Russell Edwin Spencer

Russell Edwin Spencer passed away suddenly on March 23, 2019 at the age of 58.  He had been a beloved member of the Santa Barbara community for many years.  Russ grew up in Fremont, attended Ohlone College and graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  He then moved to Santa Barbara to begin his career. 

His first job was editor of the Goleta Sun.  He moved on to The Weekly, News and Review, Independent, and finally the Santa Barbara News Press where he wrote a daily art and entertainment column using the byline Edwin Lee.  He did work for the Santa Barbara Art Museum, the Santa Barbara Film Festival and Pacifica College.  He also did many freelance projects either about art or interesting people.  His priority was quality work; he once quit a magazine job for not being allowed to write up to his high standards.

He ultimately created his own company, Bison Films, where he wrote and produced films which pulled the viewer right into his vision of a spiritual and artistic world.  His work was both inspirational and uplifting.  He created documentaries that highlighted the amazing people that inhabit our world.

He had a large circle of close friends; all of whom cared for him deeply.  He would never cease in giving wonderful support for them, no questions asked.  Everyone remarked at what an amazing person he was.  He was an avid surfer and very dedicated to caring for the environment.  Issues of climate change concerned him greatly.  This also tied into his spirituality, which extended from Christianity to Buddhism to Native American mysticism.  He felt the Spiritual and physical world were interconnected on a very fundamental level.

Russ was very young at heart and charismatic, his appearance never betraying his true age.  His soft manner and easy good looks always made him a hit at any social gathering.  This aided him in the interview process for his documentaries.

His favorite surf spot was Ledbetter Beach where he could put his board in the waves and enjoy the power of the sea.  He continued to surf until his mid fifties when he decided to slow down a little.

Russell will be deeply missed by his mother, Sonya Spencer of Calistoga, his brother Glenn and his many friends and family.  He is predeceased by his father, Edwin and his brother Paul.

A Celebration of his life will be held at Hendry’s Beach April 14 at 10 am.