It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of lifetime Garberville resident Todd Barton on December 20, 2024, at the age of 61.

Todd was born on May 10, 1963 to Dwayne and Mary Jean Barton in Garberville. He lived a joy-filled, social lifestyle. As a child he was a member of the local bowling team and the Cub Scouts and played pee-wee baseball. After graduating from South Fork High School in 1982 he began working for Blue Star Gas, where he was employed for nearly 28 years prior to his departure in 2017.

His greatest passion was serving for the Garberville Fire Protection District. He was one of the department’s longest standing volunteer fire fighters, beginning his service in the late 1980s and serving until the day he passed, over 35 years later. He never missed a call, was always first on the scene, and was a key and trusted source of information regarding any and all aspects of the job, facility, equipment, and community he served.

He regularly attended the New Hope Assembly of God Church in Garberville, was a member of the local ham radio club, and a member of the Garberville Cemetery Committee. Moreover, he served the community by facilitating flag placement and assisting with organizing an volunteering for community events and parades.

He dabbled in many hobbies including golf, bicycling, RC cars, walking, and casually socializing with his beloved community members. Like his father, he loved his cars! He kept tally of them all, but was especially fond of his very first car, a light-blue 1963 Chevy Impal He was a very kind and gentle soul. He was compassionate, kind, loyal, dedicated, and tenderhearted. He was wonderful with children and held his community members, friends, and family close to his heart. He was a good man and will be missed dearly.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jean Barton (2001), father, Dwayne Richard Barton (2016), and sister Tracy Diane Hostetter (2013). He is survived by his niece Jillian Bryant, nephew Scott Hostetter, nine great nieces and nephews, and cousins Mike and Ron Fernald and their families.

A celebration of life will be held in his memory on Sunday, February 16 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Garberville Fire Hall, and will be followed by a graveside memorial service at 4:30 p.m. at the Garberville Cemetery.

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