Harold Dean Phenix, born October 15, 1949, passed away February 3, 2023 at the age of 73.

Harold is survived by his wife of 53 years, Connie; his daughter Krista DeFraga and husband Gary and daughter Melissa Combs and husband Hank; grandchildren, Joe Valadao (Nicole), Larissa Brodigan (Matt), Bailey and Connor Perry, Ashleigh and Emma DeFraga and Kaitlyn and Taylor Combs; great-grandchildren Eli and Maddie Valadao and Riley Brodigan; his sister Shirley Brooks and husband Dave, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Harold is proceeded in death by his mother Aline Sylvester, father Lawrence Phenix, sisters Evelyn, Sharon, Vivian and Barbara, brothers Howard, Jimmy and Randy.

Harold was born in Roseburg, Oregon and moved to Blue Lake at the age of 2. Harold loved Blue Lake and never had the desire to move. He attended Blue Lake Elementary, as well as Arcata High School. He graduated in 1967 from Arcata High.

On February 3, 1967 Harold was at the Lemon Tree in Arcata. This is where he met Connie Rickard. Connie thought his name was Earl, and this gave the family a good laugh for years. Connie and Harold were married on October 17, 1970 and have resided in Blue Lake since.

Harold spent 25 years serving Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department. He served as a firefighter and later earned the rank of Assistant Chief. He was also the department’s first public information officer.

Harold worked in the lumber industry all his life. His knowledge of lumber and cuts was phenomenal. Harold knew exactly how a machine needed to be set up for the perfect cut. He loved wood working and built many fences, decks and all kinds of items for around his home, as well family and friends homes.

Harold always had a joke or story to tell. He spent years making his friends and family laugh until they cried. He would write everyone poems and the way he came up with words was incredible.

Harold had a huge heart, piercing blue eyes and the most beautiful grey hair. He gave everyone a nickname. It was rare to be called by your name, he called you by your nickname.

Connie and Harold came full circle together. Harold took his last breath on February 3, 2023 with Connie’s cheek in his hand and his daughters by his side.

We will all miss his smile, his jokes, hearing him call us by the little names he had for us. Seeing him standing by a bbq, drinking a cold coors light or planting flowers.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt for their care and support of Harold, as well as his medical team at UC Davis.

A celebration of life will take place on March 25, 2023 at Blue Lake Fire Dept. at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Humboldt, or Blue Lake Fire Department.

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