Destry was born to Tyley and Robin Girard in Arcata. He attended elementary, secondary and high schools in Eureka and Southern Humboldt after his parents divorced. As a young child, Destry had a zeal for soccer and played the cello with passionate enjoyment. Destry was invited into the GATE Program (Gifted and Talented Education) in his elementary school years. And he was given a Young Writer’s Award for his creative essay, “My Dog Rover.” An award for his basketball accomplishments can still be found in the Southfork High School Gymnasium. Like his father, Destry was charsmatic, and developed many long-lasting friendships during his school years.

Tragedy struck Destry’s life in his mid-teens. His father, Tyley, died in a freak auto accident. That event seemed to change the projectory of Destry’s life. While in his late teens, Destry moved off-grid to his father’s property in the Kings Range/Salmon Creek area. He raised pigs and maintained the property for a few years. Destry worked in the construction field for a number of years and showed a keen aptitude in that field. Destry was a man who loved to cook, work in a garden, play golf and ride Harleys.

Destry proudly and joyfully became a father at 28. He is remembered as a daddy with strong arms who taught his girls to swim in the Arcata Pool. And as a fun-loving daddy who encouraged his girls to throw frisbee at the disc golf course. And as a daddy with a sense of humor who played silly word games.

Destry had horrendous struggles throughout his life, but was able to overcome many of them. He will be greatly missed and fondly thought of by his family and friends.

Destry is survived by his daughters, Kylee Girard and Anjoliena Savoie (Junior); his grandson, Ryker Savoie; his mother, Robin Newby; his brothers, Sylus Girard and Ben Newby; his uncle, Jim State (Laurine) and various cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends. Those that passed before him were Tyley Girard, his father and his uncle, Bob State.

There will be a celebration of life on March 28 at 2 p.m. at the Eureka First Covenant Church in the Peterson House to share our rememberances of Destry.

###

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