Born November 3, 1990, Chad passed peacefully surrounded by family on March 18, 2022 at the age of 31 following a seven-year battle with brain cancer.

Chad is survived by his loving wife, Morgan June Douglas. After being together 5 years, they married May 31, 2020 at Morgan’s grandparent’s home. Chad and Morgan made the most of their time together; first and foremost, their favorite place was the family cabin. This is where Chad proposed to Morgan. They went to concerts and made road trips to California and Oregon. They toured the east coast, where Chad made certain he had a Philly Cheese Sandwich in Philadelphia. There was a cruise to Alaska where they toured and hired a helicopter to go onto a glacier. They flew to Europe and traveled to several countries, learning about German beer and how to make pasta.

Chad loved to barbecue and got the grill out as often as he could. He had the chicken recipe down to a science. Often, they would host dinners at their house and Chad would BBQ meats, shellfish and chicken for dinner accompanied by the meat and fish they smoked. Chad was proud that the food was almost always things he had hunted or caught.

Chad and his dad, Larry, fished, crabbed, dug clams and hunted deer, elk and birds. Chad harvested his last elk from the Crescent City area in the fall of 2021. In the past they had hunted in Montana, New Mexico, Nevada and Oregon. Hunting and fishing were his passion… Larry and Chad were so compatible doing this together; it was a blessing for both of them.

Chad attended local elementary schools and graduated from Eureka High School in 2009. Following classes at College of the Redwoods and U.C. Davis, Chad followed in his father’s footsteps and worked as a PG&E estimator for 10 years. He loved the challenge and enjoyed the work and people he worked with. Friends from work came to see Chad when he was ill, which cheered him immensely.

Chad, his dad and their friends used to go to the family cabin on Pilot Ridge where they had many competitive shoot outs and card games. Morgan and Chad went to the cabin often. The cabin was remote, tranquil and off the grid. The cabin was especially important to Chad because of the memories it held. Chad also enjoyed his Thursday nights playing cards with the poker group.

Chad loved his mom, Shirley, and was proud of the great meals and the warm and loving home she kept. Shirley provided the foundation for the generous and gracious person he became. She was always volunteering in his classes growing up and went on many field trips with him. Chad always said he had a great childhood.

He loved his grandpa, Ibe Kryla, who passed several years ago. Chad was very attentive to his grandpa’s needs in his later years.

Chad is survived by his loving parents, Larry and Shirley Kryla. He is also survived by his Aunt Sue and Uncle Bruce Alton and cousins Rustin and Steven Alton; Aunt Linda Dudley and cousins Daryl and Michael Seaton; and by Morgan’s family, David and Sylvia Douglas and their daughters Tara (Robert) and Erin and her son River, along with many numerous cousins and friends.

Chad’s humor and bravery in his illness were epic. He never complained or was gloomy. He always took the high road and remained upbeat and happy. With the difficulties he faced, it was incredible and inspiring.

The family wishes to thank Chad’s best friend, Cameron Shively, for his devoted, lifelong friendship. Everyone should have a friend as good as Cameron.

John 16:33:

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Bernard Church located at 615 H Street, Eureka on April 1 at 10 a.m. followed by the Catholic Rite of Burial at St. Bernard Cemetery. Chad’s Celebration of Life will be held 2 – 5 p.m. at the Sequoia Conference Center located at 901 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Bernard Church for masses for Chad or Hospice of Humboldt.

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