It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Neal Dean Ewald, age 70, on April 30, 2026, in Trinidad, California.
Born on May 20, 1955, in Santa Cruz, California, Neal lived each day with a spirit that was both gentle and vibrant, leaving a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Neal had a remarkable way of making ordinary moments extraordinary — whether through a shared laugh, a thoughtful gesture, or the quiet strength he offered in times of need.
He was a graduate of Soquel High School, Class of 1973, earned a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from the University of California, Berkeley in 1978, and later received his Master of Business Administration from Humboldt State University in 1990.
Originally from Santa Cruz County, Neal moved to Arcata in 1978 to begin his distinguished career in forestry before settling in Trinidad, California, where he met his wife and started a family. His 45-year career in forestry encompassed every aspect of timber harvesting and management, culminating in his retirement in 2022 as Chief Operating Officer of Green Diamond Resource Company.
Neal dedicated much of his life to his profession, where his integrity, leadership, and dedication inspired those around him. Beyond his deep love for the forest and his many professional accomplishments, he found great joy in the ocean, becoming a certified diver and traveling the world with his family to premier diving destinations. These passions were more than hobbies; they were reflections of his adventurous spirit, generosity, and profound appreciation for life.
Family was at the heart of everything Neal did. He cherished being a father and, most recently, a grandfather. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by his son and daughter-in-law, Zachary and Emily (Tomchak) Ewald, and grandson Liam Ewald of Shoreline, Washington; his daughter and son-in-law, Annie (Ewald) Cappon and Kevin Cappon, and granddaughter Quinn Cappon of Santa Barbara, California; his sister and brother-in-law, Jo Ann (Ewald) and Jon Allen of Santa Cruz, California; and his long-time companion Polly Endert of Trinidad, California; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nephews, and countless friends who became family. Each carries treasured memories of shared adventures, quiet moments, and unconditional love.
Neal was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wendy Steinkamp Ewald, with whom he is now reunited in peace.
A memorial gathering will be held on June 20, 2026, at 2:00 in the afternoon at the Trinidad Town Hall, where stories will be shared, tears and laughter will mingle, and the beauty of Neal’s life will be celebrated.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Hospice of Humboldt County, honoring the compassion and generosity that defined his life.
Though his time here feels far too brief, Neal’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who loved him, and the depth of his impact will be felt for generations to come.