Charles L. Bussman — beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend — passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2024.

Charlie was born to Lawton (Bushy) and Marjorie Bussman on April 6, 1949. He was the youngest child born in the family following his half brother Albert Francis (Sonny) Jensen, Peter & Maryellen Bussman.

During Charlie’s youth he spent his summers at his grandmother “Nonny” Anderson’s property in Blue Lake. Here Charlie’s love for the outdoors, cooking, hunting, ranching was forged. He learned about long days and hard work.

Charlie was not known for his wonderful academic performances. He was a rather mischievous student sneaking into junior high school dances, being brought home by the police. Or having his mother called by the Eureka police department asking if she owned a 1968 Ford Fairlane, because it was driving up H street with a bare ass hanging out the window. He did have one talent at school, and that was the boys’ golf team. Golf was a lifelong hobby.

Charlie graduated from Eureka High School in 1968, He was not drafted to go to Vietnam, due to a diagnosis of asthma. He instead attended Humboldt State University, and after only six years he graduated. During his time in college Charlie worked in local mills, and could be found anywhere in Humboldt, Trinity or Mendocino counties, hunting or fishing. It is hard to find a photograph of Charlie without a dead animal or a golf club in his hands.

After his graduation from Humboldt State, Charlie’s father, who owned the Guthrie Georgeson agency at the time, got him a job selling insurance for Myron Abrahamsen at George Petersen Insurance. In 1981, Myron sold George Petersen Insurance to Charlie and his two sons. Jeff and Tom Abrahamsen. Charlie continued working in the Eureka office, and Jeff moved to Santa Rosa to open an office in Sonoma County. Jeff and Charlie worked together buying multiple insurance agencies across Northern California. In 1994, after the passing of his business partner Charlie became President of George Petersen Insurance.

Over the past 51 years working at George Petersen Insurance, Charlie made many great personal and business friendships. Charlie was always proud of his customers’ accomplishments, and he never backed away from a challenge that was presented to him. He enjoyed mentoring new, younger insurance agents to teach them about the business and the way you should help and take care of your client’s livelihoods and prosperity. Charlie led the way to grow George Petersen into one of the largest independent insurance agencies in Northern California, employing over 200 people, and spanning over 12 locations. Charlie was incredibly proud of what the Agency had become and all the work that staff had done over the years to achieve that growth.

Charlie was incredibly generous, helping others in financial need or personal guidance. He was a fierce friend, always taking care of those around him. He supported many nonprofit organizations such as Humboldt County Historical Society, Humboldt Botanical Gardens, Rotary Club of Eureka, Humboldt County Fair and Junior Livestock Auction, Boys and Girls Club of the Redwoods, The Buckeye Conservancy, Humboldt Crabs, Eureka Rescue Mission, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Boy Scouts of America.

Charlie had many hobbies and interests. Besides hunting, fishing, golfing at Baywood, or at the Palms or Hideaway in La Quinta. Charlie loved to bake pie, cook and BBQ. He loved to entertain people with a gathering, pizza party, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Super Bowl, The Sea Grill, Roy’s Club, whatever the event, Charlie enjoyed a good time!

Charlie’s favorite place to be was his ranch in Maple Creek. Feeding cattle, cutting firewood, gathering slash for burn piles, having a Fourth of July party, riding rigs with his grandchildren on the annual Christmas tree hunt. He always wanted to be at the ranch. His energy for life was superhuman, he was a hard charger, always with a project to be accomplished.

Charlie enjoyed traveling, whether via motorhome, airplane, truck, river boat. Most recently he traveled to Scotland, Hungary and Austria. He loved to travel but his most beloved place was the Big Island of Hawaii. He had gone there as a young man and went almost annually since then.

Charlie’s love of family ran deep in our lives. We are all incredibly saddened by his sudden passing. There has not been a day gone by that he is not thought of or wished to be here.

Charlie is preceded in death by his father, mother, and half-brother. He is survived by his wife Deborah Bussman, his brother Peter Bussman and Sister Maryellen Horn. His Children Megan Bussman (Armin Halston), Mindy Sehon (Cory), Nicholas Abrahamsen (Amber), Kathleen Matson (Erik). His grandchildren Marina Sehon, Maren Bussman-Halston, Jeffrey, Virginia, Henry Abrahamsen, Cooper and Charlee Matson.

A memorial service is planned for a future date. Please reach out to the family for details.

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