James “Ken” Conlin
Sept. 12, 1959-June 30, 2025

Ken was born and raised in Arcata. He had a close and loving relationship with his parents and had many fond memories of times spent with them. One of the last shows he watched on television was a senior golf tournament and it reminded him of walking the course at Baywood with his father, who he said was a “good golfer.”

Ken, however, was not. He said he went along for the company and the exercise. He attributed his love of music to his mother and their family connection to Ray Conniff. His maternal aunt was married for a time to Mr. Conniff, and Ken’s mother sang on a number of his recordings. Ken could hear his mother’s voice on those albums, which gave him great joy. His love of easy listening music lasted throughout his life, and led to his creation of Humboldt 101, his internet radio station, more than 23 years ago.

Thanks to the influence of his loving parents, Ken grew up to believe that he should live his life with a positive attitude. He was a good man, kind and thoughtful and easygoing. Over his lifetime he became acquainted with many people and was well liked. He was a good friend, and counted Barbara, Lois and Karen among those closest to him. A year ago he began working with Dr. Stephanie Dittmer and they quickly formed a strong bond. Thanks to her, Ken was able to attend his final concert, where he enjoyed Johnny Mathis on his farewell tour.

Ken graduated from HSU with a degree in communication. He worked for a number of radio stations both locally and in Crescent City, and then moved into the world of advertising. He worked with Dennis Hunter, moved on to become the Advertising Manager at Daly’s Department Store for 5 years, and then partnered with Jack Daly in the North Coast Advertising Agency for over 20 years. After a brief retirement he finished his working career as the Communication Center Manager at the Humboldt County Office of Education. Ken was talented and creative, and greatly enjoyed his work in advertising and communication.

Ken loved the architectural style of mid-century modern and six years ago found just such a house for himself in Eureka. He carried that style inside and out, and one could well imagine the Rat Pack stopping by for cocktails late some night, lounging in the living room, with the music of Humboldt 101 playing in the background. In February of this year he was able to fulfill a long-held dream and visit Palm Springs during Modernism Week. He took bus tours and visited homes and attended a party for the artist, Shag. It was a very happy time.

Ken loved his Siamese cat, Jaxx, who shared his life for the past 12 years. Ken also had a passion for classic cars and could always be found at the car shows, where he reminisced about his Mustang of old.

He collected record albums (complete sets of Ray Conniff, Bert Kaempfert and Percy Faith), transistor radios, and has a complete set of textbooks from his 5th grade in elementary school.

Thanks to Hospice of Humboldt for providing care and support both at home and at the Ida Emmerson Hospice House, where he spent his final days.

Ken was preceded in death by his mother Genevieve, his father James, and his half-sister Wendy.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at the Lost Coast Brewery Event Room, 1600 Sunset Drive, Eureka, on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 3-5 pm.

Arrangements have been made with Ayres Family Cremation.

Donations can be made to Hospice of Humboldt, Friends of the Arcata Marsh (FOAM), and Area 1 Agency on Aging/HICAP.