“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” — Richard Puz

Born February 26, 1997 in Arcata, but not alone — right alongside his twin sister Jessica, his mom Christine Evans and his dad Billy Evans Jr. — a beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew and cousin, Dakota passed away unexpectedly on September 4, 2023. Dakota’s untimely passing has not only left us shocked and heartbroken, but has left a hole in all our hearts.

Dakota was the type to give you the shirt off his back if needed. “Yota” or “Kodirtay” were better-fitted names, and that’s what you would hear friends and family call him. Born and raised in Humboldt County most his life, he was an outgoing, hardworking, kind and loving man. Dakota enjoyed the outdoors, like hunting and fishing, and whenever he got the opportunity to go out and help at the cabin you didn’t have to ask twice! Most of all he never missed a chance to venture down to the river with friends, family and his best friend, his dog Boss.

Dakota worked a variety of jobs throughout the years. The dairy was one of his favorites. He loved animals and he loved the cows. But he finally found his true calling in logging, just like his grandpa did for many, many years. He was always so eager to learn more about logging.

Behind the scenes Dakota helped his dad and family and found some joy in volunteering for the Fortuna AutoXpo. He loved hanging out playing video games with his cousins Jimmy, Tavin, Garyn and his nephew, or hanging with his buddies Mike and Renz! When he was home you could find him watching TV, movies with everyone or outside listening to music. Those are voids that will never be filled.

Just his laugh could make you laugh and he definitely knew how to put a smile on your face. If you couldn’t find him at home, he was lucky enough to live next too some close friends either Travis Muller, Marty Wheeler or Casey Cruz would know where he was. Dakota’s last wishes were to be cremated and put some with his brothers ashes and some out at the cabin.

Dakota recently enjoyed living in Klamath going camping, hiking, kayaking, and swimming with his brother Brandon, his Mom and very close friend Charlene. The whole community there was deeply touched by Dakota’s light and presence. Dakota was so proud of himself for making some wonderful changes in his life and looking towards the future.

Dakota has joined his brother Cameron, cousin Garrett and his niece Jessalynn.

Dakota was survived by his mom, Christine Evans; his dad, Billy Evans Jr.; his wife, April; grandparents on both sides Marcia Woods and her husband Larry, Steve Fortney, Pauline Evans and Billy Evans Sr.; Aunt Tammy Evans, Julie Gibbs; Uncles Ian Cooke and Paul Zitkiv; brothers and sisters Brandon Harper, Austin Evans, Jessica Evans, Billy Evans III his wife Melita Evans, Josh Evans and his wife Terri Evans; niece Aliana Klammes-Evans; nephew Riley Arriaga; so many cousins that will miss him — Hannah, Tavin, Jimmy, Garyn, Sarah, Amanda, Ryan, Angel, Zane, River, Devon, Kenneth, James and Isaac; and so many more friends and family he leaves behind. He will be greatly missed.

Two memorials will be held for Dakota. Please come join us to celebrate his life and what a great guy he was! Saturday, September 23rd at 2 p.m. below the Van Duzen bridge (take 36 exit, turn right, then the first left.) Sunday, September 24th, early morning at the community church in Klamath.

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