Robert “Chip” Overholt passed away on March 25, 2023.

Born May 11, 1949 in Scotia to Helen and Orval Overholt, Chip attended Scotia Elementary and graduated from Fortuna High school in 1967.  He earned his AS from College of the Redwoods in 1969, and moved on to study philosophy and watershed management at Humboldt State University.

Early in life, Chip was highly involved with the Boy Scouts of America, achieving Eagle Scout at age 14, continuing on with the Order of the Arrow, Scotia’s troop 6 Scoutmaster, teaching outdoor survival skills, introducing and connecting many to the world of backpacking. He was a recipient of the Silver Beaver award.

Chip actively participated in athletics and remained a lifetime sports fan. He was a talented baseball and basketball player, including his seasons with FUHS and two years with the Corsairs. Chip led a private life, content with the stoic life he built and the complex mind he shared with his father. Chip admired author’s Robert Pirsig and Richard Bach, embodying  a meticulous stride that could make you wonder if Chip had not read their work, but instead that they may have observed and wrote about someone like Chip. “…with as little effort as possible and without desire…you climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then when you’re no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn’t just a means to an end but a unique event in itself…(Pirsig)” 

His many friendships were broad and diversified, but his lifelong friends were the few who’ve ever found themselves not lost, just temporarily off course, likely backpacking the Scott-Salmon mountains.   

Chip began working for the Pacific Lumber Company at age 14 as an employee with the company owned Scotia Inn, and retired from PALCO after an over 40-year career — though Chip was naturally drawn to and most at home outside among nature, which ultimately led him to a second career as a licensed arborist.

Chip is survived by his wife Glenda Rovai-Overholt, step-daughter Kristi Imperiale (Rhett), step-daughter Karen Wilson, and grandchildren Peyton Long (Cody), Gage Imperiale, Chandler Wilson, and Courtney Wilson. He is also survived by his son Skip Overholt and Skip’s daughter, Sydney Overholt.

Chip was preceded in death by his mother Helen and father Orval, his in-laws Evelyn and Gino Rovai, several wonderful aunts and uncles, and his devoted brother Rich Overholt.

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