Ronald Goble passed away on April 8, 2025. He was surrounded by family, while a recording of his wife, Harriet, playing the piano played softly in the background.

Ron was born in Fortuna on October 29, 1934, in his grandfather’s home. He was the son of Harry and Lois Goble. He spent his early childhood on the family property next to Rohner Park and Main Street, where his father ran Park Street Grocery and a small service station. Ron also spent time on his grandfather’s dairy farm in Ferndale and spoke fondly of those years. During rodeo season, his grandfather allowed cowboys to camp on the property, and Ron remembered summer nights sitting by their campfires listening to stories. He had a special fondness for comedy nights on the radio, especially Bob Hope and Red Skelton — evenings often shared with his older brother, Bob.

In 1943, when Ron was nine, life took an unexpected turn that deeply affected the family. His father, older than the typical draft age and running a small business with a young family, was called to serve in World War II. He was given 30 days to find someone to run the store and to relocate the family from the living quarters attached to it. With little time to prepare, Ron, his mother, and older brother Bob moved to another part of town. Ron remembered his mother going to work on the docks in Eureka to support the war effort. He and his brother were often alone after school, looking out for one another. His mother arranged for them to have prepaid meals at the Star Hotel, a place on Main Street that no longer stands. He recalled wartime rationing, using stamps, and the blackout curtains in their home. His maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather were important presences during this time. When his father returned home safely, the family was reunited, and Ron’s sister Darlene was born. He loved having a little sister.

Ron attended Fortuna High School, where he was known to friends as Ronnie. He was active in the drama department, played tennis, and was well-liked for his sense of humor. He had a wide circle of friends, some of whom remained lifelong friends.

Ron and Harriet had known each other since childhood and shared the experience of growing up in a small town. They were friends throughout high school and attended Humboldt State College at the same time where they began dating. Ron had a part-time job working sound for Eureka Loggers games and invited Harriet to sit with him in the booth for their first date. They remained in touch after Ron left to enlist in the Army in 1957. They continued to correspond while he was overseas, as was common during that time. Ron served in France with the 5th Logistical Command as a broadcast operations specialist, earning the Good Conduct Medal. Harriet wrote to say she had been offered a civilian teaching position on a U.S. Army base and was deciding between Germany and Japan. Ron didn’t hesitate — “Germany!!” he replied. He loved to tell that story for many years to come. They reunited in Europe, began dating again, and were engaged while abroad. After completing his call of duty, Ron returned home, and Harriet stayed to finish the school year. They were married soon after her return home.

In 1966, they embarked on a great adventure — traveling to Australia aboard the freighter Santa Rita, with passage partially subsidized by the Australian government as part of an assisted immigration program. Ron worked as an insurance salesman and Harriet taught school. Ron’s sister Darlene joined them for a time, and they cherished the adventure. Letters, journals and newspaper articles from that chapter of their lives are still treasured today.

Upon returning to the U.S., they settled in Palo Alto, where Tricia was born in 1969. They embraced parenthood with a spirit of adventure — Tricia was taken backpacking during her first year of life and was sleeping under the stars before she could walk. Bret was born in 1970. Soon after, they returned to Fortuna to be near extended family. Ron worked for a time in his father’s store, and the family settled into life surrounded by the redwoods and the natural beauty of Humboldt County. They often took family bike rides with the kids in seats, and Ron sang to them at bedtime.

The family’s roots grew deep, and they left Orleans with lasting friendships and sweet memories. One of the most memorable was the arrival of their third child, Ian — a surprise addition, born when they were both 40.

As the older children reached their teenage years, Ron and Harriet sold the Orleans Market and the home they had built behind it, returning to Fortuna so their kids could attend high school. Harriet went back to full-time teaching, and Ron purchased a small neighborhood store in Fortuna’s Campton Heights community.

Ron had always loved to sing. In high school he sang in drama productions, and later he joined community choruses and even a barbershop quartet during the family’s years in Orleans. After returning to the coast, he became a dedicated member of the Humboldt Harmonaires, singing baritone, making friends, and serving as treasurer. From those connections, a quartet called Mirth First was born — known for its rich harmonies, light-hearted humor, and community performances. Ron cherished being part of it and loved making people smile. He would often burst into song — in the car, at medical appointments, or from his recliner. He loved Glenn Miller’s ‘Moonlight Serenade,’ Frank Sinatra, and the music of his era.

He was also an avid runner. He ran daily during their years in Orleans and participated in the Clam Beach Run and Avenue of the Giants marathons for many years.

Harriet had been born in Colorado and held close family ties there throughout her life. One summer, while visiting extended family, she surprised Ron with a phone call announcing she’d bought a tiny cabin in the hills of Cimarron. Up until then, their decisions had always been made together but this one became a beloved exception, and Ron laughed about it for years. At first, Harriet spent summers there while Ron stayed behind to run the store, but after they both retired, they began spending much of their time in Colorado. They hiked for miles, went fishing, and bought a canoe. They stayed to watch the Aspen trees turn gold in the fall. The area was rich in wildlife and peaceful. Children and grandchildren were fortunate to make occasional trips out, which remain cherished memories. Ron especially loved when his Mirth First quartet came to visit and sing at the cabin.

After many beloved summers in Colorado, it was time to sell the Cimarron cabin. Back in Fortuna, Ron loved to garden and work in the yard. In his retirement years, one longtime neighbor would occasionally bring him tomato plants — a small act of kindness that meant a lot. On one road trip, he and Harriet rescued a turtle, which Ron decided to keep — an unusual but beloved pet that lived in the yard for several years. The grandchildren remember it with fond amusement.

In her 80s, Harriet developed Alzheimer’s. Ron was her sole caregiver — a role he took on with patience, tenderness, and love. It was heartbreaking for the family to witness, but also inspiring. Ron became a hero to his children, who knew him best for his work ethic and strength but were reminded of the depth of his love. Harriet passed away in 2019. Ron remained at home, missing her deeply but moving forward. He hosted family dinner nights a few times a week where children and grandchildren would gather to spend time and keep him company. He loved attending local theater and music events. In his late 80s, he hiked Fern Canyon and explored the Sky Walk at the Sequoia Park Zoo. He was incredibly resilient and independent — yet when he knew it was time, he gave up his driver’s license without being asked.

Ron survived major surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm in his late 80s and bounced back remarkably. That time also brought a wonderful team of caregivers into his life. They began by helping with medications and meals but stayed to offer companionship and friendship. Their presence meant a great deal to Ron — and to the family.

We like to think he and Mom are together again, off on their next adventure. We will miss him deeply.

Ron is survived by his children: Tricia Brock (Bob), Bret Goble, and Ian Goble (Nicky); his sister, Darlene Matthews; and his stepsister, Karen Ansley. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Cassandra Gray (Joe), Jason Brock, Sydney Crossley (Micah), Jamie Goble, Benson Goble, and Erick Goble; and great-grandchildren: Abigail Pelletier, Trey Crossley, and Colin Crossley. He is also remembered with love by numerous other relatives.