Our dad, George Head, died peacefully February 23, 2024, on what would have been his and our mom’s 66th wedding anniversary. 

Dad was born on November 26, 1937, to George Head and Clara (Ambrosini) Head. Dad graduated from Fortuna High School in 1955, and yes, he wore Levi’s cuffed at the bottom and had a pack of cigarettes rolled in the sleeve of his white T-shirt. Mom and Dad were married in 1958. They welcomed twins, Tom and Lisa, in 1959. Two years later they welcomed another son, James, and after a long stretch of seven years, another girl, Jennifer, was born. Dad worked for his father at the Head family furniture store before going to work for the Pacific Lumber Company. He retired in 1998.

In his free time, Dad could be found wherever the fish were biting. He was always on Ruth Lake right before sunup. Just as other fishermen were launching their boats, Dad would be pulling his boat out of the water with his limit of fish. Besides fishing, Dad enjoyed deer hunting and spending time with family at our cabin in Dinsmore. Other pastimes included coffee with friends at local coffee shops around Fortuna, where together they would discuss and solve the town’s problems.

Dad served in the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department for 50 years. He later served as a Fire Commissioner for the department. 

Dad amazed us all in June of 2007. He had a massive heart attack and the doctor told us he only had one to three hours to live. He was released from the hospital and led a fulfilling life for 17 more years.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents, George Head and Clara Ambrosini-Allen, his in-laws Percy and Dorothy Poe, his wife Sandra, and his sister Diane Senestraro. He is survived by his sister, Darlene Calvert; Children, Thomas Head (Lori), Lisa Broadstock (John), James Head and Jennifer Lourenzo (Tim); Grandchildren; Brandon Head (Miranda), Bryce Head (Trisha), Bryant Head (Halie), Christopher Broadstock (Sami), Rusty Broadstock (Jen), Tanner Broadstock (Meghann), Alisha Head, Steven Head, Jenna Mendiburu (Mike), Cale Lourenzo, and Emily Lourenzo (Jordan). Additionally, Dad had 20 great-grandchildren and one more on the way.

We will remember Dad for his generosity, wisdom, and keen sense of humor.

Graveside services for family and close friends will be held Monday, March 4 at 1 p.m., at Sunrise Cemetery, 3315 Newburg Road, Fortuna. Everyone is invited to join us afterwards from 1:30-3:30 p.m., for Dad’s favorite meal, dessert, at the Gene Lucas Center, 3000 Newburg Road, Fortuna.

Arrangements have been made through Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary.

Donations in Dad’s name, can be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of George Head’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.