Harry M. Pond, age 96, was born August 10, 1926, in Rio Vista, California to Harry M. and Emily A. Pond. He passed away January 21, 2023, in Eureka, California with his daughter Debi by his side.

He began his education in one room schoolhouses, where his mother was the teacher, at various locations in the mountains east of Eureka. He loved to ride horseback all over the countryside, especially Chaparral Mountain.

Harry went to Fortuna High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 where he was stationed in the Philippines during World War II. After serving our country he returned to Scotia to work as a heavy equipment operator at Pacific Lumber Company for 20 years as a logger and building roads in the woods.

During that time, he met the love of his life, Dorothy, at the Benbow Inn while she was on a bus trip from Chicago. It was love at first sight. They corresponded by mail for two years before he sent her an engagement ring. They were married in Chicago on December 23, 1950, then he brought her to California to begin their life together in Rio Dell. Harry and his wife Dorothy enjoyed gardening and taking care of their home. They loved to picnic in many beautiful places in Humboldt County.

After he left the Pacific Lumber Company he worked as an operating engineer for several highway construction companies throughout Northern California. One of his achievements before retirement was earning his General Engineering Contractor license. He also enjoyed working for the California Grand Juror’s Association in 2012 and 2013. His organizational memberships included: 50-year member of the Operating Engineers Union in Eureka, and 50-year masonic affiliation Eel River Empire Lodge #147, Shriners International, and Scottish Rite.

After retirement Harry enjoyed the study of gemology and became a GIA certified gemologist. He enjoyed helping restore historical logging equipment, particularly yarders. He loved animals, birds, nature, and looking for agates at the beach with Dorothy and Debi.

He is survived by his daughter Debi, numerous nieces and nephews, and good friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dorothy, his parents, brother Sam, sister-in-law Marian, and many lifetime friends.

Harry will be greatly missed, there will be a family graveside service at a future date. A special thank you for Dr. Tamara Douglass, the staff at Providence St. Joseph in Eureka, Tom Renner of Ring’s Pharmacy, and Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of Harry’s favorite charities in his memory:

Shriners Hospitals for Children
Attn: Shriners Hospitals for Children
PO Box 947765
Atlanta, GA 30394
https://lovetotherescue.org/

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