With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Todd Keenan Burhus, known to many as “Thunder McCovey.” He was a cherished son, father, brother, friend, and a proud member of the Yurok Tribe.

Born in Crescent City on April 1, 1974, to Paula Valenzuela and Willard Carlson, Thunder was kind, bold, brave, and a jokester who loved making people laugh.

Those he loved, he loved deeply.

Living along the Klamath River, Thunder embraced his heritage and the beauty of the land that shaped him. He loved being in nature and the freedom of the outdoors, often found fishing or hiking trails like Resighini High Prairie Creek. Thunder had two sides: one that lived life on the edge and another that cherished time with loved ones, especially his closest friends, whom he affectionately called his “Down River Bros.” He was always willing to help anyone who asked.

Thunder personified the essence of an outlaw-fiercely independent, daring, and unapologetically true to himself. His legacy will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Paula Valenzuela, and his grandmother, Marie Lawson McCovey, grandfather Willard Carlson Sr grandmother Margret Frye, who were all central figures in his life. He is survived by his father, Willard Carlson, and his children Thunder Burhus, Shannon Burhus, Carmen Pratt. His siblings are Pergish Carlson, Will Bear Carlson, Holly Carlson, Mike Carlson, and family and friends who will cherish his untamed spirit.

A celebration of Thunder’s life will be held on Friday.

  1. Cawtip Silvia
  2. Mike Gabe
  3. Hector Trip
  4. Big Charlie
  5. Little Charlie
  6. Levi Trip
  7. Bull Calf Donahue
  8. Trevor Lado
  9. William Valenzuela
  10. Michael Paul
  11. Arrow Valenzuela
  12. Rick Dowd Jr
  13. Gary Dowd
  14. Ben Ray
  15. Kahno Gordon
  16. Julian Markusan
  17. Dean Wheeler
  18. Rob Wheeler
  19. Jason Hodge
  20. Little Bill Mccovey
  21. Uncle Billy
  22. Jay Bates
  23. Larry Nova
  24. Arnie Nova
  25. Vincent Traci
  26. Shannon Jones

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