John Lennord McGee III
September 15, 1953 - February 2, 2026

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my dad, John Lennord McGee III, age 72. Dad passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at Fortuna Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. Born in Littleton, New Hampshire, to John McGee II and Jessica McKinney, Dad lived a life of strong will and encouraging love.

Dad spent his childhood in New Hampshire until age 10. Facing neglect and feeling unaccepted, he left home to find his way in life alone. Not even a teenager, he began hitchhiking across the USA. On his journey, he stopped in Idaho and Oregon and eventually settled in California.

When finally settled in California, Dad found his happy place and felt a connection to Humboldt County, calling it his home for the rest of his life. Dad made friends everywhere he went. He was a talker, a storyteller, a jokester. Sometimes, his stories were so absurd we wondered if they were really true. Deep down, though, Dad was a lover, and he loved with all his heart because he knew what it felt like to not be wanted or loved.

Dad worked for Louisiana Pacific for 25 years as a resaw and lumber millwright in Samoa. He was well respected at his job and was very proud of his work. I will say he was one of the hardest workers. In fact, anyone you would talk to would say the same thing. Dad met two of his lifelong friends at Louisiana Pacific: Chuck Lewis and Lee Coffman. Both men provided Dad with joy to his heart and, for once, made him feel like he belonged.

Living out in Fairhaven, my dad met my mom, Sandra Nelson. After dating for some time, they married, and soon, a family of their own was started. Dad had three children with my mom and two other children from previous relationships. My dad had a total of five kids, each one providing love and support he cherished up until the end.

Dad is survived by his children and their spouses, Anthony McGee, Timothy McGee, April Luke, Lisa Diaz, and Paul Diaz, and after 40 years of missed time, Cassie Lilyblad Bumgardner.

Dad is also survived by his grandchildren, Brianna McGee, Brian Luke Jr., Ophelia Warren, Sawyer Warren, and Caspian Diaz.

I want to thank the following friends for being with Dad after his fall and cancer diagnosis: Johnathan Newell and Aleia Torres. You two meant the world to Dad and I can’t thank you enough for always lending a hand at a moment’s notice.

To Pastor Chuck Clark: Thank you a million times over for your prayers and sitting with Dad. He was like your brother, and the instant connection you two had will forever be in my heart.

To Paul Diaz, Dad always said you were the best son-in-law he could ever ask for. Thank you for holding his hand with me in the end, the weekly “John” visits and grocery runs,  and remember his last words of “I love you” were meant for both of us.

Dad will have a direct cremation. No services will be planned.

If you were ever part of my dad’s life, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know he felt the love from everyone, and you made him feel like the wonderful person he was.

Thanks for being my dad and living life to the fullest. You did a great job.

Rest easy, daddy, you’re home now.