Most people of the Fortuna area have known my father, Greg Eastham. They know him as Greg. I just know him as Dad.

My father had a huge heart, and was very sensitive to the needs of others and would give his last dollar, meal or clothes to help someone else in need. As he did live a hard life and lifestyle which made it challenging for him to form lasting relationships and connections.

My Dad was born in Miranda and lived there as a young boy with his parents and siblings until they moved to Fortuna, where he completed high school and got married shortly thereafter while working at Safeway.

He worked with other friends at Safeway and was well liked by coworkers and colleagues. He was well known as a prankster and always had a good sense of humor. He mostly lived in this community, and briefly moved with his daughter in Solano County, to obtain some family connections and have a new work opportunity. He was able to be a grandfather for two of his grandsons and lived comfortably with them until again relocating to Fortuna.

There were many years of in/out of different and sometimes difficult living situations where family needed to give him some time for his healing process, but would be nearby to help in times of need. He loved going to the beach, driving fast and going out Highway 36 to swim in the rivers. He sought out peace, solitude and connecting with others in the ways he knew how.

My dad was known as Gramps to my daughter and his grandsons, and they would have fun together when he needed help with grocery shopping, companionship or going to church together. As he’d had times of difficulty with addictions, our families’ hope for him had always been to give him love and support, while offering dignity and respect for his own life choices whether or not we agreed with him.

After many health crisis, in and out of rehabilitation, and without constant health needs met, he passed away September 15, 2024.

My dad taught me what unconditional love means — to make time for myself, to set healthy boundaries, and to hold space for my emotions. To respond to negativity with calmness. To appreciate the present moment. To not be easily swayed by others’ opinions, and to feel content with who you are and where you’re headed. He taught me to show up just for yourself and accept yourself as you are, to choose yourself. He taught me to not feel the need to prove yourself to anyone and to enjoy solitude without feeling lonely. Of course, these lessons weren’t learned easily, and they were through the trials and tribulations of challenging life struggles, traumas and experiences.

There’s currently no date for services. Once that decision is made an announcement will be made if that is what we feel is best. At this time our family asks for prayers of peace, in times of deep grief, for all to know how fragile life can be and to prioritize peace.

Dad, we are sending you light, to heal you, to hold you.

We are sending you light, to hold you in love. Blessings on to you.

Love, your family

❤️❤️❤️❤️