Russell W Gish
9/22/1935 – 12/26/2015
Russ’s first interest with metal detecting began in 1972 with the purchase of a Heathkit metal detector GD-48 that he ordered and had to assemble in the garage. First, he tried hunting at local schools and parks but soon found out that the machine had many limitations.
Russ looked for and found a better detector and while shopping for it, found a club in San Diego: The Gem and Treasure Hunting Association. The club’s purpose was searching for relics from San Diego’s past, not coinshooting.
In 1974, seven families from the Gem and Treasure Hunting Association split from that club and started the Coinshooters Clique of San Diego. The new club’s focus was on coin shooting and beach hunting. Russ Gish was the first president of that new club and for many years to follow as the club became known as the Coinshooters of San Diego.
Realizing that equipment for the hobby was not readily available , Russ started innovating sand scoops, electronic probes and electrolysis cleaners. He sold these items locally and by mail order nation wide and internationally.
In the late 1970’s Russ and a partner opened “House of Treasure Hunters”. The shop sold metal detectors, treasure hunting equipment and prospecting supplies in the mid 1980’s. Russ sold his portion of the business to his partner and went to work at San Diego Coin Exchange.
Eventually, he got busy with life and a new marriage so he stepped away from the club. Many years later after retirement in his 50s he renewed his interest in metal-detecting. Russ rejoined the San Diego Coinshooters, he authored three books about metal-detecting and became the president of the club again until down shortly before his passing on December 26, 2015 at the age of eighty.
The club was a driving force in his life. He spent many hours thinking and planning for the Club’s success.
He was laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery. The epitaph on his grave marker reads:
Low tide
Gone Metal
Detecting at
The Beach
