Loren Andrew Lair was born February 11, 1986, to Bud and Toni Lair. He peacefully passed away January 21, 2026, at the age of 39. Loren was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer, at the age of 32. From the beginning, cancer forever took from him the ability to do so many of the things he loved most, but he fought hard to try and beat it.

Loren spent his childhood and most of his adult life in Shelter Cove. From the time he was small, he spent every summer with his grandparents and parents at Mario’s Marina. He would hang out at the fish market and watch the salmon catches being delivered. As soon as he was old enough, he was out on the ocean fishing with anyone willing to take him. In return, he would always help clean the boats after fishing trips. He always kept an eye on which fish he had caught and made sure he got to take them home! At the age of twelve, he got a summer job as a deckhand on a charter boat. He enjoyed every minute of being on the ocean and was proud to help others enjoy it also. 

Loren was also an avid hunter, skilled diver, and grew amazing veggie gardens wherever he lived. He and his Dad were hunting and diving partners and had many adventures together. Loren was in his element in the outdoors. Whether exploring the beaches or hiking the mountains, that was when he was happiest.

Loren and his friends became the original “boat ramp crew” in their teens. Big bonfires, loud country music, and many good times! He worked hard, played hard, and had a heart of gold. He was always the first to help anyone in need, be it family, friends or complete strangers.

Loren graduated from South Fork High School in 2004, joining CDF – (now CalFire) – that summer. He spent 2 seasons fighting fires all over California with his crew. When he decided to leave CDF, he took the skills he learned and applied them to other jobs. He worked trimming and cutting trees, brush clearing, and salmon restoration. He also worked in highway and building construction.

Before he became too ill, Loren was able to take his two daughters, Karissa and Nelayni, on an epic tuna fishing trip with Captain Jared Morris. He wasn’t able to fish, but watched his daughters haul in big tuna one right after another. That is a memory he cherished for the rest of his days! We were all so grateful his daughters were able to spend his last summer with him!

Loren had the full love and support of his family throughout his long fight with cancer. At diagnosis, he was given two months to live without treatment. He fought hard and against all odds made it to seven years! His parents fulfilled their promise to keep him at home until his death. His father, Bud, was his dedicated caregiver, and together they traveled countless miles between home and UCSF for treatment. When the day came that Loren’s body could take no more, his Dad was by his side, caring for his every need for the next eight months.

Loren was always our strong-willed, free spirit. We will always feel that spirit when we watch a sunset over the ocean or walk the beach at low tide. Every time we see a bonfire at the boat ramp we will hear his laughter.

Loren was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mario and Shirley Machi, his Grandma Peggy Burgess, and aunt Rachel Lair. He is survived by his daughters Karissa and Nelayni Lair, parents Bud and Toni Lair, brother Lance Lair and wife Britney, nephew Easton Lair, niece Emerson Lair, aunt Gina Layne, uncle Mike Lair and wife Kathleen, and numerous cousins.

The family would like to thank Heart of the Redwoods Hospice for their kindness, love and support in our time of need. At Loren’s request, his ashes will be spread at sea in Shelter Cove. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. 

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