Destry was born to Tyley and Robin Girard in Arcata. He attended elementary, secondary and high schools in Eureka and Southern Humboldt after his parents divorced. As a young child, Destry had a zeal for soccer and played the cello with passionate enjoyment. Destry was invited into the GATE Program (Gifted and Talented Education) in his elementary school years. And he was given a Young Writer’s Award for his creative essay, “My Dog Rover.” An award for his basketball accomplishments can still be found in the Southfork High School Gymnasium. Like his father, Destry was charsmatic, and developed many long-lasting friendships during his school years.

Tragedy struck Destry’s life in his mid-teens. His father, Tyley, died in a freak auto accident. That event seemed to change the projectory of Destry’s life. While in his late teens, Destry moved off-grid to his father’s property in the Kings Range/Salmon Creek area. He raised pigs and maintained the property for a few years. Destry worked in the construction field for a number of years and showed a keen aptitude in that field. Destry was a man who loved to cook, work in a garden, play golf and ride Harleys.

Destry proudly and joyfully became a father at 28. He is remembered as a daddy with strong arms who taught his girls to swim in the Arcata Pool. And as a fun-loving daddy who encouraged his girls to throw frisbee at the disc golf course. And as a daddy with a sense of humor who played silly word games.

Destry had horrendous struggles throughout his life, but was able to overcome many of them. He will be greatly missed and fondly thought of by his family and friends.

Destry is survived by his daughters, Kylee Girard and Anjoliena Savoie (Junior); his grandson, Ryker Savoie; his mother, Robin Newby; his brothers, Sylus Girard and Ben Newby; his uncle, Jim State (Laurine) and various cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends. Those that passed before him were Tyley Girard, his father and his uncle, Bob State.

There will be a celebration of life on March 28 at 2 p.m. at the Eureka First Covenant Church in the Peterson House to share our rememberances of Destry.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Destry Girard’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Kitty Colleen McGill was born April 12, 1953 (Flint) and died January 28, 2026 (Fortuna) She was the third child born to John and Ruby (Christensen).

The family hit the road and made the move to California when Kitty was just five and that is where she planted her roots. She stayed primarily in Southern California for the first half of her life. That’s where she grew up, got married and had her two children.

The early 1980s brought a new blended family and a move to the North Coast. Kitty was a resident of the Bridgeville area for over 20 years. She spent the later years of her life here in the Eel River Valley to stay close to her family. She loved living here among the redwoods and never failed to remind us that we lived in the most beautiful place in the world.

Kitty was known for her artistic talent, quick wit and her smart mouth. She was crafty and skilled in a number of mediums. She made beautiful and fun costumes for herself and her kids. Pinafores, quilts, needlepoint and whimsical (and slightly phallic) floral watercolors. If Kitty loved you, she made you something with her whole heart.

Kitty was involved in the local art community here in Humboldt in the 1980s and 1990s. She volunteered and participated in the Kinetic Sculture Race for many years. She was on the Quagmire Queen when capsized it in the bay. She once ran for Rutabaga Queen.

Kitty liked to look for pretty rocks in the river, loved a bonfire under the stars, and was always the first person to start a sing a long. What she lacked in actual singing talent she more than made up for with enthusiasm. And she always knew all the words.

She made everything she touched more beautiful. She could not help herself.

Above all, she was a mother and grandmother.

The absolute light of her life was her only grandchild, Jesse. She was there when he came into the world, and held him even before his mom did. He has her quick wit and her silly sense of humor. She picked him up from kindergarten almost every day and they would hang out until his dad got off work. She was his very best friend, before she got sick.

Kitty was diagnosed with late stage small cell lung cancer in 2015. The prognosis was not great, and it was expected that we would lose her in those first five years. She defied all of the odds and we got 11 more years with her.

Her daughter, Leslie was by her side for every single appointment, infusion and scan taking notes and advocating for her. She kept Kitty at her home for as long as she was able. Eventually, care had to be handed over to professionals, settling her at Fortuna Rehab and Wellness.

Kitty was proceeded in death by her parents, her brothers Michael and John, her niece, Michelle, her nephew Michael Martin and every man she ever loved.

She is survived by her dedicated daughter, Leslie Mendes, her husband (and favorite child) Timothy, and of course, her sweet grandson, Jesse. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews: Michael Joseph (Jennifer), Ronald Joseph (Dana), and Tom (Christine). She had a special thing with Michelle’s daughter, Kyli. Also, her son Louis and her sister Patty.

A special thank you from the family to Doctor Russell Hardy, for giving us so many more years with her than were predicted. To Leah Tompkins, who was always right where we needed her to be. We never would have gotten through the last eleven years without you. Thank you to Hospice of Humboldt, especially Christina. You made it all so much easier and took such excellent care of her. And to Ron McQueen, for being such a wonderful friend to her, and his wife Donna, for letting him be there for her.

Cremation is being prepared by Ayers Cremation Services. No memorial will be held per Kitty’s request. She hated funerals. Instead, remember her when you see the first spring irises pop up out of the ground. Think about her when the Talking Heads come on the radio.

As for those people who feel like they were left out of the loop, and denied their chance to say goodbye, you should have visited when you had the chance.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Kitty McGill’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

It is with extreme sorrow that her loving family announces the passing of Patricia Ellen Jones, known to most as Patty. Patty was born to Bud and Dorthy Dudal in Arcata on November 1, 1952, and was called to Heaven on December 18, 2025.

Patty grew up wild and free on West End Road in Arcata with her parents and four sisters. In her early years she loved spending time with her family as well as the close family friends Don, Nelly, Pauline, Roy and all their children that lived next door and were an important part of her life. She loved playing cards, playing marbles, and visiting around the kitchen table with her mom, aunts, sisters and family friends.

She loved to be sociable and would go out dancing often, and luckily in 1971, while out with her sister at Flynn’s Inn she met the love of her life James Jones, known to most as Jim. It was an instant connection, and they were inseparable since. They had their first daughter Brandee Kathlene in June 1973 and were married on August 13, 1974 in Reno Nevada. From there they began to build a life together. They had their second daughter Heather Marie in May 1976 and moved to Dows Prairie. In 1979 they completed their family and had their third and final daughter Shannon Nickole.

For over 52 years Patty was a devoted mother and wife. She absolutely loved hosting family gatherings. She was “famous” for her pies and bread rolls. She would be in the kitchen from sun-up to sundown crafting meals and desserts for every holiday. She loved having her three girls and Grandchildren at every holiday meal. Patty loved hosting birthdays, Special occasions, and Sunday dinner at her house. Even though her family was number one to her, she also wanted to complete her goal of getting her GED. She worked and studied hard for it and then achieved her goal. We were all so proud of her. And most importantly she was proud of her own accomplishment. She showed us girls that no matter what we could accomplish anything if our minds were set on it, regardless of circumstance. Patty seemed to always lay low and stay in the background but was in the leading role all the time. She always seemed impartial but would give the best advice. She was someone you could talk to for hours.

There was rarely a night in the 52 plus years that she didn’t have a home cooked meal on the table for her family to enjoy and gather around at dinner time. Patty loved cooking and taking care of her family and was amazing at it.

Once all three girls were in school Patty got a job managing Arcata’s Florist. This is when her creativity in something other than cooking/homemaking had its chance to really shine. She was amazing at her job in floral design. Around this time Patty also began to do woodworking and then finish the pieces by doing Tole Paintings. She completed many pieces for family and friends that will now and forever be cherished. Patty was also part of several bowling leagues over the years, enjoying spending quality time with her mom and sisters as well as close family friends while there.

Starting in the late 1990s Patty worked as a sales manager for Northwind Properties LLC and was simultaneously the property manager for Valley West Mobile Estates for almost 15 years. In 2014 Patty retired with Jim to Fieldbrook where she continued to bake, cook and spend quality time with her husband, three daughters, grandchildren and all those nearest and dearest to her.

Over the years Patty was also a very creative and skilled seamstress and even though she would complain about the projects, she would complete each one with love and pride.

Patty was always surrounded by her family and was a vital part in raising or helping raise her grandchildren. “Grandma Patty” raised and or provided all the childcare for Leia, Shelbie, Riley, Allisyn, Connor, Makenna, and Hudsen. As well as helped with her great grandchildren, Braiden, Sayler and Miles. There was rarely a day that most or all these kids weren’t at Grandma Patty and Papas house.

In 2021 Patty was diagnosed with cancer and battled it with her husband, three girls, and her grandchildren by her side every step of the way. In 2023 we got the amazing news that she was done with treatments and was cancer free and even though her life/way of life was forever changed by her treatment/diagnosis, and she hated it, she continued for her family. Patty was such a vital part of our lives and was and is irreplaceable. She was one of a kind. Patty will now and forever be a major part of our lives and will always be in our hearts and minds. Our family as well as the whole world lost an irreplaceable soul with her sudden passing, and she will forever be missed and will always be with us.

She leaves behind her loving husband of over 51 years Jim Jones, beloved daughters Brandee Jones, Heather Edwards (Robert), Shannon Chase, Angela Robinson (Chris), Julie Payton (Ron), Grandchildren Leia, Riley, Connor, Makenna, Allisyn, Hudsen, Shelbie, Nick, Pat, Julieza, Mike, Mat, Great grandchildren Braiden, Sayler and Miles. Lifelong best friend Kathy Smith as well as sisters Janet Jones, Teresa Williams, Carlene Sutherland and numerous nieces, nephews and large extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Bud and Dorothy Dudal, sister Linda Waterman, Sister-in-law (that was more like a sister and best friend) Donna Boudro, and granddaughter Julieza Payton.

Her loving family will hold her official celebration of life on Sunday, February 1, 3 p.m. at Azalea Hall. 1620 Pickett Road Mckinleyville.

Please join her husband and loving family on February 1st to celebrate and remember Patty with the honor and love she deserves.

The family would like to thank Ayres Funeral service for being so kind and supportive throughout this process. For further information, please contact Shannon Chase 707-616- 9262, Heather Edwards 707-832-8349 or Brandee Jones 707-834-1190.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Patricia Jones’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Michael Edward Kuhn
May 29, 1983 - January 20, 2026

Michael Kuhn passed away on January 20, 2026. He was born in Ukiah, but grew up in San Diego. Michael eventually made Eureka his home.

Michael was a wild child at heart. He loved a good time, a good meal, and a good laugh. Mike was known for his passionate and fearless spirit — traits that, in his youth, led to more than a few broken bones, brawls and a lifetime of stories. His favorite childhood pastimes included listening to music, hanging out with his best friend Ashley, basketball and riding bikes all throughout San Diego. Whatever Mike did, he became very skilled at, especially in creative endeavors that came so naturally to him. Michael had many dualities in his life, sweet and fierce, creative and precise, gentle and bold. Later in life, his inherent traits of loyalty, integrity and excellence would serve him well in his military pursuits.

He proudly served in the United States Army for twelve years, from 2005 to 2017, specializing as a Mortarman. His military training included the Alaska Arctic Wolves Program and traveling to the Philippines to train the Philippine Army. He was specially trained to fight in both Arctic and jungle conditions. He was deployed twice to Iraq, once with the 4th Infantry Division and once with the 1st Cavalry Division. He also deployed to Afghanistan with the 25th Infantry Division. By the time of his third tour, he was a staff sergeant. Mike’s leadership skills were undeniable. He got many awards and commendations for his ability to execute and lead. Mike’s proudest leadership accomplishment was that on his last deployment to Combat Outpost Baylough, every one of his soldiers returned home with him.

After his military career, Mike continued to work in public service. He enlisted with the National Reserve and worked with Cal Fire Emergency Operations. His last public service role brought him to Humboldt County, where he served as a recruiter before his honorable discharge. He had other occupations throughout his life, including Veteran student resource coordinator, muffin man, statistics tutor, Twitch streamer, and digital artist. However, the best role and responsibility Mike would ever have would be that of a father. Mike was a proud stay-at-home Dad to his son, Phoenix James Naakedvn Kuhn. He never shied away from any part of parenting and was so proud of his son, Phoenix.

A deeply creative and sensitive soul, Michael loved painting and drawing and pursued this passion by majoring in Art at the College of the Redwoods. He spent his time at home with his family and playing his favorite video game, EVE. His talents in EVE were evident in the large community he created on his Twitch streaming channel. In New Eden, Michael was a highly respected pilot, well-known and at times dreaded for his aggressive gameplay. Mike enjoyed participating in fleets and tournaments with his in-game friends.

He is preceded in death by his birth mother, Karen Kennedy, and his grandparents, Jim and Dorris Cooley.

Michael is survived by his wife Cara, and son, Phoenix; his twin brother Mark Kuhn (Terry); brother Ryan Cooley; his mother, Tammy Cooley-Kuhn; his sister-in-law Nancy Nowlin; his best friend Ashley Ibarra (Dion); his father Chuck Kuhn; and his birth father, Mark Kennedy; and his sisters, Ashley Kennedy and Megan Kinro. Mike also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, whom he enjoyed watching grow. Michael will be deeply missed by those who loved him. To Infinity and Beyond.

A celebration of Michael’s Life will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Arcata Vets’ Hall at 2 p.m. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Arrangements were handled by Gobles Fortuna Mortuary.

The family would like to thank all those who have sent their condolences and support to his family. A special thank you to the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and the Yurok Tribe Headstart for their support of the family during this challenging time.

Patricia Ann Estevo, born Dec. 2, 1932 passed away peacefully in her home on December 9, 2025, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She is survived by her brother Tom, her 8 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, her brothers, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and her son Thomas Yates. She was preceded in death by her three sons, Danny Yates, Edward Yates and Kenneth Yates, her grand daughter Patricia Yates, her grandson Jimmy Yates, her sisters Helen, Edie and Geraldine, her brothers Benny, Glen and Donny as well as her beloved husband of 20 years, John Estevo, and many other loved ones.

Patricia, known to us as “Grandma Pat,” was born in Montana and moved to Eureka, as a child. She deeply loved her three children and worked at the Humboldt County courthouse for many years. She had a passion for sewing and, over the years, lovingly blessed her family with many handmade crafts. Grandma Pat also loved to travel and spent many years riding along with her husband, John, as they visited remote places together.

She took great joy in caring for others, making fruit rolls, and ensuring everyone was well fed. Above all, Grandma Pat was a woman of God who loved the Lord and His church. She cherished hosting holidays in her home, surrounded by family, which were among her most treasured moments. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy and purpose throughout her life.

Toward the end of her life, Grandma Pat faced many challenges, but she remained positive, comforted by her faith and the knowledge that she would one day be with the Lord. Grandma, we hope you are now at peace in heaven, free from worry. We love you, will always miss you, and thank you for the love you so generously gave to all of us.

Family and friends are invited to join the family on February 11, 2026, at Faith Center Foursquare Church, located at 1032 Bay Street in Eureka. A celebration of life service will be held in the main sanctuary from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., with a light reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that guests bring a favorite dish or a dessert tray to share for the potluck reception.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Pat Estevo’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Christopher James Diven | 2023 booking photo via Humboldt County.

In December 2025, Vincent Charles McKenney, 36, of Humboldt County was reported missing to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. It was believed that he was missing under suspicious circumstances.

After the initial missing person case was filed, an investigation was launched and turned over to the Major Crimes Division for follow up.

After an extensive investigation, evidence was uncovered regarding McKenney being murdered in a remote location of Humboldt County. Investigators followed up on leads and the possible location of McKenney, which was determined to be an Eastern Humboldt County abandoned cannabis grow site. Investigators obtained a search warrant and subsequently located McKenny deceased on the property. Evidence also discovered confirmed that he was in fact murdered. 

Through interviews and evidence collection, Investigators have identified a suspect in this case.

On 01/29/2026, Christopher James Diven, 38, of Willow Creek, was arrested for the murder of Vincent McKenney. Diven is currently in custody at the Humboldt County Correctional facility.  

The family of Vincent McKenney has been notified of his death, and our heartfelt thoughts are with them during this difficult time. 

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the community for their support and our law enforcement partners from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, our Sheriff’s volunteer Search and Rescue Posse, and CARDA K9 handlers for their assistance in this investigation. 

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to reach to Investigator Buihner with the Major Crimes Division and reference case 202505827. He can be contacted at 707-445-7251.

PREVIOUSLY:

• Sheriff’s Office Provides Details on What Led to McKinleyville High School’s Five Lockdowns in Eight Days
• McK High Parents Express Frustration and Fear in Face of Lockdowns; Sheriff’s Office Says it Believes That It’s Close to Identifying a Suspect
• Sheriff’s Office Says it Has Identified Suspect in McK High Lockdowns, and Has Deemed Previous Threats ‘Not Credible’

###

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Jan. 28th, 2026, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested 23-year-old Tyler Leroy Hilbert of Calhoun, Missouri, on federal charges stemming from the numerous threats made against McKinleyville High School in Nov. and Dec. 2023. 

The list of threats:

• Nov. 28, 2023-Caller reporting man on campus with a gun in a holster
• Nov. 29, 2023-Caller reporting man on campus and reported looked like he was pointing it at the ground and had an AR rifle on his back
• Dec. 5, 2023-Caller reporting he is on campus with a weapon and stating he is going to shoot people.
• Dec. 5, 2023-Caller reporting he had planted a bomb in the rear parking lot 
• Dec. 5, 2023-Caller reporting he is going to shoot this time
• Dec. 7, 2023- Caller reporting an armed subject on campus

The threats were extremely serious and caused disruption, panic, distress and emotional turmoil for students, faculty, parents and the surrounding community. 

The Humboldt County Major Crimes Detectives conducted a thorough investigation, including database searches, interviews, coordinated with multiple law enforcement partners, and secured several search warrants that were vital to this case. It was through these efforts that detectives positively identified Tyler Hilbert as the individual responsible for the threats and determined that the calls were being made from out of state.

Due to the interstate nature of the offenses, detectives requested assistance from our local FBI field office in Fortuna. When Hilbert was identified, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office officially turned the case over to the FBI.

On Jan. 27, Hilbert was indicted on numerous federal charges and was arrested by the FBI (Kansas City Division) on Jan. 28th and following his initial court appearance, was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service in Kansas City, where he is being detained pending a formal detention hearing.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office wants to thank the McKinleyville High School staff, students and school Superintendent Roger MacDonald, the FBI and partnering agencies for their assistance in this investigation.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.