Rick James Anaya
October 22, 1963 – April 24, 2026

Rick James Anaya passed away on April 24, 2026 in Lincoln, California, surrounded by his family, including his children and grandchildren, as well as close friends and his cherished dog, Coco.

Rick was born to Henry G. Anaya Sr. and Dolores (Valenzuela) Anaya and grew up in Fortuna, one of eleven siblings in a large, loud, and fiercely loving family where life was shared fully.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry G. Anaya Sr. and Dolores (Valenzuela) Anaya; his siblings, Hope Angela (Anaya) King, Steven Alan Anaya, and Michael “Mike” Anaya; nephew, Mikey Anaya; and his sister-in-law, Denise Anaya.

He is survived by his son, Henry Anaya (Savannah), and their children, Layla and Paislee; his daughter, Heather (Jack); his siblings, Henry, Jack, Tim (Suzie), Dorothy, Faith (J.R. Rosales), Tina (Logan Twitchell), Ray (Michelle); best friends, Aaron Johnson and Martin Sanchez, as well as a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Rick was known for his generosity and the way he showed up for the people he loved. He would drop what he was doing without hesitation and give whatever he had to help someone in need, even the shirt off his back, which more often than not was sleeveless, just the way he liked it. He had a huge smile that could light up a room and made friends everywhere he went. He stayed closely connected to the people in his life, checking in often on his brothers who lived nearby as well as his friends, made regular trips to Grass Valley to spend time with his brothers and sisters, and kept in touch with family in Bakersfield. He was also known for his handiwork and was often the one people called when something needed fixing, always willing to help without hesitation or question. He loved animals and had a series of dogs affectionately named “Dawg” and “Dawg Dawg,” and most recently, “Coco.” Wherever Rick went, his dog was always close, a steady companion and part of his everyday life.

He loved his family deeply and was especially proud of his children and grandchildren, who brought him immense joy. He would light up at any opportunity to share pictures and updates about them and took great pride in all they were doing. He was especially proud of his son for following in the footsteps of his namesake and grandfather by serving in the Army, carrying on a legacy of service, and of his daughter, whom he affectionately called “Bug,” his baby girl and a blessing from the start, who selflessly and lovingly cared for him in his final days. He could often be found playing with his granddaughters and great nieces and nephews, with coco by his side, happily serving as the “mountain” as the kids climbed over him, a role he embraced with laughter and love. Often the reluctant but good natured target of family jokes as one of the youngest, he was nicknamed “Prince” after once being mistaken at an airport for the “artist formerly known as,” a story he never let anyone forget. Music was always part of the memories, with Toni Braxton often playing at gatherings after he was heard singing “Un-Break My Heart” in the shower with uncanny resemblance. He would also be front and center at every family wedding for the traditional group singing of “Friends in Low Places,” a moment that became a staple of Anaya celebrations.

Rick shared strong and lasting bonds with his closest friends, who were like family to him. He enjoyed spending Saturday afternoons with his best friends, Martin and Aaron, sitting on Aaron’s deck watching the dogs play. Some of the most cherished memories of Rick are of him surrounded by his kids, siblings, friends, nieces, and nephews, sharing stories and laughter over plates of mixed enchiladas, Grandma’s tacos or a backyard barbecue.

Rick was someone who was always there, someone many of us believed would be here much longer. His passing is a great and unexpected loss, and his absence is deeply felt. He lived simply and prioritized what mattered most, his relationships with the people he loved. His presence, his humor, and the love he gave so freely will be deeply missed.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Tina and the many family members and friends who supported and cared for Rick in his final moments.

A celebration of life will be held on May 9, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Fortuna Veterans Hall.