was behind the wheel of a truck. He remembered every truck he drove, every route he took and nearly every person he met along the way.
Russell was a member of the Westport Federated Church, Sisco Masonic Lodge, American Legion Post 20, and a past member of the Westport Fire and Emergency Squad. He loved to snowmobile, and upon his retirement, pond fishing and some good old fashion ice fishing. He was an avid hunter and looked forward to fall so that he and Joyce could stay at their camper on Lake shore Road in Westport and make coffee and breakfast for his hunting buddies before they went on their day long hunts.
Russell is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joyce (Sherman). Russ and Joyce were married on November 19, 1966 in the Westport Federated Church. Russ is also survived by two children from a previous marriage; son Steven (Denise) LaPine of Plattsburgh, daughter Debbie (Jim) Borks of Grants Pass Oregon. Grandchildren, Heather (Chris) Jock, Shannon LaPine, Gary (Rachael) Borks, and Casey (Sean) Dinman, several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and his brother Ernie (Alta) LaPine.
Russell was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Harold (Nancy) LaPine.
Due to Covid and the families wishes there will be no formal calling hours or funeral service. A graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations may be made to the North Country Honor Flight, P.O. Box 2644, Plattsburgh, New York 12901. Russell and his son Steven were privileged to go on an Honor Flight together, an experience that was like no other, a father and son bonding that will be cherished forever.