It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of long time Eureka resident Jeffrey Mark Hill on June 9, 2021, due to a tragic accident at his workplace.

Jeff was born in Eureka on April 15, 1961 to Jean and Pete Hill. Growing up, he was a happy, inquisitive, adventurous child and would disappear for hours playing with his friends all over the neighborhood, much to the frustration of his mom when trying to find him. Throughout his life, if Jeff was doing something he enjoyed, he was all in. Jeff loved all of his family, but he especially admired and respected his dad who was his mentor at work and in life.

Jeff, a certified Master Diesel Mechanic, began his work life at the family business, Trinity Supply, with his father and brother. He spent many years working at Trinity Supply, both in Eureka and Ukiah. It was while working in Ukiah that Jeff met his first wife, Christina, and where his children were born. They lived in Ukiah for several years before returning to Eureka after his father’s death. Although the marriage did not last, Jeff and Christina were still able to remain friends. Jeff married his second wife, Gayla in 2019, and they lived happily together until his death.

Although he was a gifted mechanic who could take any motor apart and put it back together again, Jeff knew there was more to life than work. He worked to live, he didn’t live to work. Jeff was a lifelong learner with a “can do” attitude, and a wide range of interests. From electric guitars to dirt bikes to computers, if Jeff wanted to learn something, he would do the research and teach himself how to do it. He taught himself to play guitar, and the amplified strains of “Smoke on the Water” would emanate from his bedroom for hours. He taught himself to build computers, and when he wasn’t outdoors riding his dirt bike through the trees on the hill or driving his go-cart on the track he built, he was playing racing games on his PC. Jeff loved anything with a motor. It didn’t matter if it was fast cars, motorcycles, dirt bikes, go-carts, RC cars or virtual cars. He enjoyed them all.

Jeff was also a fireworks “enthusiast.” He looked forward to setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July every year. He and Gayla were married on July 4, and they timed their wedding vows to end just as the fireworks display started. It was a magical moment on a beautiful day that will be remembered by everyone who was there.

The proud father of three boys, Jeff celebrated each of their accomplishments. He did his best to love and guide them growing up, and as adults, whenever they needed him, he was always there, ready to support them with his knowledge and his love.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Gayla, his sons Michael (Leigh), Andrew (Rachael) and Kevin, his mother Jean, his first wife and mother of his sons Christina, his brother Michael (Becky), his sister Donna, his aunt Marilyn, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his faithful little buddy, Jojo. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Harlin “Pete” Hill, and his little fur babies, Oreo and Honey.

A loving father, son, husband, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Jeff is loved, and will be deeply missed.

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