Gordon Schatz was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, and he married his high school sweetheart Karen Lyle in 1964. They then moved to Hollywood, where he obtained a BA degree in photography from Art Center College of Design. He operated his own advertising photography studio until the family relocated to Humboldt County in 1975, to establish and operate the Schatz Tree Farm in Maple Creek.

Gordon’s reforestation work on the Schatz Tree Farm led to official recognition as the “California Tree Farm of the Year” award. Shortly after receiving this honor, the Schatz family donated the tree farm to Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation. Gordon continued working as resident manager of the tree farm until his passing.

In addition to his reforestation work, Gordon served for 12 years on the Maple Creek School Board and was a founding member and eventual Fire Chief of the Maple Creek Volunteer Fire Department during its’ 30-year existence.

Gordon enjoyed living with the land through gardening, orcharding, raising rabbits and sheep, and planting all the variety of trees he could fit on his homestead. He was always a person of self-determination, and enjoyed individual activities including backpacking, hiking, photography, sailboarding, skiing, snowboarding, and plenty of summers swimming in the Baduwa’t (Mad) river. He especially enjoyed mountain biking and was a successful competitor in cross-country races for many years.

Gordon also enjoyed sharing life and experiences and quiet contemplation with his beloved wife Karen, his sons Ian and Dylan, his daughters-in-law Elizabeth and Zia, and his grandchildren Jas, Griffin, and Leo. He was ever wishing for peace on earth and protection of our planet’s forests. His remains will be returned to the earth by his immediate family, to nourish the trees which he planted and loved.

Those who would like to honor his memory and wishes are encouraged to plant trees — especially Sequoia sempervirens — to help make our planet forever green.