Reid Marshall Aiton Sr.
August 19, 1941 – August 7, 2023

Reid Marshall Aiton Sr. passed on August 7, 2023, in Santa Rosa. He was born in Eureka on August 19, 1941, to Andrew (Marsh) Aiton and Bessie A. (Wahlund) Aiton and was an only child. He married Margaret Kay McCann on January 13, 1961, in Arcata. and they raised three sons, Reid Jr., Rodney & Russell and one daughter, Dianne. 

He started his career in the timber industry as a choker setter working for Bill Boak and later for Simpson Timber Company, where he stayed for over 35 years retiring as the log yard supervisor. He was also the director of the California chapter of the National Trappers Association.

He loved all aspects of being outdoors, a man of many facets, an avid hunter, trapper & fur trader, fisherman, and gardener. Deer season was spent taking his family hunting and years of success was proudly displayed on the walls of his home. Truly the last of his kind, skilled in trapping and the fur trade, he spent countless hours teaching family and friends how to trap, process and grade the hides for sale, and taking them to fur sales and rendezvous. An experienced fisherman, both commercially and for sport, he spent many hours on the ocean with his children. His trapping business also sponsored many little league and Babe Ruth teams in the Blue Lake area.

Reid is survived by his children Reid Jr., Dianne Holba & husband Kevin, Rodney, Russell & wife Michelle, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

PRIVATE MEMORIAL SERVICE, for Family Members

Will be held at Blue Lake Community Church

440 Wahl Street, Blue Lake, Friday, September 8, 2023, Starts at 11 a.m.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE, for Family & Friends, Everyone is Welcome

Will be held at Camp Bauer, Korbel (GPS plus code: V2HX+JH Korbel, California) Saturday, September 9, 2023 Starts at 1:30 p.m.

For additional information, contact Michelle Aiton: 707-668-5682.

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