It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Delbert Ray Eschliman, 80, who passed away on February 25, 2025, in Fortuna. “Del,” as his friends and family called him, was born on July 20, 1944, in Chico, to Joy and Marie Eschliman.

Del attended Fremont High School in Fremont, where he excelled in basketball and woodworking. At age 18, he was drafted into the U.S. Army as a sergeant and served for two years. He later went on to join the local National Guard.

Del moved to Humboldt in the 1960s, where he met his wife of 55 years, Deloris Tucker. He was a lifelong logger and worked for Rock Logging until he was forced into retirement after suffering a stroke at the age of 76.

Del had many hobbies, but his favorite was fishing. He was known for catching impressive salmon, steelhead and sturgeon. He loved life and would often say, “Not everyone gets to live to be 80.”

Del was a beloved and devoted husband and father. He leaves behind his wife, Deloris Eschliman; his daughters, Jan (Jerry) Martinez and Kelly (Johnny) Valencia; seven grandchildren: Dustin (Jordee) Herrera, Kyle Herrera, Lanzo Martinez, Korrina (Nelson Juarez) Valencia, Gabriela (Brandon) Pereira, and Johnny Valencia Jr.; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Gary (Pat) Eschliman of Mesa, Ariz., along with many other family members who meant so much to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joy and Marie Eschliman, and his brothers, Robert (Mary) Eschliman and LaVerne Eschliman.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to those who selflessly helped care for Del since his stroke in 2020, especially Dan Stevens, Sara Ramirez, and Trina Bernal.

In accordance with Delbert’s wishes, he was a tissue, bone, and eye donor and chose to be cremated. His cremation is being handled by Ayers in Eureka. A small private ceremony will be held at a later date.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Del Eschliman’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.