John Harvey Laam passed away in the early hours of May 25, 2020 and is now with our Lord in a wonderful place that we can only imagine.

John was born April 23, 1952 and grew up in Klamath before moving to Harper Avenue in McKinleyville at the age of 8.  Soon the neighborhood boys invited him to play basketball.  He had never seen a game and soon invented “tackle basketball.”  His childhood was spent with his new friends.  Soon bicycles turned into hot cars and he and his friends spent hours working on them.  He always worked with his Dad and learned about mechanics, building, concrete, and most of all, driving truck and heavy equipment.  John worked hauling logs, lumber, chips and hog fuel. He loved pulling a lowbed and hauling big equipment.  He worked in the mill for several years as an electrician and saw filer.  After finding a 1967 Mustang over the bank in the woods, he acquired its title and totally rebuilt the car.  He spend many hours showing the car in parades and car shows.

After an illness, he moved to Las Vegas and enjoyed the car shows and joined the local Mustang Club.  He enjoyed a close relationship with family there, especially with his brother-in-law, Dan.  They spent many happy hours at Harbor Freight!!  In 2015, he visited his son in Howard, Ks, and met the woman who would soon be his wife.  Their love affair lasted until his passing and they were never apart.

John and his new wife moved back to McKinleyville in 2016, and built a home.  He loved his family and friends and often entertained in the backyard with the charcoals lit and ready to go.  

He is survived by his wife, Shae; his son, Shawn and wife, Erin; daughters, Jennifer, and Joann; his grandchildren, Christian, Ethan, Macy, Morgan, JJ, and Jackie; great grandchild, Declan; sister Pat; and his mother, Gloria; nephews, Danny and Brandon and spouses Debbie and Leanna; Great Neice Amy, Great Nephew Cody and DJ, Great great nephews, Daniel and Colton.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank Hospice and Ayers Funeral Home.

###

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