Leonard David Frye was born to Julius Frye and Sylvena Bailey Frye on November 25, 1934 in the Humboldt County Hospital in Eureka.

After he was born he lived on the family property at Blue Creek on the Yurok Reservation. His father, Julius, died when he was six weeks old and Leonard’s mother, Sylvena, moved him to Blue Lake to the Bailey Family home. He was known as “Clifford” in his youth. Growing up in Blue Lake he learned to play the guitar. He played in a band with his cousins George and Ivan Henshaw. He enjoyed making music all his life. He worked in various saw mills and construction in the surrounding area.

After retirement he found enjoyment in travelling to visit his family, strumming his guitar and he also enjoyed chasing after that ever elusive jackpot at the local casinos. He was a one of a kind man. His family referred to him as “Tumbleweed” because he never liked to stay in one place too long.  When the inspiration hit him to go see someone he was known to strike out on the open road and hitch his way to his destination. A rolling stone gathers no moss.

Leonard had many wives and even more children. He was not one to rest in one spot for long. But, later in his life he met and married Marcie Smith Frye. He loved Marcie and was devoted to her and Marcie was equally devoted to him. Our family can never express our heartfelt gratitude to Marcie for being his best friend, his caretaker, and filling his last years with happiness and love.  We would also like to express our sincere thanks to The Bear River Rancheria for looking out for and caring for Leonard and Marcie.

Leonard was preceded in death by his father Julius Frye, mother Sylvena Bailey Frye Grant, and step father, Sam Grant. His wives: Ernestine Hames Swanson, Fay Hatfield Frye, Karen Way Frye and Myrtle Ford Frye.  He also lost his son, Eugene Ford, his grandson, Justin Donahue and his great granddaughter, Brittany Donahue.

He is survived by his wife Marcie Frye and her children Franklin Jake, Stanford Jake, Rhonda Keisner, and Rosie Pepetone. His children David (Kathy) Frye, Davita (Billy)Fraser, Robert Frye Way, Luana Frye Hillman, Dixie Frye, Kelly Frye, Linda Frye Ford, Clifford Frye Ford, and Randy Frye Ford. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren and 10 great- great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at Sunrise Cemetery in Fortuna on Saturday July 21st at 1:00 P.M. with a potluck and reception immediately following at Bear River Rancheria community center.

We would also like to thank Fortuna Rehabilitation Center and Hospice of Humboldt for the care and attention they provided for Leonard in his final days.

We find comfort knowing that Leonard is hitting the jackpot and strumming his guitar in the afterlife. Roll on, Tumbleweed.

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