Thomas Henry Peters passed away at Timber Ridge Assisted Living in Eureka, California, on Friday evening, January 9, 2026. Tom penned his own obituary, as follows:

Well, I’m gone. Never having been a religious man, I have no way of knowing where. I do know I leave my abiding love for my departed wife, Barbara, and for all my family and friends.

I was born on August 23, 1945, the apparent result of Christmas leave in 1944. I grew up in Walnut Creek and Piedmont, California, graduating from Piedmont High School in 1963. I then served four years in the US Navy before attending and graduating from Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. A brief job in Fort Bragg, California led me to a career in commercial fishing, catching mostly salmon, herring, and beach fish.

For many years I sang in Humboldt State University’s Humboldt Chorale, where I met Barbara Stratton in 1980. It was a strong match, even if it did take me until 1984 to propose to her. Smartest thing I ever did! We did not have children, but we had five Springer Spaniels and two litters of puppies over the years. In 1985 we bought a fine old Victorian house in Eureka and there we lived the rest of our lives.

Mine was not a flashy life, but with the love of my Barbara, it was a good one.

I was preceded in death by my precious wife, Barbara, in September 2023, and by my father Dr. Henry B. Peters, my mother Carol M. Peters, my older sister, Lynn, and my younger brothers Jim and Chris. I am survived by my cousins and my nephews and nieces.

By and large I’ve enjoyed my life. It was a great adventure. I’d do it again any time!

Tom’s friends and family would like to extend their appreciation to Tom’s medical team, and their gratitude to the entire care team at Timber Ridge Assisted Living, particularly Patrick, who held and comforted Tom in his final moments.

A private gathering is tentatively planned for mid-April 2026. Please contact the offices of Hansen & Pereira for more information, (707) 444-9364.