Russell Preston Hastings

Russell Preston Hastings
San Francisco - Russell Preston Hastings, age 77, passed away on January 24, 2021 at home in his beloved San Francisco, CA. Born on October 23rd, 1943 in Salisbury, MD, he was the son of the late Norwood and Gay Hastings and was also predeceased by his stepmother, Claudia Hastings, a stepbrother, Gayle Dorman, and his grandparents along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins. A 1961 graduate of Wicomico High School, he was active in the class play, ran track, was an honor student and, according to his yearbook, was "remembered for his vivid imagination". A schoolmate describes him as being a "wonderful dancer", particularly of the jitterbug. Awarded a scholarship by Senator Mary Nock, he attended Washington College but opted to leave to return home before graduating, later enlisting in the US Army where he was stationed in Germany. Upon completing his service in April 1970, he boldly drove cross country and settled in San Francisco where he worked as a clerk, retiring from Delta Dental in 2006.

Russell once loved playing both bridge and tennis, and enjoyed music, movies, and chatting endlessly with anyone, including perfect strangers. Possessing a bright mind and sharp wit, he was a uniquely unique character and always did things in his own incomparable way until the very end. We picture him, head thrown back and smile on his face, belting out Sinatra's "I Did It My Way". A nephew opined, "It seems it is the rarest birds that are the hardest to lose." Indeed! He is survived by his sisters, Lucy Miles (Jack Jones), Ursula Hastings Przylepa (John) of Salisbury, and LaVonne Dorman Carey (Ron) of Edgecomb, Maine, an aunt, Retta Zimmerman of Dover, Delaware and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his devoted friend, Christine Carey of Daly City, California to whom his family is grateful. Also appreciated is the kindness of his neighbors who left floral tributes at his apartment door upon learning of his death. Per Russell's wishes, after cremation his cremains will be sent to Salisbury where a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in his memory (which he would have loved) to the SPCA or the American Cancer Society.