Richard “Lee” Lane passed peacefully on December 26, 2024, surrounded by family. Born on December 22, 1937, at Trinity Hospital, Arcata to Lee and Peggy Lane, he spent his early years in Willow Creek. The family moved to their ranch on Liscom Hill in Blue Lake, where Lee and his younger brother Ed grew up attending Stewart Elementary, and Arcata High School.

As a young man, Lee loved boxing at the Blue Lake Civic Center, and being a member of the Torques Hot Rod Club, cruising around with pals Larry Kight and Doug Davis. He loved music and could play the pedal steel guitar and would often sing classic Hank Williams songs while driving his old Ford Truck.

After his time in the Marine Corp, Lee married former wife Kay Nielsen of Blue Lake and raised his children Wes and Rita. He worked at local lumber mills before he and his brother Ed joined the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department and became deputies until their retirement.

Lee loved cars, planes, and boats. And on the weekends, you could find him at car races, air shows, or at the dock with his fishing boat El Bandito.

A naturally skilled craftsman, he enjoyed building and remodeling houses, engines, boats and driving heavy equipment.

Growing up with closely-knit aunts and uncles, Lee had a special bond with his Aunt Katie Moreland, as they shared the same birthday. At family gatherings he learned the art of storytelling and could make you feel as if you were there.

A gentle-natured soul, he was there when you needed him, and always ready to give helpful practical advice to his friends, children, grands, nieces and nephews. His most cherished pastime were the many mornings spent with his good friend Wayne Palmer and the guys gathering over coffee to share stories and laugh.

Lee is survived by his life partner of many years Janice Humphrey, his son Wes Lane and daughter Rita Lane, his grandchildren Ross Lane, Rita (Dane) Clair, Nicholas Oaks. Great grandchildren, Rylynn and Colton Lane, Abigail and Rowan Clair. Niece Corinne and Nephew Dorsey (Kathrine) Lane and their families. Cousins Michael (Linda) Moreland of Carlsbad CA, Rae Ella Murphy (Ordell) of McKinleyville. Darcey Lima and family of Blue Lake, Kay Nielsen Collins, Fred and Rose Nielsen of Korbel. Lifelong Friends Dan and Pat. Johnstone of Novato, and so many more cherished friendships that he made throughout his life.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Lee and Peggy Lane, brother Ed and his wife Maydine, nieces Penny, Vicky, and Tina. Aunts and uncles Katie (Roy) Moreland, Louise(John) Lima, Ed (Mary Bertella) Brown, Richard (Betty) Brown, cousins Darlene (Ken) Swanson of Novato. Linda Brown, Jack, Bill, and Bobby Lima.

We are grateful for the immense love, care, and support given by his granddaughter Rita Clair, and our extended family Krista Partee, Patrick and Claira, Stephanie and the entire Redwood Coast PACE team. A special Thank You to his cousin Michael Moreland for his expertise and guidance on navigating Lee’s final plans.

Our Dad and Grandpa, we will love and miss you always, until we meet again.

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