Fred, born to Fred H. and Clara Farnsworth April 11, 1936, passed away March 13th 2016. He was raised in Carlotta, where he attended the old Cuddeback school and then Fortuna High School. He left Fortuna High to serve his country in the Army, where he was stationed in Germany for three years until he was honorably discharged in 1957. Upon his return home he worked for several local timber companies as a cat skinner until he discovered his true passion as a timber faller. He loved falling old-growth Redwood and certainly had bragging rights for his ability get them on the ground in one piece. He continued to fall timber in and around Humboldt County and Anderson.

One of Fred’s lifelong passions was hunting with family and friends. I’ve heard more great and funny buck huntin’ stories from him and his brothers than I can count.

Fred was also extremely proud to be a part of one of the pioneer families that settled the Petrolia area in the 1850s. He was always eager to share stories about the Farnsworths in the early days of Humboldt with friends and younger members of the family .

I have to mention that he was also a pretty awesome neighbor, being mechanically inclined and always willing to help one in need, you might find him working on anything from an elderly lady’s lawnmower to a kids bicycle. If he couldn’t fix it, it probably wasn’t worth fixing.

Fred, or “Shorty” as he was affectionately known by his family, loved family reunions and rarely missed one. It was always fun wondering what he was going to roll up with and what kind of a great deal he’d make you on it. I think the best reunion was one where he was able to buy, sell, or trade something before the weekend was up. Shorty was just as entertaining to kids in the family, as he made us laugh with a joke, funny story, or harmless prank like a fake hand sticking out of the trunk of a car or doing the hula hoop a couple of years ago when he was walking with a cane.
The person that Fred was to each of us … Husband, Father, Brother, Grandad, cousin, Uncle “Shorty,” or Friend, will be truly missed but fondly remembered.

Fred is survived by his wife Patricia Farnsworth of Georgetown, Calif., his son Joe Farnsworth of Fortuna, stepson Fred Killion of Santa Rosa, stepdaughter Terri Killion of Scottsdale, Ariz., stepson Bruce Killion of Georgetown, Calif. grandson Garrett Farnsworth of Lewiston, Idaho, grand daughter Cassandra Farnsworth of Stockton, grand daughter Taylor Rose Farnsworth of Lewiston, Id., also numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Fred is also survived by his brothers, Allen (Bud) Farnsworth of Fortuna, Floyd (George) Farnsworth of Mckinleyville and Robert Farnsworth of Eureka. He was also survived by his sister Edith (Tiny) Chase until her very recent passing.

Fred was preceded in death by his sisters Clara Broadstock and Francis Strickland. He was also preceded by his brother Richard Farnsworth.

A celebration of life will be held at 12 noon June 25th 2016 at Trout Shelter in Lake Selmac Park in Selma, Oregon and will be followed by a potluck at 1 p.m.

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