Dean J. Rhead, born June 7, 1942 in Alhambra, moved to Eureka at the age of 13. He was under Hospice care and passed away at home on January 20, 2020.

Dean graduated from Eureka High, class of 1960 and served on the reunion committee every 5 years.

He worked as a fireman for 9 years at the Humboldt Hill fire station and other stations.

He left and got his contractor’s license and built homes and did remodels. When market slowed down, he went to farrier school in Porterville. He became a farrier, shoeing horses and making many new friends. He had to change occupations or face back surgery.

He owned a sailboat and belonged to the Humboldt Yacht Club, where he won many 1st places in his class.

He started riding bicycles and participated in many of the “Waves to Wine” fund raisers in the early 80s until he was struck by a car. Went back to work as a carpenter, working for various employers until he retired.

He was a member of the UMCI (United Motorcycle Club International) and served as ride coordinator for many years. Also served on the California rally committee, every 5 years, as well as on the local chapter events committee. Attended the International rallies in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana with his wife and sometimes with just his good riding friends, Don Everden and Zack Hoffman from Winston, Oregon.

He took photography classes and had a studio for a few years taking wedding photos and senior class pictures. He attended horse shows , taking pictures of the different events.

For the last several years he enjoyed getting together with friends at Mel Sample’s shop for coffee and occasional donuts. He was a friend of Bill W and celebrated 37 years on Dec. 26th and made many good friends in the fellowship.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Kim, mother Kay, father John, brother Don and his daughters’ mother, Kay. Survived by his wife Fernanda, daughter Lisa Turner (son Alex) of Buckeye, Arizona, stepsons Bryan (Katrina) Richter, Hydesville and Kevin (friend Judy) Richter, Eureka. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Danny Buck, Christina Buck, Arizona, Nicholas (Ashley) Richter, Mollala, Oregon, Rachel Richter and friend Bill of Portland, Oregon and Brady (Annabelle) Richter of McKinleyville, Calif., great grandchild Riley Buck, nephews, Keith (Cindy) Rhead, Carson City, Nevada and Richard Rhead of Mariposa, California. Cousins, Ann Conzelman of Granada Hills, Calif., her daughter and brother Richard Rhead . Also survived by his brothers-in-law, George (Linda) Brito, Fortuna, Calif., Jack (Ruth) Brito, Canby, Oregon. Nephews, Ken (Cori) Brito and the their daughters of Rio Dell, Calif. , Craig (Rosie) Brito, and their children of Folsom, Calif., Eric (Erin) Brito and their daughter, Canby, Oregon, Tyler Brito, Canby, Oregon. Nieces, Jennifer (Jake) Hayes and their daughters, Fortuna, Calif., Eileen (John) Winter and their children, Canby, Oregon, Lisa (Jeff) Goode and sons, Canby, Oregon, Shannon (Brent) Allee and daughter, Canby, Oregon, and Shelby and Leah Brito, Canby, Oregon. He also leaves behind many cousins.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt for their attention to his care. Thank you to everyone for your kind words.

Potluck Celebration of Life to be held March 1 at 2 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 4328 Campton Road, Eureka.

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