Clare Bugenig passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous four-and-a-half-month battle following a spinal cord injury. He was 71 years old. Always a firecracker in life, it was somehow fitting that Clare went out with a bang.

Clare was born on April 13, 1955, in Eureka, California, to Francis and Phyllis (Perry) Bugenig. He grew up alongside his siblings Marilyn Philipps (Jon), Bobbe Steinbrecher (John), Lawrence “Lou” Bugenig (Brandi), Mary Jane Kunz (Alan), Nancy Hawes, and his late brother Jerry Bugenig.

Growing up, Clare loved spending time with his family at the Perry Ranch in Blocksburg, a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. Some of his fondest childhood memories were made there, working cattle, riding horses, and enjoying the ranching lifestyle. He participated in 4-H, raising sheep and steers that he proudly sold at the Humboldt County Fair. He also loved attending gymkhanas with his family, where his dad, Francis, hauled the kids and horses from event to event.  Clare was always the littlest cowboy on the biggest horse, named Hornet. 

Clare attended Ferndale Elementary School, where he made quite an impression on his teachers, and Principal Charlie Lakin, who reportedly introduced him to the infamous “Big Bertha” paddle on more than one occasion.

Sports became one of Clare’s lifelong passions. He excelled in football, basketball, and other athletics throughout grammar school and high school. As a defensive back for Ferndale High School, he helped lead the Wildcats to back-to-back North Coast championship football teams in 1972 and 1973, earning numerous All-County honors while playing for Coach Carlson. He graduated from Ferndale High School in 1973.

After high school, Clare attended College of the Redwoods before transferring to California Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, where he graduated in 1978 with a degree in Agricultural Business.

Following college, Clare worked for Tooby Brothers in Fairfield before returning to Humboldt County. He worked for Production Credit Association alongside Jim Rice and later for the Bank of Loleta under Bruce Roberts. In 1979, he returned home to help his parents, Francis and Phyllis, with the Perry Ranch cow-calf operation. Around 1995, he began purchasing the cattle herd from his parents, continuing the ranching tradition he loved. He also spent many years assisting his father-in-law, Gerald Genzoli, with artificial insemination through American Breeders Service, building lasting friendships with many local dairymen. From 2002 until 2009, Clare co-owned Humboldt Fence Company with Russ Renner before later working alongside Carlos Alejandre at Windy Point Fence Company.

Clare married Teresa Genzoli in 1977. They enjoyed vacationing with their good friends George and Tina Toste and Steve and Debbie Renner and their families. 

Teresa and Clare welcomed two children, Ann Marie in 1982 and Adam in 1986 — two of the greatest joys of his life. He was immensely proud of both of them.

Some of the family’s best memories were spent branding cattle, shipping calves, horseback riding at the ranch, skiing at Mount Shasta, taking trips to Disneyland and Great America, and simply enjoying time together. Clare was deeply involved in his children’s lives, coaching youth basketball and football for many years and rarely missing their games. True to form, every game was usually followed by a detailed review of what they could have done just a little better — a tradition his children came to appreciate as one of the many ways he showed his love.

Clare’s love of sports never faded. After high school, he continued playing city league basketball for decades, finally “retiring” from senior league competition in his fifties.

One of Clare’s greatest commitments to the community was his service to the Humboldt County Fair. He joined the Fair Board in 1986 and faithfully served for 37 years, including serving as Board President from approximately 2002-2003. He cared deeply about preserving the fair and its agricultural traditions for future generations. 

Another passion of his was the Sonoma County Trailblazers, where he spent nearly 45 years participating in annual trail rides. Those who rode with Clare know that every trip came with laughter, unforgettable stories, lifelong friendships, and more than a little harmless debauchery.

In June 2017, Clare married Cindy Olsen, whom he met while serving together on the Humboldt County Fair Board. It was a classic scenario of “Country Boy” and the “City Girl.” Clare was outgoing while Cindy was shy, and together they learned to appreciate each other’s worlds. They shared a love for the San Francisco Giants, the 49ers, and traveling together. Their adventures took them on American Cruise Lines throughout the South, where Clare especially enjoyed touring Graceland. Cindy also introduced Clare to her love of disco cruises. Clare enjoyed having a drink with Kool & the Gang and the Village People. Earlier this year, they crossed another item off their bucket list by seeing John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve. 

More than anything, Clare will be remembered for the way he lived. He was hardworking, fiercely loyal, ready to give someone a nickname or “clarify” them with a quick witted remark, never afraid to tease someone he cared about, and always willing to lend a hand. He loved his family, his friends, his community, and the ranching life.

During the final months of his life, Clare was overwhelmed by the incredible love shown to him. Countless friends and family members visited, prayed, encouraged him, and reminded him just how deeply he was loved. Those acts of kindness brought great comfort not only to Clare, but to all who loved him.

Clare is survived by his wife, Cindy Bugenig; his children, Ann Marie Tyrrell (Brian) and Adam Bugenig (Molly); his grandchildren, Reece Lozoya (Vincent), Ryder Tyrrell, Payton Clarence Bugenig-Chase, Madelynn Darst, Francis and Tilly Bugenig; his great-grandchildren, Milo and Kailani Lozoya; his siblings Marilyn Philipps (Jon), Bobbe Steinbrecher (John), Lawrence Bugenig (Brandi), Mary Jane Kunz (Alan), and Nancy Hawes; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Phyllis Bugenig, and his brother, Jerry Bugenig.

Clare leaves behind a legacy of laughter, hard work, service, friendship, and family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A  celebration of life will be held on August 9, 2026 at 2 p.m. at “The Barn” by Fernbridge, Ferndale, Calif. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clare Bugenig Scholarship Fund/Humboldt County Fair at 2439 “S” St., Eureka, California 95503.

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