Donald W. Carter, “Coach Carter,” passed away April 25, 2022. He was born July 3, 1934 in Balboa to Eugene and Thelma Belle Carter.

He was drafted by the Milwaukee Braves in 1954 at the age of 19 and played in their farm system for four years. He made it to the AA level of the minors as a shortstop.

Offered a position for the Portland Beavers in the Pacific Coast Minor League system but declined the offer.

In 1957, Don married Bonnie Breeze, and the couple relocated from Bass Lake, CA, where his parents owned and operated the local grocery store, to Humboldt County, where they settled and had two daughters together.

Upon moving to Humboldt County, Don played for Humboldt Crabs Baseball during the summers of 1958-1962 and many years later was inducted to the Team’s Hall of Fame.

Don earned his teaching credential from Humboldt State University. His first teaching positions were at elementary schools in Bridgeville, Blocksburg and Hydesville. He started teaching at Fortuna Union High School in 1966, in the Special Education Resources Department.

He coached several sports, working hard to build various high school sports programs. In 1971, he became head coach of FUHS’s Varsity Baseball team and started the school’s JV program. He also coached JV Football and JV Basketball for many years. He even coached the wrestling team for a time. It was not uncommon to hear former student athletes affectionately greet Don with “Hey, Coach Carter!” when out and about in the Fortuna community all these years later.

After dating for several years, Don asked Vonnie to be his wife on his 50th birthday. The wedding was in 1985, and they were married for 37 years.

Don retired from FUHS, but he continued supporting the Fortuna Huskies by assisting with grounds maintenance and by keeping the (vintage) school marquee regularly updated with key school and community events. He also continued announcing Friday Night Huskies Football games for as long as he was physically able. He was eventually awarded the title of “The Voice of the Huskies,” and the FUHS Football Field’s Announcer’s Box was dedicated in his honor.

He was a dedicated, proud, loving husband, father, grandfather, and community member. He always kept a positive attitude, even after suffering a major stroke in 2007, which happened as he was on his way to announce a football game. Every single day that followed, he worked tirelessly to overcome his disabilities and never once let it bring him down.

He was a volunteer fireman with Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department’s Company One, from October 1968 to October 1986.

As much as Don loved teaching and coaching, he really loved the summers, when school was out on break. He loved playing almost-daily rounds of golf at the Redwood Golf & Country Club and maintained active membership for many years. He managed to score two Hole-in-One’s during his tenure. He also enjoyed bartending at Parlato’s restaurant and going on gambling trips to Tahoe and Reno. Other favorite pastimes included maintaining his perfectly manicured front yard, cutting wood in “the hills” and fishing at Ruth Lake.

More recently, he enjoyed weekly outings to local area casinos. The family credits these casino outings with helping him to regain his speech and other skills lost immediately following his stroke.

He is survived by his wife, Vonnie; daughters Catherine Carter Nunes, Rachael Breeze, and Allison Boyd; three grandchildren, Derek Boyd (Stacy), Madison Boyd, and Hailey Nunes; one great-grandchild, Rory Mae Boyd; and by numerous other relatives and close friends.

At Don’s request, there will be no funeral services. The family will host a Celebration of Life at a future date, yet to be determined. Details to follow.

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