The Dude Abides
Jeremy was a Big Lebowski fan, a Humboldt Crabs fan, a fan of the Simpsons, a fan of taking people to heart, of playing disc golf until recent infirmities sidelined him, a lover of hot sauces and a man who had more fans than he realized across many diverse spectrums. He passed at 50 years old in the loving presence of friends and family.
Jeremy was born at Travis Air Force Base and filled his life with constant curiosity – oh so many questions, some with impossible answers. He was known to many communities as Jake, Purple, Purple Dude or just Dude, and was for many years the face of the Liquor Still. He worked two separate stints before and after the Liquor Still years at the Valley West Chevron. He loved meeting and friending people across whatever counter the register sat, so clerking suited that extrovert soul perfectly.
For many overlapping years. Jeremy loved working with his Pops and Shelley at Gas Stoves With Style. He had interesting stories to tell of his often off-grid travels through the Humboldt County region.
He was the best shoulder to lean on and he was a generous host for people in need of a place to land. His hugs were rated number one in a family of expert huggers, and we are sure going to miss his wit! He was masterful at pranks and the snappy comeback. He had the best smile ever – even when his beard and ‘stache tried to hide it, it always reached his beautiful eyes.
He is survived by his mumsy Sharon Hiney (Bill); his pops Harold Fugate (Shelley); his sister Colleen Ridlon (Jack); his brother Rick Fugate (Tanya) and step-brothers Bill Hiney Jr. and Matt Hiney plus their children living out of state. He has many Humboldt County nephews and nieces: Stephanie, Isabella, Nadia, Gabriel, Maizie, Sebastian, Anneliese, Thomas and Irena. He has a Humboldt County great-nephew Gideon and great-niece Darci. His family fan base included his aunt Kathy Bubenik (Mike) of McKinleyville, uncle Tom Karr (Jessica) of Selma, Oregon and cousins near and far. Cousin Jeff was a wonderful soothing presence for Jeremy in the last few days in particular.
He was preceded in death by his Uncle Dave and his Grandpa Red Karr. Warning to Grandpa: Colleen spent some time coaching Jeremy on the newer Scrabble dictionaries, as there have been three versions since you two last played! Jeremy also has more than two decades of jokes, good and bad, to catch you up on.
Jeremy honored his Grandpa since 2005 by playing “Sandy Clause” in Grandpa’s stead. Jeremy’s nephews and nieces will miss his funny cash bombs at Christmas.
During his brief hospitalization, his blood family was blessed to meet just a few of the many friends that constituted his extended family. Thanks to all who visited him during this last leg of his journey for your stories and compassion for Purple! Many thanks as well to the wonderful Mad River Hospital staff for their compassion and their patience with the large parade of people seeking time to get closure.
A Celebration will be held in November, with posters lining out the exact date and location posted throughout the Valley West area.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Redwood Adult And Teen Challenge or Humboldt Recovery Center in his memory.