Willis Webb, better known as Lefty, passed away January 4, 2022.

Lefty was born in Humboldt County on December 20, 1929, to Willis and Esther Webb. He spent his younger years in Korbel, Blue Lake and nearby lumber towns. Lefty had amazing stories about his escapades with his close Blue Lake friends: Jack, Pete and Reggie. Many a story has been told of their high school youth, wild summers and trips to the Bay Area. His memory was so clear, and his stories so vivid and descriptive, that you could picture these rascals having the time of their lives, fulfilling all of their crazy dreams and making the most of every moment!

In 1950 he went into the Army and served as a medic in the Korean War. Again, Lefty’s stories about his time In Korea were highly descriptive and he talked about the beauty of the county and the people he met while stationed there. While war is never easy, Dad try to remain focused and open-minded about the task at hand. He treated all with respect and dignity. He was a proud Army Veteran and loved this country. Whenever he was out and about, you could be certain he would be proudly wearing his Korean War Veteran hat! Once Lefty was back from the war, he and his posse continued kicking up their heels in many a fancy car that he owned and cruised about town in. The Arcata Plaza was a favorite haunt for them to visit!

Lefty met and married Rita Larsen in the mid-1950s. He adopted her daughter Jewel and soon after they welcomed daughter Michelle, aka Mitchie. He built a home for his family on Liscom Hill Road by Blue Lake and worked for Simpson Timber Company in Korbel. He was quite the worker: started out loading box cars at Simpson and ended his years there in the maintenance department. There wasn’t anything he could not build or repair. He and his great friend, Gary, took care of many a maintenance issue at Simpson Timber. He moonlighted and provided for his family by working on many homes and businesses in the Blue Lake and surrounding areas. One fun story: I had Dad in the Annie and Mary Parade in 2021, and while we were enroute, Dad pointed out all the homes and buildings he had worked on or built in all his past years in construction. It was one of my favorite times with Dad. Plus, I had quite the Blue Lake history lesson!

Lefty lost his first wife, Rita, and remarried Shirley Davis. He and Shirley spent most of their years in Orleans. He had 5 acres and a big shop that kept him busy. He was never one to stop and relax! Always had many projects going and ideas for more in his head. He put in a beautiful orchard, vegetable garden and rows and rows of berries! The family loved getting together in the summer and spending time in the sun, plus enjoying the bounty from the garden.

Lefty and Shirley loved to travel, and one of their favorite destinations was Yuma, Arizona. They later made it their permanent home and spent time with friends and traveling to Mexico while there.

When Shirley passed away in 2019, Lefty moved back to Humboldt County to live with his daughter, Michelle. He arrived just before his 90th birthday and had a wonderful celebration with friends and family! We were blessed to have him with us and to hear about his life. His stories are forever etched in our hearts. Fortunately, we have many of these stories and his history recorded so we can pass these on to future generations!

Lefty is survived by his daughter Michelle Voyles (David), Grandsons Brett and Lane Voyles, Brian Sneed (Judith) and great grandson Everett. Stepchildren Ricky ( Linda ), Danny and Laurie Davis. Step-grandchildren Cindy, Catrina, Daniel, JD, Tina, Jimmy, Chelsea and Lilyauna, many step-great-grandchildren and step-great-great-grandchildren! He was an outstanding family man and loved all with his whole heart! Many memories are being talked about by his friends and family as this is being written.

Lefty was pre-deceased by his parents Willis and Esther Webb, brother Charles aka Bud Webb, first wife Rita Webb, second wife Shirley Webb, daughter Jewel Sneed, and step-grandson Gus Krause.

Many thanks to Hospice of Humboldt, the local VA Home Health Team and Timber Ridge McKinleyville. Your compassion and care for Dad was greatly appreciated!

My wish is that you reflect on a wonderful memory and story that you may have of Lefty. He left us all with so many smiles!

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