John William Corbett
October 25, 1947- January 3, 2026

John W. Corbett, a longtime McKinleyville resident, attorney and environmental advocate, died peacefully at home, on January 3, 2026. 

John was proud of his ancestors who fought in the continental army, and of John Convis, whom he was named after, who died in the Civil War fighting against slavery.  He was proud of his father, who served in WWI and retired as a Colonel in the army after fighting the fascists in WWII.  He was proud of his mother, Kathryn Corbett, a professor at Humboldt State University and a long-time champion of women’s rights. 

John devoted his own life to public service and stewardship of the land and water resources of the North Coast. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Humboldt State University and earned his law degree from UC Hastings College of the Law with an emphasis in environmental law. He later completed graduate studies in environmental law and administration at Stockholm University in Sweden.

He took great pride in helping to plant over 20,000 redwood trees, mostly in Southern Humboldt. In his younger years, John loved athletics.  He demonstrated particular mastery in tennis and running and participated as both a runner and organizer in many local running events. During his career, John served as General Manager of the North Coast Co-op, Arcata City Attorney, Lecturer at Humboldt State University, and served as Senior Legal Counsel for the Yurok Tribe where he helped secure the largest dam removal in US history to remove four dams on the Klamath River, facilitated the Jesse Short settlement distribution, and contributed to many other projects.

John was a dedicated and accomplished public servant.  He served in many appointed and elected positions during his life including the McKinleyville Community Services District for 18 years, the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board for 20 years where he acted as chairman for 5 terms, and the North Coast Regional Coastal Commission.  He spent his retirement working tirelessly alongside the Eagle Eyes of False Klamath Cove which he helped found, conducting and coordinating beach surveys in Marine Protected Areas.

John was preceded in death by his parents Kathryn L. Corbett and George Austin Corbett. John is survived by wife Joan, his brother George (Pat Robb) Corbett, children Crystal (Forrest) Monroe and Austin (Dani) Corbett and seven outstanding grandchildren.

For details on the memorial service location and time, please send a request to jwcmemorial2026@gmail.com.  

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