April 13, 1951 – June 12, 2026

Russell was born on April 13, 1951, in El Paso, Texas, to Del Roy Taylor and Maureen McGurt. As a teenager, he moved to South Lake Tahoe, where he graduated from South Tahoe High School and spent the majority of his life.

At the age of 18, Russell proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a medic, primarily stationed in the Philippines. His military service sparked a lifelong fascination with aviation. He especially enjoyed attending the Reno Air Races, where he loved watching the Blue Angels and exploring exhibits featuring military aircraft, jets, and historic airplanes.

At the age of 20, Russell and Ann Alvarez welcomed their son, Ezra Sean Alvarez, who remained one of his greatest sources of pride and joy throughout his life.

Russell spent much of his career in the Lake Tahoe gaming industry. He began working at the Nevada Lodge on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe and built a long and successful career in gaming, ultimately spending many years at Bally’s Lake Tahoe. He took great pride in his work and formed deep friendships with his coworkers and management at Bally’s Lake Tahoe. As a highly respected high-limit dealer, Russell was known for being exceptionally smooth at the tables—one of the highest compliments a dealer can receive.

Russell is survived by his son, Ezra Sean Alvarez (Sean); his brothers, Layne, Jesse (Claudia), Mark, and Daniel; his sister, RuthAnn; his nieces, Coral (Chris) and Sarah (Craig); his great-nephew, Cusson; his stepmother, Joyce; his beloved girlfriend, Linda Cambon; and Ann Alvarez, the mother of his son, Ezra. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends whose lives were touched by his humor, friendship, kindness, and adventurous spirit.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Maureen McGurt; his father, Del Roy Taylor; and his brothers, David Allan Taylor, Sean Del Roy Taylor, and James Del Roy Taylor.

Perhaps more than anything, Russell loved sunsets. No matter where he was, he always tried to catch the sunset each day. He found peace, beauty, and gratitude in those quiet moments as the sun dipped below the horizon.

So, the next time you watch a sunset, please take a moment to say a prayer, share a memory, or simply think of Russell—a man whose life was filled with adventure, laughter, friendship, and love. Like the sunsets he cherished so deeply, his warmth and light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him.