Coffee Clay Winans passed away on the evening of Tuesday, January 6, after years of a complicated battle with addiction. He was born on Friday, December 13, 1991, in Arcata, and lived his entire life amongst our community. His passing is a profound loss for his family and friends that cherished him for the amazing person that he was and for who he was becoming.

Coffee was a man whose heart was even bigger than his genuine and beaming smile, and whose laughter was contagious. He had a deep love for all living things — especially plants and animals. He even grafted and grew his own apple tree. He always had pets and cared for any animal he could. Coffee was known for nurturing life in all its forms. Coffee carried a rare tenderness and respect for the living world around him, no matter how it challenged him.

Known for his great sense of humor and iconic laugh, Coffee had a gift for making people feel at ease. He never failed to tell you exactly what was on his mind- which was always something fun or positive. He loved trading bling with his dad, and gifting beautiful jewelry to his mom. Coffee was known for always doing whatever he felt was the right thing to do. His kindness was sincere, his compassion toward others unwavering, and his presence an overall beacon of warmth to all who knew him.

Coffee’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the love he shared with us, and the simple bliss he spread so effortlessly. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

May we remember him for the true person he was — and not the tragedy that occurred. May his memory continue to grow and bloom in the hearts of all who loved him.

He is survived by a huge family and so many friends! His father, Charles Clay Winans, mother, Chelsea Tuck, brother Isaac Winans and his cat Ewok. Grandparents, Carl and Susan Tuck, Norman and Sharon Crockett, Uncles & Aunts Tom Baker and Kim Olsen , Michele and Mike Marshall, Camille McNeil, Alan and Carlotta Clark, Columbine Donald, Cynthia Tuck and Mikka Kohler, and too many cousins and other extended family to list!

He will be reunited in heaven with his paternal grandparents, Charles Francis Winans and Carolyn Kelly, his little brother Marble Ace Winans (missing since 2011) and many other ancestors and loved ones to guide him. May they all be shining upon us today!

A memorial open to all who care will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026. Graveside service at 2 p.m. in Blue Lake Cemetery, followed by a celebration of his life at Mad River Grange, ending at 5 p.m.

Please consider donating or sharing to others who may be wanting to help:  Coffee’s Memorial Funds (Gofundme account).