William Lane Hewitt went home to our heavenly Father on Dec. 24, 2017.

Bill was born in Bend, Oregon on Nov. 24,1953 to Olen & Gladys Hewitt. He graduated from McKinleyville High School in June 1971 and married Janice Horn on Dec. 29, 1971.

Bill joined the United States Air Force in 1971 and was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc, in 1972. He was deployed to Udorn, Thailand in 1973 and worked in the Crash & Rescue unit. He returned for civil service at China Lake Naval Weapons Center, working on the flightline.

Bill returned to Humboldt County in 1977, where he bought his own crab boat and worked in the fishing industry for several years. He started work for Louisiana Pacific in 1982 as Letourneau Operator, and worked there for 24 years. On Aug. 16, 2003, Bill received a blessing and received a much-needed heart transplant. It was that special gift of life that enabled him to enjoy an additional 14 wonderful years with family and friends.

Bill was an avid deer hunter, fisherman and loved to go clamming. He was a wonderful father and was an honest and caring friend to many.

He is survived by ex-wife Janice Hewitt, daughter Brandi Shipman (Sonnie), son Jason Hewitt, beloved dog Archie, granddaughter Kaylyn Shipman (Oscar), grandson Kyle Shipman, granddaughter Jayla Hewitt, great grandson Wesley Casarez, brother Eric Hewitt (Cherri), sister Debbie Snead, sister Delores Clinton (Carl), numerous nieces & nephews and longtime best friends and hunting buddies Greg Pricer and Dale Hay. He is preceded in death by parents Olen & Gladys Hewitt.

Bill requested no services. Special thanks to the Heart Transplant Team at Palo Alto VA for their special care and treatment they gave him over the years.

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