On March 7, 2025 Frederick Ernest Ahboltin departed for the hereafter from his home in Eureka, watched over by his beloved wife Dorie.

Fred was born in Oakland in 1950 to Fred and Monica (Job) Ahboltin. He grew up in at-the-time somewhat rural San Leandro with his older brother Marvin. In his school years he developed a love of books, comics, music and theater, and formed friendships that would last his whole life. He graduated Bishop O’Dowd Catholic High School in 1968, before getting his B.A. in English Literature at Santa Clara University.

In 1977, Fred moved north to Humboldt County to seek a simpler existence away from the city. Over the next 10 years he taught and administrated for a childcare agency, where he met Martha Dumke and her 6-month old son Matthew. Fred and Martha were married in 1980, and in September they were blessed with daughter Laurel.

In 1982 the marriage ended and Fred began devoting his energy to Common Ground daycare, an independent childcare center he opened with close friend and business partner Kent Schaefer. Common Ground became a small community hub and a place for Matthew, Laurel and their peers to grow up in.

In 1984 Fred met the love of his life, Dorie Lopes, who had come to California from Rhode Island. They were married in 1987. Along with Dorie’s son Troy, the couple had two additional sons: Samuel in 1989, and John in 1993.

Fred worked various jobs to support his family, doing seasonal work, working graveyard shifts, and constantly trying his hand at new trades. He lent his powerful voice and diligent guitar playing to the choir at St. Bernard’s church.

In the late 90s he discovered a passion for bicycling, completing Ferndale’s 50-mile Tour of the Unknown Coast in his 50th year. He went on to complete the 100-mile Tour and other various distance rides, often accompanied by his wife and close friends. The new millenium also saw Fred working as a CNA at Pacific Nursing Home, until his retirement at the age of 63. He fixed up a home for him and Dorie to live in and spent the rest of his life joyfully maintaining their little corner of the world.

All through his life Fred found a great deal of fulfillment in caring for others. Whether it was childcare, elder care, cooking, cleaning, singing, gardening, or simply listening; he truly loved to see others happy and well. He was an avid reader, moviegoer and video gamer, and loved to talk about the things he had read, seen, and accomplished. He spent the last days of his life surrounded by friends and family. He will be remembered for his creativity, his earnest silliness, and his strong yet gentle voice.

Fred is survived by his wife Dorie, daughter Laurel Ahboltin and grandchildren Kaeli Mae Jewell, Charlie Jewell, Elijah Squier, Olivia Squier, Penelope Squier, stepsons Matt Huber and Troy Harmon, and sons Sam and John.

“Our gift is to serve; We make beauty out of nothing.”