Robert Wayne Printy, known by everyone as “Wayne,” was born to Fred and Joan Printy on October 1, 1949, in Eureka, where he grew up attending Lincoln Elementary, Eureka High School, and College of the Redwoods, earning his education. In college, he wrote a thesis on “The Effects of Consuming Too Much Television.”

Exiting college, he became a part of the commercial fishing industry, where he traveled along the coast, reaching Fort Bragg and numerous ports in between. He truly enjoyed being on the water and being outdoors.

Some years later, he welcomed his first child, Andrea Printy, followed by his son, Roben Printy, and his youngest daughter, Melessa Printy-Casson. Wayne owned two boats, one of which he built by hand with his father, Fred. The boat they built was named “Andrea Rae,” and the other was named “The Queen City.”

At times, he would feel adventurous and go on what he would refer to as his “walkabouts,” where he would travel to different states. Wayne not only loved to fish, but he loved hunting and keeping his truck in tip-top shape so he could sit comfortably, cup of coffee in hand, reading his favorite books by the bay.

He passed away due to a sudden illness on May 17, 2025. Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Joan Printy; his youngest sibling, Leslie Sauls; and his grandson, Andrew Bennett.

He is survived by his sisters, Wanda (Ken) Dougherty, Wendy (Jim) Smith, and Billy Sauls; his children, Andrea Printy, Roben Printy, and Melessa Printy-Casson (her three children); grandchildren, Raina (Thomas) Uber and Kayla (Daniel) Rockholt; along with 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews; and his very dear friends, Mike (Chun) Watts, Frank McKay, Wayne Watts, Susan Hubbard, and Jim Pell.

Wayne truly loved his entire family.

There will be a celebration of life held Saturday, June 28, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Humboldt County Peace Officers Hall, located at 2351 Freshwater Road, Eureka, CA 95503.

Note: Going out Freshwater Road, the driveway is on your left at the third speed bump. Please honor all speed limits.

The family asks for all who knew and loved Wayne to come out, exchange stories and celebrate a wonderful man.