Chase Evan Kirtley was born on May 18, 1989 at Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna. He was a dreamy, sensitive child who drew elaborate drawings during class and loved to take toys apart. His brief T-ball career featured him joyfully stuffing grass under his hat in the outfield, in hopes it would dye his hair green. He was fascinated by history and enjoyed the time he spent hearing stories from WWII vets.

He graduated from Arcata High School in 2007, an easily recognizable character with his voluminous curls and penchant for thrift store suits. He was thrilled to turn in his skateboard for a 1970 Chevy step side that he then spray-painted skull and crossbones on the hood of. His love for modifying vehicles never ceased, leading to several years as a parts guy for local auto parts stores. Chase loved to socialize and was a regular in the Arcata nightlife. He had a wry sense of humor, a quick wit, and gave Arcata residents a memorable night or two while out in a Storm Trooper uniform.

Chase was funny, he was loyal, and he was loved. He also struggled with depression, anxiety and addiction. That sweet and dreamy boy experienced a world that was not always easy or kind to him, and like so many, he coped with alcohol. Many of those who knew and loved him met him out at Everett’s, a brewery, or at a comedy show. His successes at sobriety ebbed and flowed, while he was always hoping to get better, always making plans for a future self who would succeed. In 2019, he went to Arizona for 11 months to be with his mom, Kathy, and focused on his sobriety. Special thanks to the Paulden AA group and the men there who picked him up most mornings for coffee and conversation. He returned to Humboldt County in 2020 to finish his HART classes and was determined to make his way in the community he had grown up in. Unfortunately, he left this life on January 31, 2022.

Chase will be fondly remembered by so many people. He is survived by his family and many dear friends. He will be incredibly missed by his mother, Kathy Parker of Prescott Valley, Arizona, his older sister Nicole Halvorsen (Thomas) of Loleta, his niece Remington Halvorsen, and his younger sister Danae Kirtley (Cy) of Oregon City, Oregon. Special thank you to Daniel Amaral, his dear friend who was like a brother to him for many years.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Dennis Parker, who Chase had admired and respected.

To those who find they too are in a dark place, please reach out. You too are loved, deeply and with your flaws. At times our own minds are our own worst enemies, and the loss of you would leave behind a hole that is incomprehensible for others. Many lives dimmed with the death of Chase, and we will greatly miss his helpfulness, his humor, and his smile. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 800-273-8255. For text assistance, text HOME to 741741. For more local assistance, the Humboldt County Behavioral Health phone number is 707-445-7715.

There will be a celebration of life held Monday, February 21 at the Pub at the Creamery, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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