Justin Seth Talkington — our beloved son, brother, uncle and cherished friend — passed away unexpectedly in his home in San Francisco. His family and loved ones are deeply saddened and shocked by his passing. His existence and lifetime contributions in his vast and diverse social circles are irreplaceable. 

On May 23, 1998, Seth blessed his parents Bebot and LT at Mad River Hospital in Arcata. He was taken home to siblings Christian and Meaghan, where they were later joined by younger sister Hazel. Seth’s early childhood years were lived in the intimate community and beautiful beachside town of Trinidad — living just a couple hundred yards from the beaches that Seth enjoyed walking. 

He attended Trinidad Union School from preschool through 8th grade, and then North Coast Preparatory Academy, graduating with International Baccalaureate honors in 2015. He achieved his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at UC Davis, class of 2020. While going to UC Davis he worked on a project with Engineers without Borders in which they improved access to freshwater in areas of Africa. He also worked as a research assistant in the Granular Material lab, and as a student assistant in the student disability center. He completed an internship overseas in Sydney, Australia working with an architecture company producing energy efficient houses.

Seth utilized his degree working in several different engineering firms. He helped design a ride at Great America amusement park, “The Liberty Twirler,” and recently went for a whirl with friends during a get-together that he had planned. From 2021 to 2024 he was a design engineer at a civil planning and surveying company serving multiple Bay Area communities - fire hydrants you pass by in these streets have been installed with his directions. As a staff engineer for a geotechnical consulting firm in Silicon Valley, he worked in construction sites erecting solidly built infrastructure based on his calculations and tests. 

Seth took his role as an uncle very seriously and never missed a birthday or holiday. He spoiled his two nieces Arabella and Dahlia with anything they wanted. No request was too much when it came to them, and no limitations to their greatness were seen by him. His nieces recently sent a video of the toy he sent for a birthday and seeing that they had built a model of our childhood home, he encouraged them to look into architecture and engineering careers. During family gatherings and trips, one of the girls was always being carried by Seth while the other was hot on his heels following him to the next amusement.

Seth and his family enjoyed soulful trips to the Philippines, enjoying time with his loving Filipino family and immersing into his cultural roots. He wowed everyone with his karaoke performances, often driving people to fits and tears of laughter. People appreciated his comedic personality, and willingness to try anything, including Balut. During his most recent trips he had gotten traditional-style Filipino sun and moon tattoos. Seth shared that he wanted to move to Bohol, Philippines and retire there later in his life to rest in paradise.

In Seth’s spare time he enjoyed many hobbies. He had become very involved in the Midnight Runners run club, running 5-mile routes every week through SF’s Embarcadero. He played on a community soccer team, enjoying heated competition at Crocker Amazon soccer fields on Saturdays. He also collected Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon cards, took up 3D printing, woodwork and rock climbing as ventures. Seth participated in and managed the Instagram page of FilipinUp, a Filipino rock climber collective. He’s fondly remembered for intense games of Super Smash Brothers, garnering the gold trophy for an annual family Smash Bros tournament. When gifted a guitar from his brother, he took to it and would play guitar riffs and serenade friends during bonfires at the beach. He enjoyed walkabouts and would bring furry friends such as his roommate’s dog and his sister’s dogs. He was looking into getting a furry friend of his own, hoping to have a small sidekick for his walks. Many early memories of him include glimpses of him walking around Trinidad and McKinleyville with no destination, just the steady rhythm of walking. 

Seth was the steadiest person I knew, making us all proud of his professional achievements while also making time to be authentically present for everyone. He will be remembered dearly by those that got the chance to know him and by the irreplaceable memories he left us on earth. We are deep in sorrow at the loss of this earth angel.

Justin Seth Talkington’s memory is survived by Mother Bebot and Father LT,  Brother Christian and Sisters Meaghan and Hazel, Nieces Arabella and Dahlia, Aunties Alma, Rosel and Shinna, Uncles Ceasar and Larry, and Cousins Lance, Lorence, Ian, Shaina, Sophia and Jheah. Seth is preceded in death by Grandparents Hazel and Leonard, Lola Geronima and Lolo Loreto, Uncles Victor and Kenneth.

Special thanks to Seth’s dear friends, peers and community groups for being his chosen family members and loved ones. Thank you for the wonderful relationships and adventures that you forged with him. We appreciate your kindness and existence that contributed to wonderful chapters in Seth’s life and wish you well.

Seth Talkington’s funeral services will be held Sunday, September 28 at 560 12th St., Fortuna. The family will receive guests at 1:30 p.m., with the official service commencing at 2 p.m. Family, friends, and all who cared for Seth are warmly invited to attend his funeral and the celebration of his life that will follow. The celebration of life will begin at 5 p.m., location TBA. Seth will be interred in Humboldt County.

Seth has an online memorial board for friends and loved ones to share thoughts, prayers and memories. For further details, contact his family at (707) 296-8208 or follow the Facebook event page “Seth Talkington’s Funeral and Celebration of Life.”

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