Merlin Goodwin Jr. was born on July 15, 1958 and peacefully passed away at home early in the morning of September 13, 2019. He was the first-born child to Buddy and Billie Goodwin. Merlin was born in Eureka, grew up near Blue Lake, and was a graduate of Arcata High School’s class of 1976.

Merlin started logging while in high school with his father and eventually bought his own log truck. For 30 years Merlin was a gypo log truck and dump truck driver. Due to health reasons Merlin had to retire in 2009 and spent most of his retirement improving and upgrading his 47 Studebaker pickup.

Merlin was always a very strong person and proved that right until the end. He had many friends and was respected throughout the community. He could never go anywhere in town without running into someone he knew and striking up a 2-hour long conversation. Merlin had a wonderful sense of humor and always made people laugh, even in his final moments. Merlin loved his little blue heeler, Lola and she was a loyal companion until the end.

Merlin is preceded in death by his parents, Buddy and Billie Goodwin, and his love, Susan Brockway.

Merlin is survived by his two daughters, Heather Pettinger and Tashayna Clark and three grandchildren.

Please join us in celebrating Merlin’s life on September 28, 2019 at 11 a.m. at 993 Liscom Hill Rd. Our family is requesting everyone bring a side dish and their best stories of Merlin.