Paul “Jason” Pacheco was born in San Francisco on August 4, 1977, to Margaret “Ellen” Pacheco and Saturnino Torres, and was lovingly raised by his adoptive father, Larry Holt. He passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Mad River Hospital.

Jason lived in many places throughout California during his childhood, eventually returning to San Francisco for high school. He was a proud 1996 graduate of Balboa High School, where he embraced every opportunity to get involved. A multi-sport athlete, he played football and baseball and was an active member of the ROTC. Jason often reflected fondly on his high school days and carried immense school pride—his class ring remained one of his most prized possessions.

After graduation, Jason attended Humboldt State University, where he played football and quickly fell in love with Humboldt County. He built lasting friendships and deep roots in the community he would always consider home.

The greatest joy of Jason’s life was his daughter, Kameiko Hostler-Pacheco, born in 2001. He was endlessly proud of her and never missed a chance to brag about her and everything she accomplished. After Jason moved to Sacramento, Kameiko spent many summers and holidays with him, creating cherished memories and countless adventures together. Jason affectionately called her “Mee’gosh,” a nickname that came from her saying, “Oh me gosh” as a toddler, which he found incredibly endearing. He loved it so much that he later tattooed “Mee’gosh” on his arm, surrounded by Tribal basket designs — an enduring tribute to the little girl who meant everything to him.

They shared a love of movies — especially Star Wars — and she was his “road dog” throughout elementary and middle school. Through his longtime work in concert security, Jason gave Kameiko the unforgettable experience of attending major concerts, including her first shows — Hannah Montana, the Jonas Brothers, Green Day, and the Warped Tour.

Jason’s career in concert security took him all over California and beyond. He loved the energy of live music and made many friends along the way, working shows for legendary artists such as The Eagles, The Rolling Stones, and at Bonnaroo. It was a job he truly loved — one that reflected his outgoing spirit and his gift for connecting with people.

In the last three years, Jason returned to Hoopa. He was proud to join the HVPUD Transfer Station as a laborer, working alongside his brother and best friend, Sam Campbell. He found great fulfillment in this work and in reconnecting with his friends and family in Hoopa. Jason was surrounded by close friends who loved and supported him, including Les Jackson, who became like a second mother to him.

He loved spending time with his brothers — Sam Jones, Jed Morris, Sam Campbell, Harold “O’s” Campbell, Ralphy Peters, and Victor Mattz — on the river, lifting weights, and enjoying life; and fishing with Bill “Pecos” Carpenter. He loved hanging out and chilling with his sisters Mary “Sister” Campbell, Louisa “Weezie” Jones and the late Leilani “Lonz” Jones. He was the favored babysitter to his nieces New-New, Saucey, and Tots. He loved tinkering on his truck, coming close to finally getting it running, and adored his loyal dog of fourteen years, “Nacho,” who was truly his best friend.

Jason had a soft spot for elders and spent many meaningful hours with Grandma Maggie and Grandma Mary, sharing coffee, football games, and good conversation. Friends and family remember Jason as kindhearted, warm, and always ready with a smile or helping hand.

Jason was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Ellen Pacheco-Lundquist; his adoptive father, Larry Holt; his stepfather, Jerry Lundquist; his grandparents; and his beloved-sister Leilani Jones.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Kameiko Hostler-Pacheco; his brothers Lorenzo Holt (Angela), Jason Baumgarten, Josh Lundquist; and his sister Kimberly Holt, as well as his soul-dog Nacho.

Pallbearers are Lorenzo Holt, Sam Campbell, Harold “O’s” Campbell Jr., Victor Mattz, Sam Jones, Jed Morris.

Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Hostler, Jason Baumgarten, Josh Lundquist, Porsche Charlo, Lucas Garcia, Ralphy Peters, Harold “Harry O” Campbell Sr., Gordon McCovey, Bill “Pecos” Carpenter, Leslie Starrit, Harwood Starrit, Artie Jones, and Rick Loger.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral service on Monday, November 24, at 11:30 a.m. at the Hoopa First Baptist Church, 0 Loop Road, Hoopa. Burial will follow at the Mattz Family Cemetery on Bald Hill, with a reception immediately afterward at the Hoopa Wildland Fire Hall. Flowers can be sent to Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary, 560 12th St., Fortuna, CA 95540. In lieu of flowers, you can also send a donation in Jason’s memory to the Hilton Hostler Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund at Humboldt Area Foundation at this link.

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