Douglas H. Edgmon, 97, of Fortuna, passed away on Nov. 29, 2017. He was the son of the late Hugh and Linny Edgmon. Doug was born in the family home in Fortuna on May 14, 1920. He is survived by his daughter, Marilyn Irons (Jim); his grandchildren, Kimberly Irons, Douglas R. Edgmon and Katie Edgmon; his great-grandchildren, Jaydan Edgmon, Che Ochoa, Arijana Ochoa; and his sister-in-law, Anna Breton.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Eleanor; his sons Gary Edgmon and Kenneth Edgmon; granddaughter Tina Edgmon; and many great friends over the years.

Doug was raised in Pepperwood. He attended school in Pepperwood Flats with 13 other children. He graduated from Fortuna Union High School in 1938, and that is where he met his wife, Eleanor Ross.

Doug was self-employed in the retail grocery business for most of his life, starting in 1936. He first worked in the White Grocery and later became a partner of the business. Later he purchased the A & B Market in 1946. Doug then started the Campton Heights Market in 1955, and operated it until 1986 upon his retirement. During his working career he also owned Fernbridge Meats with his son Gary Edgmon, and the Dinsmore Store with his daughter Marilyn and son-in-law Jim Irons.

Doug loved Fortuna and served in many capacities when needed. He was an active volunteer fireman in Company 5 retiring his badge – No. 47 – after 31 years. He was a fire commissioner from 1958 until he retired. Doug was accepted in the Masonic Lodge Eel River 147 chapter in 1942, as well as being a Shriner with the 32-degree Masons, getting his 75-year pin.

Doug was president of the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce and Fortuna Rotary, and member of the Ferndale Rotary. He was Fortuna Rodeo Marshal in 1995. He also was Fortuna’s Citizen of the Year in 1995. Doug was a member of Native Sons and sponsored the Fortuna Rodeo saddle for many years.

When Doug was not hard at work, his great passion was airplanes, of which he always had one or two. He had his private pilot’s license since 1946 and also had a multi-engine and instrument rating license. He helped many people with his airplane in their time of need. During the 1955 and 1965 floods he used both his airplane and boat to help ferry people out of flooded areas.

At Doug’s request, there will be no services. Doug always said “Do something thoughtful for someone and think of me.” He judged people on how they kept their word and how they treated others.

A very special thank you to Joe Toroni, a true friend. Thank you for all you did, taking his papers and mail, and being Mr. Fix-it – especially with his lawn mowers.

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The obituary above was submitted by Doug Edgmon’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.