Raymond Truttman
June 6, 1934 – July 9, 2025

With deep regret we are sad to announce the passing of Ray Truttman due to complications from a fall. Ray was born in Arcata, Trinity Hospital, and was proud to have reached his 91st birthday. Ray was raised in Orick along with a loving sister, Delores (Dee), and brother Bernie. He always felt very fortunate to have come from a small community where he could hunt and fish for salmon and trout, literally right out his backdoor, which was right on Redwood Creek.

As a young man he was a hard worker, always employed throughout the years, beginning with restaurant work, assisting dairy ranchers and a service station. He felt honored to have always been employed.

Ray graduated from Arcata High School in 1952. Ray always made sure to attend reunions and monthly luncheons, so he was able to keep in touch with all his valued classmates. He was able to accomplish this until the age of 90.

After graduating from high school Ray was hired at the Geneva Lumber Company where he worked for five years. In September 1956 at the age of 22 he was hired by Caltrans, making him a third-generation Caltrans employee. In fact, the Truttman Sink, a section of Highway 101 near Stone Lagoon was named after Ray’s grandfather, Michael Truttman. He started out in Orick working in maintenance, but over time he advanced to equipment operator and moved to Eureka, where he retired after 30 plus years of service. Ray was able to enjoy over 40 years of retirement.

Children Jeanette and Ron were born from Ray’s first marriage. Also brought into the first marriage was a daughter, Patty, whom he loved as his own. Ray met his second wife Donna on July 4, 1965 and in very short time he knew he had met the love of his life. They were married at the First United Methodist Church in Eureka on August 13, 1965. At this time Ray was blessed with another son, Rick, that he raised as his own. Ray and Donna were happily married 1 month shy of 60 wonderful years.

Ray will be remembered as a man of integrity, a man who deeply loved and adored his wife and children. His daughter Jeannette, whom he had a very close relationship with. He always made her feel cherished and she cherished him in return. Although his son Ron proceeded him in death, Ron is remembered by his family as being very special. His son Rick will always remember Ray as his dad and will remember the talks over dinner about their beloved San Francisco Giants. His children will always remember their father as their role model. Ray was a kind, caring, loving family man and will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

After retiring Ray had many passions that he enjoyed. Ray and Donna used to love walking around their neighborhood of Ridgewood in Eureka in which they lived since the late 1960s. They would often stop and visit people met along the way. He looked forward to his weekly Thursday adventures to Blue Lake Casino where he made a lot of great friends playing his favorite game of Blackjack. He enjoyed cooking and baking right up until his fall. Ray and Donna also like to attend theater and concert performances both locally and when they travel.

Ray and Donna enjoyed traveling to many states around the country and visited Canada, Austria and Switzerland. He was proud of his Swiss heritage and enjoyed many years as a member of the Swiss club.

Ray is survived by his loving wife Donna Truttman; brother Bernie Truttman; children Jeanette (Terry) Crocker, Rick Swenson, Patty (Bill) Porter, Dana (Sheila) Ramsey; granddaughter Jessica (Court) Carlson; sister-in-law Leona Smith; and great-grandchild and many other family members.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Nora Truttman; sister Delores (Dee) Briggs; son Ron Truttman; sister-in-law Laura Truttman; brother-in-law Lonnie Smith; and with many other loving family members.

The family would also like to mention special friendships, starting with Mark Zuspan and family who were the first renters of the refurbished passenger train house on the property and have stayed friends for 50 years. Ed and Leslie Ekker who have been dear friends for many years. Sheryl Brekke, the renter of the train for the last 20 years and a helper with some of our electronic needs throughout the years. Also, a big thank you to neighbor Nick Venema who has been a great friend and a tremendous help around the property for the last few years.

Donna would like to extend her deepest gratitude to her sister, Leona Smith, for her unwavering love and support throughout the years. Leona’s dedication, especially during Ray’s recovery, has meant so much. Her daily visits to the hospital and Timber Ridge to sit and visit have been a true testament to her selflessness.

The family would like to thank Timber Ridge Assisted Living, Providence Hospital, Hospice of Humboldt for the tender care during Ray’s final days. Doctors Miriam Steinberg, John Albertini, John Mastroni, The Coumadin Clinic for their years of medical care.

A private family service will be held.

The family would like any donation to be sent to Hospice of Humboldt 3327 Timberfall Court, Eureka, CA 95503 or your favorite charity.

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