Stephen James Brinton passed away on October 14, 2022, with his daughter holding his hand. He was a wonderful father and an amazing Grandpa. Since he developed an extremely rapid form of dementia in mid-May of this year, we have already been missing the man he was. Now, we will miss the man he became and miss the opportunities to give him hugs and see his wonderful smile. He was a good man.

Steve was born on September 10, 1947, to James and Mable Brinton. He and his sister Linda grew up in Southern California. He attended St. Jerome’s Elementary School in Los Angeles. He graduated from St Bernard High School in Playa del Rey in 1965. He then moved to Orange County in the summer 1965 and attended Cal State Fullerton, from which he graduated in 1969 with a BA in Political Science.

Dad lived a life full of love and caring as attested to by his long-time friend and first wife Sherryl, whom he met as a senior in college in 1968. He was a published songwriter and enjoyed a wide variety of musical genres. He loved 1950s cars and collected books and models, and even owned a few over the years. Dad and Mom (Jan) met when I was seven years old. Although they separated, he always remained a wonderful and dedicated father to me. As Grandpa, he taught his oldest grandson to play guitar and bass and encouraged both of his grandson’s interest in musical instruments. He loved learning about the music and games that the boys were getting into and exploring it after their visits via YouTube. The hardest thing for him at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was not being able to give his family hugs.

Steve worked many different jobs, but closest to his heart were his time at HCAR where he met his fourth wife, Claudia, and his position at Coast Central Credit Union in the Card Services division where he met his dear friend Lynn. After his retirement, Steve moved to the Lazy J Mobile Home Park in Arcata, where he became friends with many of his neighbors. He served on the homeowner’s council both as a member and as the HR Council president for two years. We wish to extend our deep thanks to his friend Suzanne who was a great support to our family during this process. Steve is survived by his daughter Halona Rude (Michael), his grandsons Joe and Jamie Rude, his sister Linda Edelman (Bill), his niece Maya Pell, and many dear friends who were like family in many ways.

Many thanks to everyone who has supported our family through this unexpected and difficult journey. Special thanks to the wonderful team at Hospice of Humboldt, just knowing we could call you at any time made this a little easier. Special thanks also to the caring staff at Timber Ridge Eureka in the Renaissance unit, you all saw the wonderful man my Dad was.

No memorial service is planned at this time. Steve’s family requests that any donations be made in his honor to Hospice of Humboldt, Breast and GYN Health Project, or the community charity of your choice.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Steve Brinton’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.