Charles Minton, 78, passed away peacefully at home in Arcata on January 15, 2025.

Charles was born in 1947 in Massachusetts to his parents, Catherine and Augustus Minton. His early life was spent moving from air force base to air force base; at the peak of his career, Augustus Minton was a Major General for the U.S. Air Force.

He spent a few years in Palm Desert building houses and eventually earned his nursing license. He then moved to Arcata, where he built a life rooted in service and adventure.

A dedicated ICU nurse, he spent his career and life helping the Humboldt community with compassion.

His life was marked by his passions — skiing, biking and backpacking. An adventurous spirit, Charles was known for his caring nature and his ability to find joy in exploration.

As much as Charles was known for his playfulness and the “seize the day” aspects of his personality, he was also deeply committed to peace and social justice. In the late 1980s, Charles was president of the small Arcata organization Citizens for Social Responsibility, organizing successful art auctions that were appreciated by many.

He participated in local political campaigns for people he believed could make a difference, as well as traveling to canvass for politicians working toward a more just democracy in which every person’s voice matters.

Charles is survived by his wife, Jessica; his son, Miles; his stepchildren, Riley and Leona; his brother, Thomas; his sister, Dixie; his nephew, William; and many who knew and cared for him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and Augustus Minton, as well as his brother, Bill.

A memorial service will be held on March 22 at 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Church on Jacoby Creek Road. Please attend if you knew him and would like to take part in sharing memories and honoring his life.