It is with heartfelt sorrow and a heavy heart that I announce I lost the love of my life, Mark Schaal, after a long and valiant battle with cancer on December 5, 2020. Mark was born on March 13, 1955 to Audrey Jean (Rivet) Schaal in Kettering, England. Mark passed away at home surrounded by his family and close friends.

Mark came to Humboldt County at a very young age and attended local schools of Cutten, Winship and Eureka High School, graduating in 1973. He served in the United States Marine Corps after his graduation returning to Humboldt County upon his Honorable Discharge to start working for many different local businesses (O.F. Olsen, Humboldt Moving & Storage, Nilsen Feed, & Ayers Dist.) until his retirement in 2012.

Mark loved to ride all motorcycles, dirt bikes and Harleys (especially his new Tri-Glide Ultra and occasionally my Spyder). He enjoyed those sweet rides with friends, no matter the weather and he carried this passion of riding throughout his entire life. He enjoyed many trips to Street Vibrations in Reno, Bike Fest in Las Vegas and many other road trips on the bikes (even if it was just to Brookings for a Blizzard).

He enjoyed fishing and was always willing to share his bounty with family and friends. Mark also enjoyed the thrill of catching & relocating critters that threatened to mess up our backyard that we had worked so hard on to make our little oasis. Mark was proud of the way that the yard looked and enjoyed landscaping/gardening. He enjoyed any outdoor activity, even including pouring cement… God did that man loved his cement! Mark was a proud member of the Eureka Elks Lodge #652 where he served many years on the infamous Rib Crew and also a member of the Eureka Moose Lodge. Mark was the appointed neighborhood watchman by several of his neighbors after his retirement, all of which will miss his watchfulness (they affectionately nicknamed him “Mrs. Kravitz” because nothing ever got past his watchful eyes). He was also the person that the neighbors knew they could call on for any help even when their pets needed care (quickly becoming very loved by all).

Mark is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sheri Schaal of Eureka; son, Maximillion Schaal and granddaughter, Max Royalynn Schaal of Willits; sister, Karen Schaal (Craig Draper) of McKinleyville; cousin, Phillip York of Kettering, England; mother & father-in-law, Betty & Mickey Foster of Eureka; father-in-law, Bruce Scott of Scotts Valley; brothers-in law, Mike & Gary Pasquini of Santa Cruz area; aunt, Esther Smith of Chico; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Mark was pre-deceased by his mother and father, Jean & Leonard Schaal; aunts: Mary Kay, Violet Vollmer, Leah Walker; uncles: Bob Kay, John Schaal, Mel Smith, Wayne Walker, Art Schaal; brothers-in-law Mike, Daryl & Shawn Scott. I would especially like to thank close friends, Joe and Lynda Warren, who helped so greatly during Mark’s illness as well as his friends at Oncology: Ivy, Cindy, Barbara, Janet and the many others that helped him so much during treatments. Per Mark’s wishes, no services will be held. Due to Covid protocols, there will be a small, private memorial held at a later date to celebrate and honor Mark’s life.

###

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