Erika Beatrice Makino, aged 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Redwood Valley, California on Feb. 7, 2025. The cause was respiratory failure. She was an adventurous person, fascinated by other cultures, languages and perspectives. A quiet woman with a strong spirit, she always followed her own path. Erika was born on July 24, […]
North Coast Journal Staff
Posted inLifelines
Daren Salter
Daren Michael Salter, a beloved husband, father, brother, son and teacher, passed away on Feb. 5, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, after a courageous battle with neuroendocrine cancer. Born on Aug. 18, 1976, in French Camp, California, Daren was a man who lived his life with a vibrant passion for education, music, and sports. A graduate […]
Posted inLifelines
James ‘Jimmy’ Bernard Friel
James (Jimmy) Bernard Friel died at home in the arms of his beloved wife, best friend and life partner Lela McKee Friel, on Feb. 1, 2025. His death came 16 months after being diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer. Jimmy was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He studied at Pennsylvania State College and Tyler School […]
Posted inLifelines
Iris Elizabeth Canter
Iris Elizabeth Canter, born on July 24, 2015, passed away on Jan. 25, 2025, at the tender age of nine. A bright, shining star, Iris brought boundless life and love to all who knew her. She was the cherished daughter of Adam and Ana Canter and the beloved sister of Azalea. Iris was deeply loved […]
Posted inLifelines
Harmony Noel Sellers
Harmony passed after surgery and an extensive hospital stay, shortly after her release. Harmony was very multi-talented, acting in several high school plays, directing and acting in her mother’s Western film. She managed a deli in the San Luis Obispo airport and completed some college. She started her own business twice with partner and father […]
Posted inLifelines
Jane Young DeHaan
Jane Young DeHaan, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2025, at the age of 85 in Chico, California. As we mourn her loss, we celebrate her extraordinary life and the immeasurable impact she had on her family, friends and community. Jane is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, […]
Posted inLifelines
William Shane Hill
With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our beloved son William Shane Hill. Born on Aug. 21, 1970. A little star was born. Who was taken from us too soon on Dec. 4, 2024. He brought immeasurable joy and light into our lives with his kind heart and great smile and endless love. […]
Posted inLetters + Opinion
‘Ought to be Criminal’
Editor: Regarding Thadeus Greenson’s coverage of the St. Joseph abortion case (“Judge Takes St. Joseph Abortion Case Under Submission,” Feb. 20), it seems to me that it is a mistake to call a hospital a “religious hospital” unless it is dispensing religion. Any physician feeling his or her soul is endangered could call in another […]
Posted inLetters + Opinion
‘Transit Funding is Essential’
Editor: Dear Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, relevant decision-makers and concerned community members: This letter is in support of using Measure O funding for transit and related services, per the measure language/agreement (Mailbox, Feb. 27). There is the unfortunate misconception by some that a robust transit system would not be useful for Humboldt County. This […]
Posted inArts + Scene
An Ode to Nature
Murmurations of wild birds Create poetry in the sky All become one And my joyful tears cry An ode to nature Babies and puppies and kittens too New life, new hopes, new dreams I’m inspired by the continuity of life And I scream An ode to nature Gardens grow providing food to eat From tiny […]
Posted inLifelines
Jerry Comfort
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 […]
Posted inLifelines
David Dale Karr: 1957-2025
David Dale Karr, beloved Dad, PaPa, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and friend to many, peacefully left on his final journey from his long-time McKinleyville home on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. The youngest of four children born to Robert and Mary Karr, he entered life on Nov. 12, 1957, at Trinity Hospital in Arcata and was a […]