[The following obituary was submitted by Jared’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.]

It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Jared Lee Foster on September 25th 2015. Jared was born in Eureka California on July 6th 1985, and grew up in Arcata and Willow Creek. He later graduated from Arcata High School in 2004.

As a kid Jared loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting with his father Lonnie Foster. During the summer he enjoyed rafting with his stepfather, Dan Shields, mother, Jennifer Shields, and sister Danielle Shields. He was quite the water dog! Jared and his little sister Danielle were very close growing up, he loved to tease and scare her as much as he could, however they also enjoyed going to the river together and shared many laughs along the way. As a teenager he very much enjoyed motorcycle riding on Fickle Hill with his father. He was a thrill-seeking, fearless boy, and still was into his adulthood. His love and passion for the outdoors never seemed to cease: Into his 20s Jared enjoyed logging and tree trimming all over Humboldt County, he was self taught and had a real gift when it came to trees. Jared also loved spending his days with his son Emmett, four years old. They enjoyed riding quads all over the ranch in Willow Creek, as well as playing in the river. Emmett and his father shared so many precious memories that he will hold on to forever. 

 Jared had a very compassionate, charming, loving, and funny soul. Touching many hearts while he was with us including the amazing bonds he had with the many pets we shared. He always did his best to do the right thing, and was so loyal and such a good friend to those he cared about. He very much enjoyed his life at the ranch in Willow Creek and spending time with family on Fickle Hill in Arcata. Most of all Jared was happiest when he was spending time with his son Emmett who he adored and loved deeply.

Jared leaves behind his son, Emmett Foster, his mother and stepfather Jennifer and Dan Shields, little sister, Danielle Shields, his father Lonnie Foster, Carrie Foster, Ashley and Dillon. His grandparents: Dennis and Phyllis Musselman, Darol and Marilyn Foster, Joe and Kay Bartels, Colleen and John Lewis. Aunt Jackie and David Prendergast, Uncle Geoff Musselman, Uncle Cody and Heather Lewis, Uncle Jamie and Aunt Jennifer Foster, Aunt Shawna and Greg Thorson, and several cousins.

There will be a celebration of life for Jared Foster’s family and friends on Nov. 8 at the Arkley Center in Eureka from 2 to 5 p.m.