Herman William Bouler, aged 80, passed away on April 27, 2024, in McKinleyville. Born on August 30, 1943, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Herman lived a life rich in passion, creativity, and generosity.

Herman graduated from Monrovia High School in 1961 and shortly thereafter joined the Air Force, serving his country from 1961 to 1967. After his service, he moved to Humboldt County, where he embraced a life filled with peace, love, and artistic expression. His career at Pacific Gas & Electric was marked by dedication and a love for helping others.

Taking an early retirement from PG&E, Herman pursued his longstanding dream of becoming a pilot, ultimately becoming a flight instructor. Later, he returned to PG&E as a gas service representative, a role that allowed his joy of helping those in need to flourish. It was during this period that his photography began to thrive, as his work took him to the stunning corners of Humboldt, Shasta, Mendocino, and Sonoma Counties. His appreciation for the majestic beauty of everyday life in Northern California found new expression through his lens.

Herman’s passions were flying, art, family and friends. His hobbies were as varied as they were numerous: fishing, golf, playing music on the clarinet and harmonica, and avidly supporting the San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors. His explorative spirit led him to embrace multiple creative mediums, including pottery, painting, woodworking, drawing, photography, and carving.

The creation of his dream workspace with his beloved son marked a pinnacle in Herman’s life, offering a space where creativity thrived. This live-work space in Humboldt County became a testament to his artistic journey and commitment to living in the process of creation.

A proud member of the Humboldt County community, Herman was involved in numerous groups and associations, including the Redwood Art Association, Freemasonry, NAACP, Bill W., United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury, (B)Men, and Eastern Star. His legacy of kindness, creativity, and explorative spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Herman is preceded in death by his loving parents, Herman D. and Mattie M. Bouler. He leaves behind cherished memories with his son Virgil, grandchildren Cassius and Kaia, numerous cousins in the Chicago, Winter Garden, Florida, and Los Angeles areas, and many dear and special friends in Humboldt County and beyond whom he loved so dearly.

A Masonic Funeral Service will be held in his honor at Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, 251 Bayside Rd, Arcata, CA 95521, on June 1, 2024, at 2 p.m. Herman’s light will continue to shine, reminding us to savor each moment and follow our dreams with endless enthusiasm.

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