Donald Edward Metaxas
December 1, 1937-December 31, 2025

Don was born in Fort Bragg on December 1, 1937, the third child of Harry and Carol Metaxas. When he was eight years old the family moved to Eel Rock, where his father worked on the railroad along with many other Greek and Italian immigrants. Don met his wife Sarah Hancock at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Miranda and they were married in 1962, in Olympia, Washington, where Don was stationed in the army.

In 1965 they returned to Humboldt County and lived in Eureka until 1983, when they moved to Eel Rock. Don worked building roads and freeways throughout Humboldt including the section of 101 that passes through Arcata. In March 2004 his wife, Sarah, suffered a devastating stroke. Don and his sister-in-law Doris tended Sarah for over three years until her death in 2007. Don was involved in a serious car crash in December 2025 and while we all thought he would survive and recover, he took a turn for the worse the morning of December 31st and passed quickly.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Sarah Metaxas; his parents Harry G. Metaxas Sr., and Carol Metaxas; his parents-in-law Harvey and Retta Hancock; his sister Joyce and her husband Dennis Brandt; his nephew Michael Loewenstein of Lebanon Oregon, his brother-in-law Mark E. Hancock; great niece Shelby Brandt; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his best friend Bill McNitt and Bill’s wife and Don’s adopted niece Natalie McNitt of Eel Rock; his brother Harry G. Metaxas, Jr. of Chiloquin Oregon; his sister-in-law Doris Thompson and her husband Bill of Eel Rock; his nephews Steve Metaxas and his wife Jennifer Bell of Eureka, Rob Metaxas and his wife Michelle of Eureka; and David Brandt and his wife Lori of Enterprise Oregon. He leaves three great nephews, Justin Brandt of Arcata, Chris Brandt of Sacramento, and Travis Brandt of Rio Dell. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Barbara A. Ziegler of Eagle Point, Oregon and his niece Linda Cole and her husband Michael of Central Point, Oregon. He is also survived by his nephew Dan Hancock and his wife Lois of Pine, Colorado and many great nieces. He leaves behind many close friends including Leland and Lynn Yialelis, Carl and Larissa Richardson, Fred and Marlene Nunnemaker, John Cathey, Michael Gonzales, and so many more.

While Don and Sarah didn’t have children of their own, they opened their arms and homes to many young people over the years. Don was everyone’s favorite uncle – getting the inner tubes ready to splash wholeheartedly in the Eel River along with the kids. He was a master storyteller, when the subject was the ocean everyone would find themselves queasy from going up and down those waves, and he had you on the edge of your seat when he told how he stumbled across a grumpy black bear armed only with his pocket knife. With growls, roars, and arms raised and flailing he backed that bear down – surely that bear continues to tell that story as well!

Don was skilled at chess, was a medic in the army and was a conscientious objector in the Vietnam War. He enjoyed continuing to learn about medicine and subscribed to the Harvard Medical Journal. He loved to gamble, whether it was a road trip to Reno or a quick bet with a friend over a football game, and always thought it made the game more fun to watch.

He was an epic gardener and grafted many of the fruit trees in his orchard, and enjoyed sharing his success by leaving sacks of fruit on everyone’s doorstep. While frustrated by the damage wildlife caused to his fruit crops, he also knew he had far more than he could ever use and allowed a generous share for the creatures that he enjoyed watching.

He also enjoyed people-watching — he would find himself in a comfy corner at the party and watch all that went on. He was a hard worker, living on his own in the most beautiful of Humboldt’s rural communities Eel Rock, running a chainsaw for this year’s firewood only two weeks before his death at age 88.

Don’s charming and wicked smile, twinkling eyes, and generous nature will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Don said on many occasions he didn’t want a funeral but he was always up for a party! An informal brunch will be held on Sunday February 1st at 11 a.m. in Eureka. For details on the location please call Jennifer at 707-601-3663. In lieu of flowers, make a bet on the Super Bowl, and give Don all of the credit if you win!