Everett “Sonny” Harold Pritchett passed away peacefully at his home in Rio Dell on July 24, 2026, at the age of 82.

Sonny was born on February 17, 1944, in Fortuna to Homer and Ethyl Pritchett. The youngest of three children, he grew up in the Hydesville and Carlotta areas. His family later moved to Eureka, where he graduated from Eureka Senior High School. Following graduation, Sonny enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1962 to 1966. Assigned to the flight deck, he traveled the world before returning home to Humboldt County. Upon returning to civilian life, he worked alongside his father in construction, building custom homes all over the county.

In his younger years, Sonny had a wild side, riding his beloved Harley-Davidson motorcycle all over Humboldt, Mendocino and Lake County. The stories he shared about his single days will live in his family’s hearts forever. Sonny was also an avid hunter and fisherman. He was happiest out with his buddies at the lagoons or up at Ruth Lake. Later in life, he took up refurbishing old fishing reels, restoring them to mint condition. He loved hunting for treasures at local flea markets, knowing the exact value of every manufacturer and refusing to pay a penny more! Always close to his Cherokee heritage, he was a highly talented craftsman who made beautiful obsidian arrowheads. Sonny was passionate about genealogy, frequently diving down rabbit holes to trace his ancestry, which even connected him to ancient kings and rulers!

In 1971, he met the love of his life, Betty Roberts, on the very day the Samoa Bridge opened. They were married in 1972 and began their life together, raising their children, Bobbi and David.

Sonny spent many years working hard, long hours in the logging industry. He would go to the ends of the earth to provide for his family, moving them where the work was, before finally settling back home in Humboldt County. Sonny became a Millwright-and a darn good one. He worked for LP Flakeboard, Britt and others before settling at the Eel River Sawmill, where he made lifelong friends. Though he had a reputation for being a bit grumpy-a title his coworkers proudly labeled on his hard hat and locked-he was deeply respected.

After 30 years in the industry, heart issues and a quadruple bypass forced Sonny into retirement. Though doctors estimated he might have five more years if he was lucky, Sonny stubbornly went on to live another 25-plus years, thoroughly enjoying his life!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Ethyl Pritchett; his sisters, Joan and Jeanette; and his beloved wife, Betty (Roberts) Pritchett. He is survived by daughter Bobbi Beaver (Husband Terry Beaver), granddaughter Kaci Lynn Beaver (Fiancé Jeffrey Heflin), son David Pritchett, grandson Cameron Pritchett, granddaughter Stevie Pritchett, son James Hurt (Wife Laura Hurt) and Andrea Gresko of Missouri.

An Honor Guard military service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sept. 2 at the Blue Lake Cemetery, located at 750-756 Railroad Ave, Blue Lake. All who knew and loved Sonny are warmly welcome to attend.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Sonny Pritchett’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.