On Sunday, May 9, 2021, Richard Cartier, loving father of four, devoted partner and amazing friend to many, passed away at age 55. His death was unexpected and cause is still unknown at this time.

Richard was born in Van Nuys on October 23, 1965 to Bob and Carolyn Cartier. Richard spent most his life in California. His youth was spent in San Fernando Valley, and as a teenager he lived on Silverstrand beach in Ventura County. He was the oldest of five boys. After finishing high school, he joined the Navy and served a term from 1984 to 1986. When returning home he married his high school girlfriend Keiko and had three children — Justin, Krystle, and Cassandra. Richard then moved his new family to San Luis Obispo. He went to work for the family business that was owned by his mothers parents, called the Boston Bagel Company. Richard and his first wife separated very soon there after, however, he continued to be involved in his young children’s lives.

He then met Harmony Sellers while working at the family business. Harmony began working with him in the bakery. The two of them were very driven together. They decided to move to her hometown of Garberville, where he had always dreamed of living. The two started a business together —a bagel bakery and juice bar, Bagels Naturally and the Buzz N’ Berry. They were very passionate with this endeavor.

They ran the business for the next 10 years, during which time they proudly had Richard’s fourth child, Nicholas.

Richard loved living in the redwoods, in southern Humboldt County. He has always had a love of nature. He has found much enjoyment throughout his life in outdoor sports such as surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. He loved to go on camping trips with the children and his partner. They spent their free time camping and hiking throughout many of the most beautiful places in California.

Richard was fueled by his love for music. You could often catch him jamming to his music at very high decibels in his vehicle and while he worked. He was also quite talented at playing the guitar. He has went to countless concerts over the years. He has attended more concerts than anyone I’ve ever known.

Richard’s friends and family were so very important to him. He had really strengthened his family bonds over the past several years, making an effort to share many holidays with them. He had a special gift at always seeing the bright side of life. He was a true optimist. It was important to him that the ones he cared about were happy. He had a special ability to make you laugh when you needed to most. He was a gifted carpenter and mechanic. You could call on him to rescue you when broke down. He would usually drop everything to help his friends. Richard worked very hard throughout his life but he would make equal time to just play and have fun, never neglecting his inner child. He spent the last eight years of his life as a chef for a local restaurant and he was dating the girl next door.

Richard will be missed by so many. He never stopped making new friends, while still cherishing his old friendships as well. Richard was preceded in death by his brother Raymond. He is survived by his mother, Caroline (Rosemary); his father, Bob; his brothers, Robert, Daniel, Evan and their wives Robin and Julie; his four children Justin, Krystle, Cassandra, and her daughter, his first granddaughter, and his fourth child, Nicholas, who has spent the last year’s of Richards life by his side; his aunt Francine and his uncle Kurt; his cousins Levi, Tim, and Yahna; his nieces Chanel, Tiffany, and Emma; his nephews, Christian, Logan, and Evan; his countless friends, who will never forget him.

A memorial celebrating Richard’s life is to be announced. Donations to help with the life celebration can be made to Nicholas Cartier’s account at The Community Credit Union, account #21381

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