It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Leon Freitas on Oct 16, 2024.

Leon was born June 12, 1953 on the Island of Flores, Azores where he was the eldest son of Pedro and Maria Freitas.

He migrated to America with his family in 1966 but never forgot his Portuguese roots, learning from a young age about hard work, dedication and love of family. He had a lot to overcome being deaf, moving to a new country, learning a new language, all the while working in the fields and dairies helping provide for his family, which he always did without complaint.

In 1970 he and his family moved to Eureka for work and he attended Eureka High school, graduating in 1972. After high school Leon went to work for Arcata Redwood, performing many different jobs within the mill. No matter what job he held you could always count on Leon to put 100% effort into his work. If he had work in front of him he was relentless until it was completed to his satisfaction. After he left employment with the company as a cleanup person it took two individuals to complete the work Leon did by himself, which is a testament to his upbringing, dedication and pride in his work.

In his later years Leon had a lot of various health issues that eventually led to him being placed in the care of the Carol Sund Butler Valley Home and Eureka Rehabilitation and Wellness center. Special thanks go out to the Redwood Coast Regional Center for helping the family throughout this period. The family wants to express their gratitude to everyone who helped Leon with compassionate care they all provided during his stays was very appreciated!

Leon came from a large family. Father Pedro is deceased, Mother Maria, Sisters Maria Owsley, Cecilia Ricci, Fatima Wright, Connie Smeal, Brothers Joe, Pedro, Danny, Tony, Manuel, Frank. Leon had one Son Kenneth Charles Freitas (KC) who currently resides in Washington State. And numerous nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life will be held at the home of Maria Freitas, located at 870 Allard Ave in Eureka on Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.

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