Elias P. Sousa — aka “The Big E” — left this Earth on the morning of September 3, 2018. 

Elias was born July 16, 1935 at the Lower Riverside Ranch in Ferndale to Elias and Mary Sousa.  He grew up on the family dairy with his siblings until his marriage to Marilyn in 1954.  He worked several jobs until he became a longshoreman out of ILWU Locals 14 and 92 for over 45 years.

In 1972 he and Marilyn moved their family to Ferndale, where they bought and operated a dairy farm until 2007. Big E still made hay and tinkered on his equipment until 2017.  He was best known for cruising through town with his dog, Dolly, hanging out the window. 

He was preceded in by his brother Richard, mother and father. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and sons Dan, Jerry, Rick and wife Melanie, and daughter Crystal; grandchildren Laura Petersen and husband Ryan, Jared Sousa and his fiancé Courtney, Angel Sousa, Derek Sousa and girlfriend Kaylee, and Jerika Sousa; great-granddaughter Ellie Ann; brothers George and Raymond; and sister Irene; along with nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to thank Frye’s Care Home, where Dolly, Dee Dee and their wonderful staff loved and took great care of him.  And to Hospice of Humboldt, who assisted until his passing.  

A viewing will be held on Sunday, September 9, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gobles Mortuary in Fortuna, and a memorial service on Monday, September 10, at 2 p.m.  Because of Elias’s love for dogs, donations may be made to your favorite Humboldt Country animal rescue.

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