Daniel Bower Carter, 66, of Carlotta, passed away unexpectedly the morning of September 11, 2015 preparing for the upcoming winter stacking firewood at “the homestead” on McClellan Mountain.

Dan was born in Scotia, California to Ernest and Myrtle Carter on August 13, 1949. He grew up in Fortuna and attended high school at Fortuna High, then started working for the mills right after high school as a timber faller and millwright before becoming an independent timber faller.

Dan had a great love for the natural beauty of the outdoors and always enjoyed hiking, camping and horseback riding. Dan was also a local history buff and knew a great deal about Humboldt County history. Dan was a teacher of nature and history to his kids, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and anyone else who wanted to hear his stories.  Another great love of Dan’s was his Willys Knight.  He loved taking all of us for rides on the back roads of Humboldt County, down the Avenue of the Giants and to special events.

In 2006 Dan bought the cabin of his dreams on McClellan Mountain.  The land had been owned by the Carter family when Dan was a child and he had spent a great deal of time there when he was young.  He always felt it was a great privilege and was very proud to be able to purchase the property for his retirement. 

Dan is preceded in death by his father, Ernest Carter; mother, Myrtle Carter; brother; Benjamin Carter; sister-in-law, Patty Carter; and father-in-law, Raymond Schuetzle.

Dan is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy Carter; his children, Lukeus & Amber Carter and Thomas & Luci Carter; his grandchildren, Julian, Sammy, Isabella and Noah.  Dan is also survived by his siblings: Mike Carter, Linda (Duane) Marshall and Rosemary Carter; his mother-in-law, Vanta Schuetzle; many  Schuetzle-in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

At 2 p.m. on October 10th there will be a celebration of life at the Carlotta Grange. This will be a potluck lunch and all friends and family are invited.

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