Richard William Scoville passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on July 22, 2026, at the age of 63. Rich, as he was known to family and friends, was a generous, empathetic soul, a joyful, larger-than-life presence who brought laughter into every room, and a man who cherished his family, his friends, and the natural world.
Rich was born in Chico, California, on May 31, 1963, to the late Fay and Walter Scoville. His family moved to Sacramento shortly after his birth, where he spent his childhood and teenage years. From an early age, Rich was the life of the party, quick with a joke, generous with his heart, and always on the move. He could be found running down creeks with friends, cruising neighborhood streets on his bicycle, and hamming it up in local plays. An accomplished athlete in high school, he played football and wrestled all four years.
Rich moved to Humboldt County as a young adult. It was love at first sight. A lifelong friend remembers an ecstatic phone call shortly after Rich caught his first steelhead at Big Lagoon. “This is God’s country,” he is recalled exclaiming, “and I’m never coming back!” Rich put down roots in McKinleyville, raised a family of his own, built a successful business, and pursued his passion for the outdoors.
Rich was a nurturing father to two children, Caleb and Olivia. He always met his children where they were, whether that meant kneeling to voice dollhouse characters, cheering from the bleachers during a softball game, joining his children onstage in community theater productions, or tolerating (if not enjoying) excessively loud teenage punk rock band practices in his garage. He took Olivia and Caleb on countless fishing, rafting, camping, and backpacking trips. They continued to enjoy the outdoors with him as adults, even after they moved to different parts of the country: e-biking on the Hammond Trail, camping at music festivals, kayaking rivers and lagoons, and exploring beaches on both coasts. The respect and love for nature that Rich instilled in his children is something they carry forward with their own.
Known as “The Tub Man,” Rich was the region’s premier professional for porcelain, fiberglass, and bathtub repair and refinishing. His work was so reputable that his business sustained itself entirely on word of mouth, with no advertising budget. As The Tub Man, Rich was known equally for his artisanal skill as for his personable style. He could connect with practically anyone. Customers often invited him to stay for lunch; one even entrusted him to adopt a cat she could no longer care for. When reflecting on what kept him going after nearly four decades of physical labor, he would invariably say, “the people.” With his infectious chuckle, he’d add, “and their pets.”
Although The Tub Man was consistently booked weeks in advance, Rich always took time for himself. Rarely was there a weekend when he was not found fishing on the likes of Humboldt Bay, Stone Lagoon, the Klamath River, Lewiston Lake, or Pyramid Lake. Rich’s connection to water was spiritual. It was also social. Many of his most meaningful memories with family and friends were made on boats, in the water, or on the shore. He was generous with his catch, filling his loved ones’ freezers with trout, halibut, crab, abalone, and clams, and often joining for the feast with a cooler full of cold drinks in hand.
More than anything, Rich will be remembered for how he made others feel. He had a kind and caring demeanor and could make friends with anyone without judgment. He had a tremendous sense of humor, and with it, the ability to laugh at himself. On the dance floor, at the karaoke machine, jamming on the keyboard, he was the one who gave everyone else permission to let loose and have a good time.
Rich is survived by his children, Caleb Scoville (wife, Nina) and Olivia Deane (husband, Jarret); his grandchildren, Mabel Scoville, Marcel Scoville, Scarlet Deane, and a fourth grandchild (Deane) expected in September 2026; his siblings, Gregory Scoville and Linda Evon; many cherished cousins; and the numerous nieces and nephews, to whom he will always be “Uncle Richie.” He also leaves behind the mother of his children, Tracy Monteforte, and their stepfather, Patrick Monteforte, as well as countless friends and his beloved dog, Bettie.
In lieu of flowers, Olivia and Caleb welcome donations toward a memorial bench in their father’s honor: gofundme.com/f/memorial-bench-for-rich-scoville.