Daniel William Russell (a.k.a. Boone or Gadget Dan) was born December 11, 1942, in San Diego, CA, to Dr. John and Dorothy Russell. He was the youngest of six children. Boone grew up in Mission Hills where his childhood adventures included playing in the canyon, building a trolley zip line, and riding his bike through the neighborhood. His sister, Mary, recalls a present Boone received as a child-a coonskin hat (the kind the explorer Daniel Boone wore). He used to wear it everywhere, even to bed, and that’s how his nickname came about.
Boone attended school at St.Vincent’s, St. Augustine’s and graduated from San Diego High School. He spent the summer working at the San Diego Zoo before joining the US Army in 1961, where he served three years in Germany. He came back home reciting some German phrases and acquiring a taste for Bavarian pretzels and a good German beer.
In 1968, he began his career as a firefighter, serving the San Diego community for 27 years. During this time, he met Laurie at the San Diego Downtown Library where they spent date nights studying for his firefighters exams. Boone and Laurie later married and raised two daughters, Denise and Sara.
Boone’s service to his community and country continued throughout his life. He served as the President of the Hillcrest-Mission Hills Improvement Association, was active on the “Move Lindbergh Field” campaign, and even ran for Mayor in 1983. He didn’t win the election, but that allowed him time to pursue other interests, which included his boomerang business, photography, learning to design and play the didgeridoo, hikes up Cowles Mountain, and his numerous road trips visiting special friends along the way. One memorable family trip he took with the grandkids was to the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, AZ, where they re-lived the gun-slinging days of the past.
In his later years, Boone could be seen along Interstate 8, State Route 52, and Highway 94, where he picked up the roadside litter every day. He estimated he picked up over 120,000 pounds of litter and always left the area “pristine.” The San Diego community gave him yet another nickname, “The Highway Hero.”
Boone was also part of the Campo Minutemen and was relentless in his efforts to have a safe, secure border for our country. While in Campo, he enjoyed his weekly lunches, Bingo games, and holiday festivities with friends at the Campo Community Center.
On February 27, 2022, Boone (age 79) passed peacefully in his home after a seven year battle with terminal cancer. Boone is survived by his wife, Laurie of 50+ years, daughter Denise and son-in-law Brian, daughter Sara and son-in-law Jay, and four grandchildren, Mia, Thomas, Ruby, and Liam.
Boone had a knack for keeping in touch with those he loved. We miss his daily calls and texts (personalized with emojis), where he shared everything from pictures of his meals to his amateur detective work (only “The Shadow” knows) to political commentary.
Boone, you touched the lives of many people and are missed every day. Your spirit and memory lives on. We love you.
There will be a “Celebration of Life” service on April 3, 2022, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Mission Hills Park/Pioneer Park, 1521 Washington Place, SD 92103
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your favorite charity or taking a walk and picking up litter in your neighborhood.
Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Mar. 12, 2022.
