Pandemic Social Isolation May Open People to Believing Baseless Conspiracy Theories, HSU Researcher Finds
LoCO Staff / Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 @ 2:06 p.m. / HSU
Photo by the blowup on Unsplash.
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Press release from Humboldt State University:
As health officials continue to implore the public to wear masks and practice social distancing, recent research by Humboldt State University Psychology Professor Amber Gaffney provides key insights into connections between social isolation, conspiratorial thinking, and resistance to COVID-19 protocols.
Working with HSU Psychology instructor Stephanie Souter, along with support from Professor Steve Reicher of University of St. Andrews, Lily Syfers (PhD candidate at University of Alberta) and HSU graduate students James Peabody and Jaz Mendez, Gaffney’s team conducted a number of experiments which analyzed how existential self-uncertainty, brought on by feelings of isolation during the pandemic, may open people up to conspiratorial thinking.
Building on previous research from HSU’s Social Identity Lab, Gaffney studies how group identity functions as a means for understanding the world, and one’s role within it. She explains that self-uncertainty acts as a “negative drive state,” motivating isolated individuals to identify with groups as a means of informing how they should think, feel, and behave. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gaffney’s research may help to explain why a minority of Americans continue to resist wearing masks despite their demonstrated effectiveness in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Using survey data collected during last spring’s lockdowns, her team found that conspiracy groups hold explanatory power, decreasing self-uncertainty for those who subscribe to conspiracy theories. Furthermore, they showed that feelings of isolation motivated desire to join a conspiracy theory group.
The data show that affinity for conspiracy groups, which propagate misinformation via YouTube channels and Facebook groups, offer those who are isolated at home something to connect to—and to feel less uncertain about the future.
“People feel like things are beyond their control right now,” says Gaffney. “But we found that connection to social groups buffers the anxiety of the pandemic – group identification tells people how to think and feel and provides a sense of belonging.”
These findings may have particularly important implications as the United States rolls out the first FDA-approved coronavirus vaccinations, with large segments of the American population voicing strong vaccine skepticism.
Another line Gaffney and her colleagues’ research shows that critical responses to President Trump’s handling of the pandemic has an effect on compliance to COVID-19 protocols. Partisanship played a significant role in individual behaviors such as resisting orders to shelter-in-place, wearing masks, and practicing social distancing.
“When Republicans read a criticism of the current President, which they believed to come from a Democratic source, it actually increased their support for Trump, and decreased their likeliness to wear a mask,” says Souter.She explains that the same result did not occur when Republicans believed the source was another Republican, a classic example in-group and out-group identity formation along partisan lines.
Gaffney attributes this to the way that groups can provide clarity for individuals and people actively attempt to protect their leaders as extensions of themselves and their groups. The study illustrates the important role that leaders set in shaping normative behavior, and how polarization can drive individuals to reject behaviors which they associate with the “other.” At its crux, the psychologists found that a critical response of one’s leader is characterized as an attack on the entire group.
The analysis of Republicans’ increased support of the outgoing President in response to criticism from Democrats (the outgroup) is consistent with intergroup relations patterns with other world leaders. For example, Gaffney and her colleagues found that Liberal Canadians increased their support for Prime Minister Trudeau after they read an outgroup Conservative member’s critical response to Trudeau appearing in a racist photo. The pattern did not emerge when he was criticized by an ingroup Liberal. In both cases, their data illustrates that if the source of the criticism is from an outgroup, it actually strengthened support for the ingroup’s leader.
Gaffney’s team will conduct more experiments in the coming months to test their findings across varied demographics, including among social groups that typically skew toward extreme liberal and conservative politics–the anti-vaccination movement is a prime example.
For more information about social psychology and Professor Gaffney’s research, visit HSU’s Social Identity Lab at hsu-socialidentitylab.com.
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Woman Killed in Solo Vehicle Accident on Highway 101 Near Piercy Today, California Highway Patrol Says
LoCO Staff / Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 @ 1:03 p.m. / Traffic
From the California Highway Patrol:
On January 15, 2021 at approximately 9:05am, a female was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe southbound on US 101, north of Bridges Creek, in Mendocino County.
For reasons still under investigation, the female lost control of the Chevrolet before overturning multiple times in the roadway and coming to rest blocking all lanes. The female driver was ejected from the Chevrolet and came to rest in the roadway. emergency personnel arrived on scene and attempted life saving efforts, but the female succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased shortly after. A preliminary investigation revealed that the driver was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the traffic collision.
Cal-Trans, Mendocino County Sheriffs Department and the Leggett Volunteer Fire Department assisted with this indecent. The California Highway Patrol is investigating this collision. Drugs or alcohol as a factor will be determined upon a through collision investigation.
US 101 was closed for approximately 20 minutes for the vehicle recovery. One-way traffic control was in place for approximately 3 hours for scene investigation.
Sheriff’s Office Seizes More Than 170 Pounds of Weed, Almost 2,500 Plants and $280K at Illegal Grow Sites, Agency Says
LoCO Staff / Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 @ 11:11 a.m. / Crime
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
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On January 14, 2021, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served two search warrants resulting from a neighborhood complaint regarding illegal cannabis cultivation in the greater Eureka area. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Humboldt County Code Enforcement assisted in the service of the warrants.
Two parcels were investigated during the service of the warrants. The parcels did not possess the required county permit and state license to cultivate cannabis commercially.
At the first parcel, located on the 1400 block of Freshwater Road, deputies eradicated approximately 1,568 growing cannabis plants. Deputies seized and destroyed approximately 87.5 pounds of processed cannabis, 5 pounds of cannabis bud and 8 pounds of Butane Honey Oil. Deputies also located and seized two illegal firearms and three high-capacity magazines, in addition to $140,500 pursuant to asset forfeiture proceedings.
Assisting agencies found the following violations:
- Two water pollution violations (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)
Additional violations with civil fines are expected to be filed by the assisting agencies.
Jesiah Gilbride, age 21 of McKinleyville, was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the charges of unauthorized cultivation, harvesting or processing (HS 11358(d)(3)(C)), possession of a controlled substance for sales (HS 11359(b)), conspiracy to commit a crime (PC 182(a)(1)), knowingly renting property for storing a controlled substance (HS 11366.5(a)), destroying evidence (PC 135), resisting arrest (PC 148(a)(1)), possession of a firearm in commission of a felony (PC 12022(a)(1)) and possession of an illegal magazine (PC 32310).
At the second parcel, located on the 3000 block of Pigeon Point Road, deputies eradicated approximately 922 growing cannabis plants. Deputies seized and destroyed approximately 51.5 pounds of processed cannabis and 24.5 pounds of packaged cannabis bud. Deputies also located and seized $138,895 pursuant to asset forfeiture proceedings.
This case is still under 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.

OBITUARY: Lynn Creaghe-Hayhurst, 1957-2020
LoCO Staff / Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits
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Lynn Creaghe-Hayhurst
Jan. 21, 1957-Nov. 9, 2020
Lynn Creaghe-Hayhurst passed away on November 9, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka at the age of 63. Some of the things Lynn loved most were celebrating holidays, trips to the local beaches, being a mother and spending time with her family. Lynn loved making life’s ordinary moments extraordinary and special, and she enjoyed nothing more than putting a smile on the faces of those she adored. Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays and family get-togethers just won’t be the same without Lynn’s presence, as she never tired of planning, organizing and making each gathering special for her family and friends. Lynn’s caring and giving spirit will be remembered by everyone who knew and loved her, as her love, support and generosity were unwavering.
Lynn was born in Coronado and grew up in Humboldt County, attending local elementary schools and graduating from McKinleyville High School in 1975. After earning her Bachelor of Arts from Humboldt State University, Lynn continued to CSU Sacramento obtaining her master’s degree in social work. Upon returning to Humboldt County, Lynn met and married her lifelong love, Bob “Bobby” Hayhurst. Together Lynn and Bob built a life and home filled with family, friends, animals, and Lynn’s many treasured collections.
Lynn spent her career working for the County of Humboldt in the Department of Child Welfare Services. Lynn genuinely loved her job, and she held various positions throughout her time there. Due to a series of serious medical events and ongoing health conditions, Lynn was forced into an early retirement in 2007. She was forever grateful for her many coworkers who donated their sick leave to her and for the kindness she was shown during those hard times. Lynn worked extremely hard to overcome her medical obstacles so that she could be there for her daughter, Hannah, who was the light of her life.
In 2000, Lynn’s longtime dream of becoming a mother finally came true with the adoption of her daughter, Hannah. With her family complete, Lynn relished in every moment of her role as a mother, creating special experiences and doting on Hannah at every opportunity. Lynn never recovered from the heartbreaking loss of Hannah in 2019, and in the months following her death, Lynn’s health deteriorated rapidly.
Lynn had a deep appreciation for music and the arts instilled in her by her mother, and she enjoyed singing and playing the piano. She was a longtime supporter of local theater and arts and enjoyed attending the ballet, musicals, operas, symphonies, and plays whenever possible, with Ashland being a favorite and frequent destination. Lynn rarely met an animal she didn’t adore, rescuing and adopting many furry and feathered family members over the years, including her cherished equine companions, Starlight and Shawn. Lynn loved and treated the children in her life as if they were own, and she was very much looking forward to meeting and spending time with her new twin nephews, an experience that was never able to happen due to pandemic restrictions.
Lynn is survived by her husband of 35 years Bob Hayhurst, her father Ronald Creaghe, her brothers Mark Creaghe (Kristy) and Steven Creaghe (Regina), niece Elizabeth “Ellie” Creaghe, nephews Aidan and Braedan Creaghe and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Lynn was preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth “Betty” Creaghe, and by her daughter Hannah Elizabeth Hayhurst.
The family would like to thank Lynn’s many doctors, nurses and health care providers throughout the years as well the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their excellent care of Lynn. Due to the ongoing pandemic, no services are scheduled at this time. If you would like to do something in memory of Lynn, please consider donating to a local organization for children such as Adoption Horizons, an organization that was near and dear to Lynn, or just take some time to love, spoil and make something magical for a special child in your life in honor of her.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Lynn Creaghe-Hayhurst’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
OBITUARY: Richard A. Bissell, 1966-2021
LoCO Staff / Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits
RICHARD A. BISSELL, age 54, of Eureka and Arcata, and formerly of Ocean City, N.J., born April 10, 1966 in Abington, Penn., to Richard Bissell and Sheila (Moss) Bissell,
sadly died January 8, 2021 from the long-term effects of alcoholism and mental
health issues. Predeceased by his mother, Sheila (Moss) Bissell, all four
grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.
Survived by loving parents Richard and (“second mom”) Celeste L. Bissell, as well as brothers Charles (Rachel) Bissell, and Dr. Michael, Ph.D (Anna) Bissell, and sisters Catharine Migioia and Sheila (Alfredo Aquino) Bissell, nephews Conal (whom he raised in California for eight years), James, Henry, Martin, Luke, Sean, Caiden, and Owen Bissell and Max Migioia, as well as niece Reyna Bissell.
Richard was born in Abington, Penn. and lived in Glenside Penn. til the age of seven; he then spent five years living in Chalfont, Penn., and moved to Ocean City N.J. in the seventh grade. Grandaddy Bissell gave Richard the nickname “Me Too!” when (older brother) Charles would want some treat, and Richard wanted one too. Meanwhile, he referred to himself as “Witchuud” because he couldn’t pronounce his R’s for several years. Richard always had a soft spot for the elderly, neighbors and family, and he loved to spend each evening on the front porch of Miss Green’s house when he was just 5yrs old.
Richard always LOVED Christmastime, and the family LOVED their ‘Charlie Brown’ Christmas trees for a few years. Late on Christmas Eve nights, after trees were done being sold, Richard’s father would go to the Acme parking lot and gather a bunch of tree scraps and a decent trunk, and then spend a couple hours taping branches to the trunk with black electrical tape to make it look full. The whole family would then decorate the tree with balls, shiny tinsel, and handmade ornaments while Christmas music played, and the stockings were hung on the mantle. Richard ALWAYS loved Christmas in his heart, but his later years found great sadness in the holiday season.
When he was about seven years old, on the morning after his family’s move to Chalfont, Rick & Rob Hennessey rang the bell and asked if the two new kids could come out to play. The former owner of the house had never let them in the treehouse before, and on that day, and in that treehouse, a lifelong friendship between all 4 boys was started. It was also around the age of seven that Richard was selected to play the lead part in Butler Elementary’s production of Pinocchio (and he was excellent in it!). Anyone who knew Richard for the rest of his life was sure to have heard him still sing that trademark tune, as he carried it in his heart as part of him, and he truly lived his entire life following its primary message:
“I’ve got no strings
To hold me down
To make me fret
Or make me frown
I had strings
But now I’m free
There are no strings on me”
In retrospect, Richard pretty much lived his life in every way similar to Pinocchio’s song of freedom. As a teenager in Ocean City, N.J., Richard became known around town for biking everywhere on his beach cruiser, for his distinctive bouncy walk on his toes, and the Sony Walkman headphones that seemed surgically attached to his ears 24 hours a day. He got into plenty of mischief when he was a teenager, including throwing snowballs at passing cars, tossing a Boardwalk bench over the rail and into the ocean (which rightfully earned him a couple months’ time in the Juvenile Diversion program where he had to wash police cars and do other community chores). He and his sister later trespassed on the boardwalk’s Giant Slide one snowy evening, and sped down the snow covered giant slopes in bread trays from Taylor Pork Roll. They’d quickly figured out that using a stray shopping cart didn’t work as well, as it just toppled over loudly! The noise, and the hooting & hollering of several kids prompted someone nearby to call the police, and all the kids who were present scattered like bugs (and didn’t get caught!).
In his typical independent way, Richard chose to wear his orthodontic headgear 24 hours a day for one month (just to get it over with), instead of wearing it nightly for the recommended three months. He just always had to do things his own way!
Richard attended Ocean City High School, where he rightfully earned numerous detentions for pulling practical jokes and gags that annoyed the teachers, and funny mischief, and blew off his homework assignments all the time. It was during that time that he began smoking marijuana, and was known for being a chronic over-sleeper. He signed himself out of school at the age of 16, and earned his GED on his own terms a short time later. He had several ‘partners in crime’ during those high school years that he always seemed to get in trouble with (T. Bradshaw, B. Tochterman), and a couple of good long-term friends who did their best to keep him more on the straight & narrow (J. Golday, N. Cornman).
Also in 1985, his first real love and dearest friend was tragically killed in a car crash, and Richard’s heart was completely shattered. And although he dated as an adult, he never married, and he continued to deeply mourn her passing for the rest of his life. This loss truly pained him for the rest of his life.
After a few years’ work in South Jersey, he was drawn to California for college, where he attended Ventura Community College, College of the Redwoods, and later graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in French Studies from Humboldt State University (Arcata). As he prepared to move from Ocean City to California, his dad was really craving having a BBQ with him, but they had no grill at that time. Richard, in his typical manner, went out and purchased a small grill, some Kingsford charcoal briquettes, and they subsequently enjoyed a memorable BBQ together. It was so good, in fact, that his dad kept repeating it and BBQing EVERYTHING in sight for the next couple of years, from which his dad affectionately became known as “Barbecue Dicky.”
Once Richard moved up to Humboldt County and attended HSU, Richard began working at Brio Breadworks. In his thirteen years there, and he moved up to become shift manager for quite some time. At Brio, he coordinated the commercial production of artisanal breads and rolls for restaurants, for food stores, and farmer’s markets. He absolutely loved and valued the professional relationships he nurtured with clients all around the Humboldt area, and enjoyedrunning the Brio booth at the weekly Arcata Farmer’s Market on the Plaza. More recently, he worked for Los Bagels, Arcata Pizza & Deli, and Humboldt State University’s Bursar’s Office as a driver. Sadly, Covid-19 likely set into motion the final decline of Richard’s life. He lost his job(s), stopped biking, was completely isolated, and his illnesses took their last downward spiral.
Throughout his life, and in a quirky way that was uniquely his own, Richard was always proud of his screen-printing skills gained while working at Wild Oats Silk Screening in Cape May Court House, N.J., and was still recently seen wearing VERY well-preserved shirts and screen prints from the 1980s. He was proud of his work ethic when he was healthy and was dedicated to his employment, he was proud of his individual relationships with family members young and old, and he was immensely proud of his giant chiseled calves from a lifetime of soccer and biking.
He had an intense love of all things marijuana, and all things soccer (including what seemed a moderate crush on Lucy Bronze (UK), FIFA Women’s World Cup (2019) champion); He loved with a passion The Grateful Dead, The Doors, Janis Joplin, live concerts (of which he attended MANY), tie dye shirts and sweatshirts, biking the Humboldt County coastline and cliffs, and the Redwood forests, as well as twice completing The Tour of the Unknown Coast 100-mile Century Ride.
In all his life experiences, though, Richard was most proud of raising (for eight years) his nephew, Conal Bissell, and sharing with him his love of Humboldt County’s beauty, the annual Oyster festival, the quirky Kinetic Sculpture Race, numerous art festivals, and the Arcata Farmer’s Market. Richard & Conal enjoyed a family trip to Hawaii for Michael’s wedding, many family gatherings in N.J. with Richard’s dad and “his 2nd mom” Celeste, as well as with all four siblings, and he was worshiped as an absolute idol by all the nieces and nephews who loved him.
Some of Conal’s favorite memories include: the one-hour drives out to Willow Creek to swim in the river or watch the salmon swim upriver, playing frisbee golf, the Reggae On The River Festival, cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies as they played in San Francisco, camping in nature, exploring historic sites and Native American caves/culture, and the times when Richard coached Conal’s soccer team.
Richard had perfected Julia Child’s three-day brine recipe for Thanksgiving Turkey dinners, and he absolutely LOVED putting the holiday meal together and inviting a lonely friend or two to join them. He never missed an opportunity to put together a well-rounded holiday meal that would make his ancestors proud.
Over the years, Richard traveled cross-country in his little blue Mazda numerous times to just show up on family’s doorstep (by surprise), and those surprises were nothing short of epic. His surprise trips were ALWAYS perfectly timed around a holiday or birthday, and he really knew how to make people feel special and valued. He also had a way of giving the very best hugs, completely enveloping you in his long arms and holding on with tight warmth.
Richard loved shooting pool in Oxnard and Eureka with his bro/roommate Michael, he attended the World Cup Soccer match (1994) in north Jersey with bros Michael and Charles, he played indoor soccer in Humboldt, and taught most of his nephews some fancy footwork skills on the beaches of Ocean City N.J..
For all these reasons, and hundreds more, Richard is already missed beyond measure. He was a GIANT presence in the lives of all who knew him, and we’re forever blessed by having known & loved him.
Quoting one of Richard’s favorite Grateful Dead songs, (’Ripple’) seems the perfect way to remember Richard now:
“If my words did glow
With the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played
On the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice
Come through the music
Would you hold it near
as it were your own?”
A memorial service in his honor will likely be planned for family and friends in Ocean City, N.J. for late summer 2021 (post-Covid).
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Richard Bissell’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
OBITUARY: Tom Cover, 1948-2020
LoCO Staff / Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits
Anyone lucky enough to have known Tom Cover will be saddened to hear of his passing from this world on December 5th, due to lung complications after a year-long illness. He will be remembered by many for his talented trumpet playing: starting at HSU in the ‘60s, and later including All Seasons Orchestra, Eureka Symphony, Bayside Brass Quintet, Humboldt British Brass Band, with the McKinleyville Community Choir, for various musicals, wherever needed.
For those who knew him best he was also loved for his kindness, honesty, humility, generosity, loyalty and a friendly fun-loving spirit! Born in Columbus, Ohio, Tom spent much of his childhood living in Rocky Mountain National Park and then Lakeside, Ca. He came to HSU in the ‘60s, loved Humboldt and never left! He worked in many different jobs: typesetter, vineyard managing in Lake County during college breaks, for various local construction and flooring businesses, and finally 20 years at HSU.
Tom also created beautiful refined bowls and other turned pieces from local hardwoods which he gifted to many and donated for fundraising, most recently for the Trinidad and McKinleyville Land Trusts. Tom was a man of many talents and hobbies. In addition to wood-working he enjoyed hiking, mushrooming, rockhounding, running (including many Clam Beach Runs and the annual 4th of July run in Ashland with son Matt), beach-combing and litter-getting, helping with the Marine Mammal Rescue team, dancing to local bands, perch fishing, snorkelling, making poke and sushi, fire-building, being an avid reader and general bon vivant.
He will be missed most by his loving son Dr. Matthew Cover (Nancy Au) of Oakland, sister Janice (Dale) Bush of Medford, brother-in-law Bob (Beverly) Conley of Anchorage & Berkeley, Nicolas (Melissa, Zachary, Mia, Madison) Levesque of Prineville, Ore., and locally: Caroline, Alan and Sylvan Levesque, Jonathan Kirby and Janene Kirby (Luka, Eliana), and Kathryn Johnson, who he dearly loved and welcomed into his heart and life.
A celebration of life and musical remembrance is planned for later this year in collaboration with his friends in the All Seasons Orchestra, of which Tom was a proud and dedicated founding member. You can best honor Tom’s memory by rescuing a cat or dog, respecting everyone, and dancing whenever you can!
Dec. 3, 1948 – Dec. 5, 20. R.I.P.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Tom Cover’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
OBITUARY: Mark Schaal, 1955-2020
LoCO Staff / Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

It is with heartfelt sorrow and a heavy heart that I announce I lost the love of my life, Mark Schaal, after a long and valiant battle with cancer on December 5, 2020. Mark was born on March 13, 1955 to Audrey Jean (Rivet) Schaal in Kettering, England. Mark passed away at home surrounded by his family and close friends.
Mark came to Humboldt County at a very young age and attended local schools of Cutten, Winship and Eureka High School, graduating in 1973. He served in the United States Marine Corps after his graduation returning to Humboldt County upon his Honorable Discharge to start working for many different local businesses (O.F. Olsen, Humboldt Moving & Storage, Nilsen Feed, & Ayers Dist.) until his retirement in 2012.
Mark loved to ride all motorcycles, dirt bikes and Harleys (especially his new Tri-Glide Ultra and occasionally my Spyder). He enjoyed those sweet rides with friends, no matter the weather and he carried this passion of riding throughout his entire life. He enjoyed many trips to Street Vibrations in Reno, Bike Fest in Las Vegas and many other road trips on the bikes (even if it was just to Brookings for a Blizzard).
He enjoyed fishing and was always willing to share his bounty with family and friends. Mark also enjoyed the thrill of catching & relocating critters that threatened to mess up our backyard that we had worked so hard on to make our little oasis. Mark was proud of the way that the yard looked and enjoyed landscaping/gardening. He enjoyed any outdoor activity, even including pouring cement… God did that man loved his cement! Mark was a proud member of the Eureka Elks Lodge #652 where he served many years on the infamous Rib Crew and also a member of the Eureka Moose Lodge. Mark was the appointed neighborhood watchman by several of his neighbors after his retirement, all of which will miss his watchfulness (they affectionately nicknamed him “Mrs. Kravitz” because nothing ever got past his watchful eyes). He was also the person that the neighbors knew they could call on for any help even when their pets needed care (quickly becoming very loved by all).
Mark is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sheri Schaal of Eureka; son, Maximillion Schaal and granddaughter, Max Royalynn Schaal of Willits; sister, Karen Schaal (Craig Draper) of McKinleyville; cousin, Phillip York of Kettering, England; mother & father-in-law, Betty & Mickey Foster of Eureka; father-in-law, Bruce Scott of Scotts Valley; brothers-in law, Mike & Gary Pasquini of Santa Cruz area; aunt, Esther Smith of Chico; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Mark was pre-deceased by his mother and father, Jean & Leonard Schaal; aunts: Mary Kay, Violet Vollmer, Leah Walker; uncles: Bob Kay, John Schaal, Mel Smith, Wayne Walker, Art Schaal; brothers-in-law Mike, Daryl & Shawn Scott. I would especially like to thank close friends, Joe and Lynda Warren, who helped so greatly during Mark’s illness as well as his friends at Oncology: Ivy, Cindy, Barbara, Janet and the many others that helped him so much during treatments. Per Mark’s wishes, no services will be held. Due to Covid protocols, there will be a small, private memorial held at a later date to celebrate and honor Mark’s life.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Mark Schaal’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
