Robert (Bob) Steeves
May 4, 1944 – April 6, 2025

Robert (Bob) Michael Steeves passed away on April 6, 2025. Bob was born on May 4, 1944. He was a lifelong resident of McKinleyville and a proud native of Humboldt County. Bob was a descendant of the Steeves and Bartow families, who were among the early settlers of McKinleyville.

Bob was a member of the Karuk Tribe. He was the great-grandson of Gertrude (Fry) Thornton (Tu-Tu-Kan-Ish), a full-blood Karuk Indian. He was the son of Elmer and Mildred (Bartow) Steeves, and the brother of Betty Shamberger (Jim), Barbara Jones (Steve), Elmer Steeves Jr. (Sharon), and Ron Boone (Cassandra). Ron was Bob’s cousin but was raised by the Steeves family and was like a brother to him.

Bob was a member of the first graduating class of McKinleyville High School in 1963. After high school, he went to work for Simpson Timber Company until he was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam. When he returned from the military, he resumed working at Simpson’s, where he remained until his retirement. Bob was deeply respected and admired by his coworkers because of the work he did.

Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He especially cherished surf fishing, duck hunting, clam digging, deer hunting, and camping in places like Salmon River, Bullseye Lake, the Trinity Alps, and Modoc. Many of these adventures were shared with family and close friends Ike Ganfield, Ron Morton, Jim Shamberger and Steve Jones.

Bob married Darlene (Holt) Steeves in 1966, and they shared over fifty years of life together. Bob was a caring and devoted husband.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; his beloved sisters Betty and Barbara (Steve); and his brother Elmer (Sharon). He also leaves behind his double cousins Patty, Carol, Nancy, and many other loving family members.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Mildred; his brother-in-law, Jim Shamberger; his cousin-brother, Ron Boone; Cassandra Boone; nephews John Shamberger and Doug Jones; and his best friends Ike Ganfield and Ron Morton.

The family would like to thank caregiver Kathy Belair for her kind and compassionate care.

Bob will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Arcata. A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 18, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.

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