Gary Lee Hover
August 8, 1946 - December 7, 2023

Gary’s home and heart has been in Hydesville for the past 40 years. He passed on to a better place December 7th 2023, at Timber Ridge, Eureka. He was 77 years old. 

Gary grew up in Eureka he graduated from Eureka High, and went on to Santa Rosa J.C where he played football and studied forestry. Growing up Gary and his family spent the summers at the family ranch in Orleans. That was the start of his lifelong love of anything outdoors. He was proud of being a member of the Karuk Tribe in Orleans. 

Throughout his life Gary wore many hats. He was a cowboy, a firefighter, a commercial fisherman (on the Eddie & Rod among other boats) a timber faller (his passion), and ended retiring from Humboldt Redwood Company in 2013 (Fortuna).

Gary is proceeded in death by his folks Lee and Helen Hover, his only brother, Paul Hover and many other family and friends. Gary leaves his loving wife and partner of 37 years Melanie and his children Jesseca, Ryan,  Adam (Chere) who he was so proud of and,  his grandkids Austin and Liana, who held a special place in his heart, and his cousin Patty(Ken) who he shared a birthday with 8/8.

Gary was a mountain man at heart but the most sentimental (besides myself) person I’ve ever known. He made friends wherever he went. He was full of life stories and loved to share them. He had a ‘winning’ grin and a twinkle in his eye that could draw you in…

Throughout his life he had a great love of hunting( here and out of state), fishing, endurance riding (how we met), camping, packing into the Trinity Alps, The Marbles, The Yolla Bollies and any other place the horses would take him. Gary took me on adventures I would have never had without him. I will be forever thankful for those times. 

Gary was a kind and good man who loved the simple things in life; sunny days, my calico beans and flatbread, Gram’s pies, his 73 Ford truck, his bear tooth necklace (always worn) all his dogs, our feline fur-person, Simon, a good steak, making firewood, working around our property and a scotch at days end.

I’d like to thank all his friends and staff at Timber Ridge for the love, care and friendship they showed Gary while he was there. A special thank you to all his “buddies” Paul, Joe, Karl, Jim, Mike, Scott for all their visits to watch some games (Go 49ers) or just shoot-the-breeze about past good times. Know you always made his day. He loved you guys!

I’m so happy for the 40 years you chose to spend with me and will love and miss you forever. I can still feel your love tho my heart aches… Gary, we had a great ride together! 

            Happy trails and sweet dreams 

                  Always ‘your’ Mel 

                  ”SÚVA NÍK NUPMÁNEESH”

                         “I’ll See you again”

There will be no service, per Gary’s wishes. Remember your times with him and smile.

Ride free, my friend.

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