David Robert Fontaine, age 63, passed away on November 20, 2025 in Rio Dell with his with his family by his side. InDunlap’s his youth David ran away from Los Angeles to Humboldt county and joined the CCC. He is a proud Humboldt County resident for the past 40 years. David was the son of James and Irene Fontaine, who preceded him in passing. His father James was a Harley-Davidson flat track champion and the legacy ran deeply through David’s blood. From a young age he inherited a love for engine craftsmanship and the open road. Working with his hands wasn’t just a passion. 

Anything that had to do with Harley-Davidson sparked his soul and he even opened a custom Harley shop with his sons in Fortuna. It was he who was pouring his talent, pride and identity into every bike he touched.

In honor of the Harley-Davidson heritage that shaped him, he named his his first son Harley, a meaningful nod to the legacy passed from his father to him and from him to his own children. And so that Harley, David’s son.

David was known to many as “Ghost.” David is survived by his children, who say he was a devoted and fiercely loyal father. He was incredibly proud to be the father of his firstborn – Heather, Hillary and Beth Fontaine — who marked the beginning of his journey into fatherhood. He went on to be the best dad, and his most prized accomplishments were his sons — Harley Fontaine ,Seth Fontaine, Ryan Fontaine, Levi Fontaine, Dakota Naves, Leo Fontaine; his beautiful baby girl Taylor Phillips; his daughter who is in heaven with him, Jelena; his stepdaughter Jessica Asbury and stepson Cory Naves. David is also survived by numerous grandchildren that God blessed them with .

He was a proud member of the motorcycle community, where his hardcore no-nonsense presence and unwavering principles earned his deep respect.

David fought an incredibly hard battle with cancer. meeting every challenge with the toughness and grit that defined his life. Though his relationship with his parents were was complex, he carried a deep love for them and now they’re in peace in knowing he is reunited and finally at rest. 

David’s humor and bold spirit made most people know him as a guy who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. It made him someone people either loved fiercely or didn’t quite understand, but he was always real and always Ghost. His legacy is

Dunlap’s

one of strength courage and authenticity. He leaves behind a family and a community to carry his memory proudly. David’s humor and bold spirit made most people know him as a guy who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. It made him someone people either loved fiercely or didn’t quite understand, but he was always real and always Ghost. His legacy is one of strength courage and authenticity. He leaves behind a family and a community to carry his memory proudly.

Contact the family to find out his celebration of life or check Facebook for updates.