We really never thought this day would come, and our hearts will never be the same. Jerry Comfort, one of the greatest men we’ve ever known, lived an incredible life to 96 years of age. We will miss him every day, but we are so proud to call him Dad and Grandpa.
Jerry grew up in Fortuna, the son of Doc and Dorothy Comfort. He grew up driving his dad to house calls across Southern Humboldt, helping provide medical care throughout the rural region. Jerry met the love of his life, Betty, when he pretended to need help with his homework in algebra class just to have an excuse to talk to the cute girl sitting in front of him. A star athlete, Jerry lettered in five sports at Fortuna High School, earning himself enough points that he could walk Betty to every class, even if it made him late, and still stay in good standing. The high school sweethearts were married when they were 19 and were just as in love on their 74th wedding anniversary.
Jerry attended Oregon State University on a basketball scholarship with plans to follow in his father’s footsteps as a surgeon. An injury to his hand rewrote his plans, and he returned to Humboldt and graduated from Humboldt State University with his teaching credential. He taught science at Zane Junior High in Eureka for 34 years, touching countless lives. Continuing his athletic streak, he coached tennis and basketball throughout his teaching career.
An avid photographer, hunter and fisherman, Jerry loved the outdoors and spent as much time as possible in the mountains. Throughout his life, he has ridden, walked, and driven over almost every inch of Humboldt and Trinity counties. From abalone diving in Bear Harbor to countless hunting trips at the cabin in South Fork, Jerry never ran out of stories about the North Coast. One of his favorite stories to tell was about the flood of ’64, when he flew in the choppers to help rescue cattle and people across the Eel River Valley.
Jerry loved to write poetry, from cowboy poetry about bucking broncs to anniversary poems for Betty every year. He was constantly writing down lines of poems, with some of his favorites published in different places. Even now, we are finding countless bits of poetry and wisdom written down on sticky notes throughout the house — words that we will treasure forever.
Jerry had many other interests — too many to list here. He loved spending time at and taking care of the Rocha Ranch in Hydesville, where Betty grew up. He also loved to travel, especially to Hawaii and the Caribbean. He loved to snorkel, dive, and explore, even boogie boarding at 85. Jerry was also a walking encyclopedia, and there was nothing you could ask him that he didn’t have an answer for.
Family was the most important part of his life, especially all the special times at one of his most favorite places in the world — Redway. He spent his summers at the family cabin on the Eel River since he was 5 years old, where his children and grandchildren still follow in his footsteps. One of the things he loved to do the most was to ride his four-wheeler up and down the river bar with his kids, searching for rocks and driftwood. We always got a kick out of it whenever he would find a “beauty” or a “dandy.” One of our favorite memories is how each child and grandchild would get a silver dollar the first time they could swim across the river on their own. Redway will never be the same without him, but we will remember him with every ride on the four-wheeler, every bonfire and every ping-pong game to come.
Jerry was as tough as they come, and still chopping wood at 95. We will try to follow in his footsteps and live by his example. He taught us the importance of kindness, compassion and honesty. He instilled in us a sense of wonder for the beauty that this world has to offer, and a deep appreciation for all that we have. He taught us to always do our best and to never give up. We will carry him in our hearts forever.
Jerry is preceded in death by his loving wife Betty Comfort, sister Carloyn Low, brother Phil Comfort, parents Harold and Dorothy Comfort, and son-in-law John Aveggio. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Jace and Lorraine Comfort; granddaughter Kimberly Rose and great grandson Parker Rose; grandson Jared Comfort, great grandsons Jacey Comfort and Brant Comfort, Jared’s fiancé Christina and her daughters Malorie and Jaelyn; son Bob Comfort and his wife Lisa; granddaughters Leanne and Ashley Comfort; daughter Candy Aveggio; and granddaughter Casey Aveggio; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Please join us for a celebration of life on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Monday Club, 610 Main St. in Fortuna.
We’d like to include a poem Jerry wrote for his own dad, since it expresses how we feel too.
I Held That Hand
—By Jerry Comfort
This article appears in 2025 NCJ Pet Photo Contest Winners.