-Harry William McWhorter Jr.-
1947-2016

Harry William McWhorter Jr., of the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department and the Fortuna Rodeo Association, known to friends and family as Will, Willie, or Wilbur, passed away at the age of 68, from natural causes, February 26 at his home in Shelter Cove.

Will was born March 29, 1947 in Alameda, while his father was stationed there. Will spent his toddler years in Guam before the family returned home to Fortuna. He graduated from Fortuna High School in 1965 and joined the Navy as a carpenter.

He proudly served aboard the USS Saint Paul (CA-73) and the ship earned the Top Gun award, for firing the most rounds in the ship’s history, during his deployment in Vietnam. He later enjoyed attending the USS Saint Paul reunions, where he was known as the “youngster” for being the youngest of those who served on the USS Saint Paul.

After the Navy, he briefly returned to Humboldt County and attended College of the Redwoods before transferring to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and earning a degree in Ag Business Management in 1973. He returned home to work with his father at Gates and Associates Insurance Agency, where he spent the rest of his career. He married Patti (Fearrien) McWhorter in 1972 and raised 2 children in Metropolitan. 

Will enjoyed participating in many community activities: he spent over 30 years as both a member of the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department Company 3 “Hook & Ladder” and the Fortuna Rodeo Association Board of Directors. He donated blood frequently, reaching the 12 gallon mark. He enjoyed golfing, hunting at the family ranch, trap shooting, fishing both in Shelter Cove and Mexico to catch the “big one”, and spending time with his many friends. He team roped with his father. He always looked forward to the annual abalone diving and camping trip with his life-long friends. He took great joy teaching his daughter to play cribbage. He was thrilled that his son and father developed a strong bond. 

In 2004, he moved into the home his parents built in Shelter Cove. Will met Sue “Susie” Machi and they began dating the 4th of July 2006. Sue quickly became Will’s life partner and his days were filled with watching the waves, running his dogs with the golf cart, “BS-ing” with the fellows at the boat ramp, and watching for the green glow of the sun splashing down at sunset. “Hawaii has nothing on us when it comes to sunsets.” He cherished the time he spent as Grandpa Wilbur to Wyatt. Will had a great personality, was full of fun, jokes, and surprises. He was generous, kind, and truly cared about his fellow man and animals.

Will was preceded by his father Harry, mother Nadine (McHughes) McWhorter, and his aunts & uncles:  Ben & Billie, Tom & Bernice McWhorter, Clyde & Bettie Eaton, Lois, Ruth, David, and Barbara McHughes. Will is survived by his partner of 10 years Susan Machi, sister Collyn McWhorter, children Sean McWhorter (Dilay), Geni Robinson (Aaron), Lisa Machi Pleger (Rob), grandsons David Robinson and Wyatt Pleger, godson Kelly Patton, and his numerous cousins and extended family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department, the Fortuna Rodeo Association, or the Humane Society.  Services will be held Saturday, March 26th from 1 to 4 PM at the Fortuna Fire Hall. If you knew Will, join us while we have a celebration he would enjoy.

# # #

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