Sandy Natt Jr. was born to Sandy and Louis Natt in Eureka on January 7, 1934 and passed away at 82 years of age after a brief illness, surrounded by family, on November 21st, 2016. Both his parents were from local Native American tribes, Yurok and Karuk. In the early years, as a child, he grew up in the Blue Lake area. In 1943, his family purchased a home and moved to Fortuna. Sandy experienced several losses at a young age, including the loss of his older brother, Romolda, in 1945, who was serving the United States Army in Europe in World War 2. In 1946, his Mom, Louis, passed away from tuberculosis and a year later in 1947, his next oldest brother, Robert, was killed in a logging accident.

Sandy graduated from Fortuna Union High school in 1953. He was well liked and even received an award at a class reunion for the person who had changed the least. In 1955, Sandy entered the United States Army and served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1961. He then started working for California Department of Forestry and retired as a Captain in 1990 after 32 years of service. Sandy met Joyce Marchetti in high school. They were married in 1963, had a daughter together named Sally in January of 1964 and divorced shortly after.

Sandy met Lillian Lewis Riboli “Dolly” in the late ‘60s when she moved to Humboldt from the Bay Area and were married in August of 1971 in Reno, Nevada. Dolly had four daughters from a previous marriage named Corina (Riboli) Keller, Carla Riboli, Toni (Riboli) Werner, and Dale (Riboli) Richmond. In February of 1973, they had their only child together, Romaldo Robert “Bob” Natt. After a short time living in Chamberlain Creek, California, they purchased a place in Fortuna. The family often took vacations in the off fire season of Northern California. In the summer time, Dolly, Dale and Bob would camp on Dolly’s parents’ empty lot in Weott to be close to Sandy while he was on duty. Sandy’s favorite hobby was bowling and he played on many leagues in Humboldt, often traveling as far as Reno to play in tournaments. He was ecstatic to meet his bowling hero, Marshal Holman, once! Sandy also enjoyed playing pool and was always sociable. He loved meeting new people and always knew somebody, somewhere but nothing blessed him more than seeing his grandkids.

After some time passed, Sandy was reunited with his daughter Sally and was able to meet his first granddaughter, Linda, on a cross country trip with Dolly and Bob in tow. In the years 2000 and 2003, his other two granddaughters, Kayla and Kloey, were born. He loved his granddaughters dearly and attended their school and sports functions, and piano recitals. He would pick them up after school once a week for a snack and to play with them at his house. In 2009, his only grandson, Kingston, was born. They had a special relationship and Kingston loved to visit his “Papa’s” house. 

Sandy stood by and was the primary health care provider for his ailing wife, Lillian, until she passed away in July of 2016. They were just a month shy of celebrating 45 years of marriage in August of 2016. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, friend and loved by so many. Sandy will always be remembered for his infectious smile that could light up any room.

Sandy Natt Jr. was preceded in death by his brother, Romolda Natt, his mother, Louis Natt, his brother, Robert Natt, his father, Sandy Natt Sr. and his wife, Lillian A. Natt. Sandy is survived by his his daughter, Sally (Thompson) Suitor and his son, Romaldo Robert (Bob) Natt (Susan Horner Natt), his four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, four stepdaughters and their children and multiple cousins, nephews and nieces.

All those who knew Sandy are invited to Sandy’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, the 28th of January, at 1 p.m. at the Fortuna Fire Hall on the Fortuna Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to his grandchildren’s school and a place close to his heart, New Life Christian School at P.O. Box 404, Fortuna Ca. 

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