Imperial Beach's First Lady Remembered

Phyllis Russell, known as the First Lady of Imperial Beach to family and friends, did not hold back when it came to pouring herlsef back into the community.

Brainstorming with friends at the Marina Bar Inn, an Imperial Beach bar formerly owned by the Russells that today is the IB Forum, the idea for a sandcastle competition took root. Spawned from a similar competiton witnessed in Canada, Phyllis and the sandcastle group took to launching fundraisers and promoting the idea.

31 years later, it is the largest event of the year in IB and routinely attracts more than 400,000.

"Having been a Navy wife, she had been everywhere, but when the moving stopped, she came back to Imperial Beach and said 'this is it. This is my home. I love it here.' She just loved Imperial Beach," said her daughter Vickie Wilson.

Phyllis passed away Feb. 16. She was 79-years-old.

In addition to her contribution to the Sandcastle competition, Phyllis also won the Light up IB Christmas lights competition five years in a row, worked in local real estate, was a member of the San Diego Assessment Appeals board for 15 years and the founder of the Mayor's community breakfast.

Loved ones and friends gathered on the lawn of the Russell home Monday evening to remember Phyllis, with a turnout as diverse as Imperial Beach itself.

"She not only gave herself to the community, but to her family, said her son Brad.

"She was very family oriented. She was the most wonderful mother in the world."

When asked of the most significant gift he'd received from his mother, Russell responded, "Unconditional love. She has given me some values I can live by today. Some integrity. I know how to respect other people." True to the point, the Russell family had a dinner planned, inviting all comers in to share a meal together.

Concerning this year's funding controversy concerning the sand castle competition, Brad Russell stated "If [Phyllis] was still here, she would be fighting to make sure that we did find a sponsor, that we get it done."

Though gone from this world, Phyllis was able to give one final heartfelt investment to the people of Imperial Beach - her philosophy, as told by her son.

"If you always give, you'll always have," he said.

Phyllis is survived by sister Wilma McQuade, her brother-in-law Bill McQuade, her daughter Pam Lipscomb and son-in-law Ron Lipscomb, her daughter Vickie Wilson, son Brad Russell, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Robert Moreno contributed to this report.