Frank Adison Luz of Rio Dell expired on the winter solstice, December 21, 2022, one week before his 79th birthday, as a result from complications of cancer.

He was born in Scotia at the Scotia hospital on December 28, 1943, to Frank Viegas and Georgie Hammersley Luz and lived most of his life in either Rio Dell or Scotia.

Frank, known as “Frankie” in high school, graduated from Fortuna Union High School before joining the National Guard and leaving Humboldt County for training in Missouri. After completing his National Guard Basic Training, he was hired at the Pacific Lumber Company where he worked in the factory, on the woods crew, as a log scaler at the Fortuna Mill and for the Lumber inspection Bureau until retirement.

During his early employment at the Pacific Lumber Company, Frank met his future wife, Elaine. Frank was buddies’s with Elaine’s cousin Rich Bettis. One evening after church, Rich got hold of Frank to take his Scout 4-wheel drive and his cousin, Elaine, down to the Rio Dell river bar for a 4 x 4 adventure. Frank was smitten with Elaine, and a couple years later, they were married in her parents’ Kansas home on June 6, 1965.

Frank and Elaine resided in Fortuna before moving to Rio Dell then to Scotia where they were blessed with two boisterous children, Dennis Viegas and Debra Denise. Rebecka Deike joined the family, marrying Dennis in 2008, and Grant Pedrotti joining the family in 1996 as our son in law for many decades.

Frank was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Mae Crews McCall. He leaves his nephew, Andy McCall and niece, Dona McCall.

Frank was know as the handsome, friendly guy with a great smile, that had a hunting story for anyone that would listen. An avid hunter, Frank’s archery shop was a great spot for sharing stories while offering an assortment of archery supplies. He enjoyed reading western fiction and was a master gardener when cultivation fava beans. An expert taxidermist, Frank completed his last deer horn mount a few weeks before his passing.

His life became a dream come true when he and his son bought property in Trinity County known to him as the Goatskin Ranch. Along with many friends and fellow hunters, it became a community of friendships. His dream will continue with that community of friends.

There will be no services at his request, however his ashes will be scattered during a private ceremony at the Goatskin in the Spring. Many more hunting seasons can be shared by all his wonderful friends that helped make the Goatskin his paradise! They know who they are!! Opening 2023 Buck Season, crack a beer and share a story to reminisce about the best times in tribute to Frank!!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Rio Dell Fire Department.