Donald Lee Quintrell, age 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Eureka. He was born in Eureka on August 20, 1934, to Edgar Quintrell and Elizabeth Andrews. He attended Eureka City Schools and after graduating from Eureka Senior High School went to work for the Division of Highways (CalTrans). In 1957 he was drafted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1959. He completed his service in the reserves in 1963. After returning to Eureka in 1959, he returned to work at Caltrans and would go on to have a total of 39 years of service at CalTrans, retiring in 1993.

In 1957, he married Nancy Anderson, which began their 67 years together. Nancy passed away last year on July 25, 2024. Over the years they welcomed two sons, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He enjoyed and supported his sons in their activities, including many hours volunteering for the Cutten-Ridgewood Recreation Association, by grooming the baseball fields at Cutten School, helping to survey the property, creating a new baseball field layout at the school and setting up the fireworks booth. He particularly enjoyed building his own boat, a Pelican model, which came in a kit, and he would take his sons out on Big Lagoon and Humboldt Bay.

The family would enjoy many years of RV camping at Cabana Holiday, which later became Redwood River Resort, and the Deerhorn Lodge in Phillipsville. Don would make sure the trailer was ready to go every year. Having things ready and in good repair was Don’s joy. He would spend all the hours he could puttering around the house, garage and yard keeping things in good shape and keeping up with Nancy’s to-do list. His patience was limitless, and his kindness was something that all good men should emulate.

Don is survived by his sons, Dean Quintrell (Laurie) and Gary Quintrell (Heidi); his grandchildren, Alyssa Peper (Charley), Natalie Martin (James), Sarah Renner (Justin) and Kathryn Baker (Ben); and great-grandchildren Logan, Ella and Peyton. He is also survived by many other close family members and friends. Some have said that Don was a father figure to them, and for that they will be forever grateful.

A private family graveside service will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eureka First United Methodist Church Endowment Fund. Checks can be sent to Eureka First UMC, 520 Del Norte St., Eureka, CA 95501. Note Endowment Fund on the memo line.

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