Saturday, February 24, 2024
Mary Celine Guglielmina Charbonneau: 1931-2024
Posted By North Coast Journal Staff on Sat, Feb 24, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Mary Celine Guglielmina Charbonneau was born on June 9, 1931 at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, California, and passed away on Feb. 3, 2024, in Huntington Beach, California.
Mary was the daughter of Henry Guglielmina and Agnes Christen Guglielmina. Her grandparents, Anton and Josephine Guglielmina and Edward and Mary Regli Christen, immigrated from Switzerland to the Ferndale, California, area in the 1880s. Both families owned and operated dairy ranches in Grizzly Bluff, east of Ferndale.
Mary grew up in Grizzly Bluff and graduated from Ferndale High School in 1949. Following graduation from Santa Rosa Junior College in 1953, Mary was employed at the Sonoma County Department of Social Services.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Jim Ferry: 1942-2024
Posted By North Coast Journal Staff on Tue, Feb 20, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Jim was also known as the “miracle man” as he survived pancreatic cancer for six years. Jim and Penny Ferry have been residents of Ferndale since 1970 when they arrived in town with $8 in dimes, a hide of leather and a ton of wax. Shortly after their arrival, they started the Abraxas Leather Shop, and made good use of the leather and wax. Their son Guy was 2 and half when they found themselves in Ferndale where Penny interviewed for the kindergarten job, which she was denied as the then Principal thought the Ferrys were hippies!
Jim enrolled in College of the Redwoods and also drove the school bus, while Penny did substitute teaching and they both made leather goods and ran the shop until they sold it to the present owner in 1978. In 1972, Morgan was born and both she and Guy were well known faces of Main Street. In 1975, the Ferrys and their partner Dave Clowes started Dave’s Saddlery, which they owned and operated until 1996, when they moved to Santa Rosa where Jim built restaurants for Guy.
Fortunately for them, the Ferrys kept their house in Ferndale and would come up any chance they got. Jim was a self-made man and was not stingy with the skills he had. When the Fireman’s Pavilion was destined to be demolished, Jim was president of the Chamber of Commerce and took on the job of saving the Pavilion (aka The Fig Twig). With the help of minor offenders at the Eureka jail, Jim restored the building in a year. Shortly after that, the Ferrys bought the building on Main Street, which had been the first phone company and Jim remodeled that and provided a much needed restaurant for Ferndale.
Another accomplishment credited to Jim and others in the Chamber of Commerce, was the building of the public bathrooms. They have been a great asset to Ferndale. The Ferrys loved the 26 years they were in business in Ferndale along with many other artists and craftsmen who occupied and ran their own shops. Jim is survived by his wife Penny of 56 years, his son Guy, his wife Lori and their sons Hunter and Ryder, and Morgan’s son Jules. In lieu of flowers and cards, the family requests a donation, if you so choose, to the La Catalina Educational Foundation, in La Manzanilla, Mexico, that was important to Jim.
Friday, February 16, 2024
Clare Francis Marie Alder: 1983-2024
Posted By North Coast Journal Staff on Fri, Feb 16, 2024 at 4:24 PM
She is survived by her husband, Zachary Ronald Alder, her son, Gabriel “Bo” David Johnson, her uncles, Randall D. Petersen and David A. Petersen (wife June Petersen), and aunt Dawn Petersen Ellingson (husband Gordon Ellingson) and great-aunt Doris Gertsch, cousins Amy (Petersen) Messer and Jennifer Petersen. She was preceded in death by her mother, Diane D. Petersen, her grandmother, Laura Victoria Petersen and grandfather Donald Dale Petersen. She is lovingly remembered by her extended family, numerous friends, close community and fans.
Clare was born into a strong catholic faith, having been blessed by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, when she was still in her mother’s womb. Her faith remained an important part of her life.
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Cynthia Gail Hebard: 1954-2023
Posted By North Coast Journal Staff on Wed, Feb 14, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Cindi passed away with her family around her, holding her hands and giving her unconditional love and support at the end of a long, hard fought battle with COPD and Emphysema.
Born to William Leslie “Les” Hebard Sr. and Calista June “Pat” Mell (Owsley) in Roseburg, Oregon; she moved to Eureka at a very young age. She attended Pine Hill Elementary School, Jacobs and graduated from Eureka Senior High School in 1972.
Survived by her husband Stephen Wolke, her “Pop” Jon R. Mell, her brothers, “Burgie” Bill Hebard and Jon B. Mell, her sister Wendy Starr, her son, R. Morgan W. J. (Kayla) Chapman, her daughter Jaycie (Brian) Chapman Shearer, her grandchildren, Anthony Riley Lovel, G. Hayden N. Lovel, Aurora Rose Chapman and Stella Rose Chapman.
She is proceeded in death by her first daughter and first true love, Nicole Spring Romano (March 21, 1974 – July 23, 1974 ), her mother, Pat Mell, and father, Les Hebard.
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
William 'Bill' Shewry Jr.: 1932-2024
Posted By Thadeus Greenson and North Coast Journal Staff on Tue, Feb 13, 2024 at 7:30 AM
Born on Dec. 5, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to William L. Shewry, Sr. and Viola Diane Shewry (Lewis), Bill’s early years were marked by the family’s relocation to Ferndale in 1947. Thriving in the intimate setting of Ferndale High School, Bill immersed himself in various activities, excelling in sports such as football, baseball, basketball, tennis and even the shot put on the track team. Beyond athletics, he actively participated in social clubs and showcased his talents in acting, taking on roles in two plays.
Robert William Astrue: 1928-2023
Posted By North Coast Journal Staff on Tue, Feb 13, 2024 at 7:00 AM
With gratitude and deep sadness, we share the passing of Robert William Astrue on Feb. 19, 2023. He taught Physics at Humboldt State University for more than 35 years, and contributed uncommon talents, intelligence and energy to this community. We will gather to remember him at Trinidad Town Hall on March 2, 2024, from 1 to 4 p.m. Bring a story and food or drink to share.
He was born Feb. 2, 1928, at Stanford Hospital and grew up in the West Portal area of San Francisco. His dad was an engineer with Southern Pacific and his mom was a homemaker. In 1940 his dad brought Bob along with younger brother Jim on a road trip up 101 to the North Coast. The alignment of the highway was torturous, but our wild and gorgeous landscapes made a deep impression. To Jim’s disbelief, 12-year-old Bob declared that he would live here some day.
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Patsy Ruth Walker: 1929-2023
Posted By Thadeus Greenson and North Coast Journal Staff on Sun, Jan 28, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Patsy Ruth Walker (Hackett), born Sept. 25, 1929, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 at Seaview Rehab & Wellness Center in Eureka on Dec. 27, 2023. She was raised on a sheep ranch outside Ferndale by her parents George and Bertha Hackett (McAllister). She then went on to marry Harold Hall Walker in 1950; they had two children, Danny H. Walker and Michelle Lynn Walker, whom they raised in Mckinleyville, California.
Patsy graduated from Ferndale High School in 1947. She attended Humboldt State for two years, for secretarial school. She then worked as the school secretary at Dow’s Prairie in the 1970s after her husband’s passing. She never forgot her farming roots though as she loved sheep from a young age and into her adult life; she was the first female sheep shearer in Humboldt County. She considered herself a tomboy who loved to play outside, and always opted for trousers over dresses, when given the choice.
Patsy was very independent, and a breast cancer survivor. She crafted beautiful quilts, tended to her garden and read books from the local library. The table beside the sofa always had a stack of books, as well as the weekly crossword that she was working through. She never missed the evening news, followed by Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She took pride in her home, her yard and personal appearance, always preferring a fresh perm and coat of Lancôme lipstick. For years, she could be seen running errands in her beloved black Honda Civic, and meeting her friends at Denny’s for breakfast every Friday. She loved Eggo waffles and black coffee, just as much as fish and chips from Seascape in Trinidad.
Patsy was a caring mother and grandmother. She was always there to watch her grandchildren, who fondly referred to her as Gma. She was close with her daughter Michelle, even from afar in Colorado — through weekly phone calls, and later in life, when Michelle moved in to help take care of her. Patsy also took the trip of a lifetime with her daughter Michelle in 2000, staying in Bath, and visiting the English countryside. Meanwhile, her son Danny was always nearby in Humboldt and could often be found snoozing in front of Patsy’s much-loved woodstove.
The real loves of her life though were her kitties; when the black cat that she called Baby eventually passed, she was very upset. Michelle thankfully brought home two new sweet kittens when she moved in, and Baby the second was a happy distraction. She never failed to ask how the kitties were doing.
Pat is survived by her daughter Michelle, granddaughter Cassandra Walker; brother and sisters George Hackett (Fortuna), Charlotte Michel and Jeannette Leonardo (Ferndale). She is preceded in death by her husband, her son, her sister Lorene R. Tipple, and her parents. Pat’s family and friends will celebrate her life privately in the coming days. The family would also like to mention their gratitude to Visiting Angels and Hospice of Humboldt, who helped care for Pat in recent years. Donations in her honor can be made to Food for People in Eureka.
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Richard Alan Wolski: 1947-2024
Posted By North Coast Journal Staff on Sat, Jan 27, 2024 at 7:00 AM
It is with aching hearts that we announce the death of Alan Wolski, beloved husband and devoted father to two daughters and a granddaughter. Al was born to Edward and Mildred Wolski in Chicago on July 7, 1947, and he always thought of seven as his lucky number. He was a lover of music, nature, night skies, his cats and most of all, his family. He was a life-long searcher for truth, as seen through his extensive readings from world religions and literature. He had fond memories as a kid exploring the woods and lakes of Wisconsin with his sister, then later, with more siblings on Washington Island, Wisconsin. His love of adventure led him to travels around the world, from living abroad in the Virgin Islands to backpacking in Peru. He instilled that love in his daughters, who also ended up living abroad and visiting many countries.
Friday, January 26, 2024
Richard Christopher Quigley December 20, 1957-December 23, 2023
Posted By North Coast Journal Staff on Fri, Jan 26, 2024 at 7:30 AM
Richard Christopher Quigley, known lovingly as Rich, passed away in his home on Dec. 23, 2023. He was surrounded by the love of his life and ex-wife, Sheri Johnson, his two daughters, Jessica and Richelle, and his sister-in-law and long time friend Cyndi, who introduced him to Sheri.
Rich was born Dec. 20, 1957, to Marion and Patricia Quigley in Sacramento, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Brian Quigley, his sister and brother in law, Theresa and Alan Ector, and his sister, Suzanne “Suzi” Holmberg.
Robert Walter 'Wally' Costa: 1956-2023
Posted By North Coast Journal Staff on Fri, Jan 26, 2024 at 7:00 AM
A most wonderful man has died. Robert Walter "Wally" Costa was born Sept. 4, 1956, and died July 26, 2023, at the age of 66.
Wally was raised in Eureka, graduated from Eureka High School in 1974, then began his life's career in the timber industry. Employed by several private companies, the work was hard and often dangerous — setting chokers, heavy chains slung over his shoulder, up and down steep terrain. He loved hard work and never complained.
Wally was employed by Louisiana-Pacific and later Schmidbauer Lumber, working at Schmidbauer for 37 years. Well-respected for his tough work ethic, Wally developed great friendships. Many of his co-workers have offered condolences and shared colorful stories about this man they admired — always respectful, kind and friendly, quick-witted and clever. He loved Schmidbauer and retired June 2, 2023. He lived 54 days after retirement.
The North Coast Journal publishes free online obituaries, allowing people to share news of a loved one's passing with the community and celebrate their life. Submit your obituary with or without photos to [email protected] at least three days before you would like to see them posted. Please include your name and contact information. Submissions may be edited for spelling and grammar. (For some tips on how to write a compelling remembrance, click here.)
The Journal also offers paid obituaries in our weekly newspaper as an option for those who would like to see them print. For more information on print obituaries, contact Mark Boyd at [email protected] or (707) 442-1400, extension 314.
