Russell Robillard
February 25, 1931 - February 27, 2024
Obituary
Russell Roy Robillard, 93, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and Dale Earnhardt, surrounded by his loving family on February 27, 2024.
Russell was born February 25, 1931, to Henry and Irene (Kidd) Robillard in Bottineau County North Dakota. He was the oldest of 5 children and quit school in 8th grade to help support his family.
Russell and his younger brother Archie had many “adventures” throughout their lifetime. One adventure was when they rode their horses across the Canadian border to bootleg flour back to N.D. to sell.
Russell's truck driving took him to many cities and states throughout his career. He worked for Zach Brook Oil company, Cardinal Petroleum, Neighbors Drilling, Kodiak Oilfield Haulers, and Peak. After retiring from the oilfield, he hauled beets in Minnesota and around the Billings area.
On January 9th, 1954, in Glendive MT, Russell married the love of his life, Ruthy Sandy. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on January 9, 2024. During their lifetime, they resided in Westhope N.D., then to Montana where they lived in Glendive, Shelby, Miles City, Broadus and made their permanent home in Billings in 1972.
Their daughter Rochelle “Shelly” and son Russell Joseph “Joe” completed their family. Russell was also blessed with 5 grandsons, 2 granddaughters and 4 great grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his grandsons participate in many sports such as bowling, baseball, and hockey. Some of his favorite and most memorable pastimes were visiting different dirt tracks and watching racing along with seeing several Nascar races with his oldest grandson and “Best Buddy” Christopher.
He spent many hours working as a pitman on racecars, starting with his younger brother's race car in 1959. He continued to help Wade and Craig Simmons, Chris Dunn, Brad Kerrison, Justin Damm, Gary Angell, and Beau Nave (his favorite driver towards the end) on their race cars.
His mechanical abilities were admired and respected by many. Russell enjoyed spending time camping in Paradise Valley (his favorite spot) and floating the Yellowstone River. A couple of Ruthy and Russell's most memorable trips were to Nashville Tennessee, Florida, and Charlotte N.C.
Russell is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ruthy, his daughter Shelly Dunbar, and son Joe Robillard (Carol). His Grandchildren Christopher Dunbar, Matthew Dunbar (Shelby) and Taylor Dunbar, Stephanie Robillard (Kaezuan), Trey Robillard (Amber), Tyler Robillard and Nicole Robillard. His great grandchildren Sawyer and Easton Robillard, Mayvis Dunbar, and Xavier Munoz. Sisters Patty Russell, Gloria Engg (Ronnie), Carol Garlock (Willard) and numerous nieces and nephews. He will also be deeply missed by his Porter-Dog.
Those who greeted Russell at the gates of heaven were his parents, Henry and Irene Robillard, his brother Archie and his son-in-law Carl Dunbar. We picture it as a great reunion and celebration as Russell passed on his brother Archie's birthday.
Memorials may be sent to Rez Dog Rescue (4985 Blue Creek Road, Billings MT 59101) or Riverstone Hospice.
We would also like to thank the staff at Riverstone Hospice for the amazing care dad received during his final months of life.