Born in Central Point, Oregon on November 28, 1946, and passed in McKinleyville on January 8, 2025.

Known by his coworkers, friends, and family for many years as” Hammering Hank” or “The “Hammer,” Hank was the life of the party and the center attraction. He was the team cheerleader for all! One of his favorite mottos was “Been there, done that, and I have the T-shirt” — there wasn’t much that he hadn’t done or tried in this lifetime, and he had all the stories and battle wounds to show for it.

He held many roles at PG&E as part of the line division and was a legend in his own time. After retirement from PG&E in 2004, he then went on to become an inspector for Candus Corporation and traveled all over the state of California.

Hank was a long-time member of the Faith Center Foursquare Church in Eureka. He loved to tell stories and had a passion for the outdoors, whether it be fishing on the Mad River, fishing in the ocean whenever the bar was perfect and the swells were within reason, or trolling the lagoons. He loved to hunt, play poker, collect special coins, can tuna and cheer on his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews at sports, rodeos and gymkhanas. Hank was the best cheerleader and was always proud to support everyone related or not.

Hank leaves behind Roberta (Berta, or Bert) his wife and partner for 45 years ; daughter Karon, son-in-law Mike Nelson, and grandchildren Michaela, Brittney, and Jacob; aon John and daughter in-law Tara; daughter Kathy and her partner Noah Schiller, and grandchild Kiersten Yorks; sister Mary Bracken; brother John Waelty; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sister-in laws, brother-in laws, his best friends Ross and Donna Hanes, the Faith Center community, and multitude of friends.

Preceded in death by his mother Arla Lewis; stepfather Augie Lewis; father Henry Oral Waelty; stepmother Roberta Waelty; brother Bobby Waelty; and nephew Michael Waelty.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Timber Ridge of McKinleyville, Hospice of Humboldt employees and volunteers, family, and friends that came to visit.

A celebration of life will be held at Faith Center Four Square Church located at 1032 Bay Street in Eureka, CA 95501 on January 25 at 10 a.m.

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