Eldon Garvis Whitehead, age 83, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2023 due to heart failure. He was born January 1, 1940 in Memphis, Texas to Ira and Nellie Whitehead. Eldon graduated from Live Oak High School in 1958. After graduating he moved to Humboldt County and went to work for the US Forest Service. In May 1959 he quit the Forest Service and went to work for the Pacific Lumber Company, starting out in the by-products division. He moved up to the main office in 1961 as the mail delivery person and shortly after that he began his position as an logging accountant. In 1993 he retired from Pacific Lumber Company after 34 years. He later found interest in security and went to work part-time for Pacific Coast Security as a security guard. He also was a volunteer campus security officer at Fortuna High.

In 1967 he married his first wife, Frances Gilmore. They lived in Scotia for 27 years before moving to Fortuna in the house they had custom-built. He and Frances were married for 46 years until her passing in 2012. Eldon went on to remarry his second wife, Margaret Shrull (Maggie). He and Maggie were married for six years until her unexpected passing in 2021. Eldon was involved in so many organizations. He served as a board member on Scotia Elementary and Fortuna High. He was active in the Scotia/Rio Dell Chamber of Commerce and was voted Grand Marshall at Wildwood Days in 2016. Eldon was a volunteer firefighter for Scotia Fire Department and served as treasurer for several years. Eldon was involved in the Kiwanas in both Scotia and Fortuna. He was a devoted scout master and spent countless hours scouting. Eldon and his first wife were foster parents, fostering more then 250 children over 35 years. In 2016 they received the Foster Parents of the Year. Eldon also volunteered his time at the voting polls over the years. He was always involved or volunteering his time is so much throughout Humboldt County.

His interest knowledge and dedication in the area was remarkable. He had a passion for history of Scotia and surrounding areas.Many refer to him as a true historian.He had several Facebook pages and shared posts and photographs for his friends to enjoy.

Eldon is described by his family, friends and coworkers as hardworking, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. A truly one of a kind that will be missed and forever in our hearts.

Eldon is survived by seven children, 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren and his brother Glen.

Eldon is preceded in death by Ira and Nellie Whitehead (parents), Frances (wife), Maggie (second wife), Carol Brown (daughter), Gabriel Merriman (grandson), Vicki Whitehead (niece).

A viewing will be held on July 18, from 1-5 p.m. at Gobles Mortuary in Fortuna

A memorial will be held on July 29 from 12-3 p.m. at Scotia Fire Department. Potluck style so bring a side dish and favorite memory or photo to share.