Colin McNaughton was born on April 27, 1957 and passed on May 3, 2026. Colin was often known as “Coley” by friends and family who knew and loved him. Coley was born in Eureka and raised in Fortuna by his parents, Smokey and Janet McNaughton, who owned and operated McNaughton Plumbing. Coley’s siblings included Kelly, Kevin, Kim and Christie McNaughton.

In his younger years, Coley worked at Fortuna Glass, and painted for Arnie King for many years. He also worked in the woods, loading logs and operating machinery for Randy Hoisington. In his later years, Coley was a ranch hand for Joe Russ for around 15 years. Coley had much respect and admiration for the people and families that he worked for.

In these later years you could find Coley at the King Ranch, hunting, fishing, cutting fire wood or looking for elk horns and arrowheads. Coley enjoyed the outdoors. Jumping in a side-by-side or four-wheeler and going for an adventure at the ranch would really put a smile on his face. He was known for doing things like cutting loads of firewood for the people he loved. Coley had many friends, and usually always had a friend riding shotgun with him when you saw him around town or on the road. Coley was a tough old guy who could be pretty grumpy at times, but he was also very caring, and had a big heart to those that were lucky enough to see that side of him.

It was hard on Coley to run into health problems in his final years, and not be able-bodied to do all the things he loved. He has now found peace and is no longer in pain.

Coley is preceded in death by his parents, Smokey and Janet, and his brothers, Kelly and Kevin. Coley is survived by his sons, Colt (Shasta) and Cody (Laura); his daughter Mary Liz (Robert); his grandchildren, Azalea, Waylon, Archer, Arlo, Frankie and Cash; his sisters, Christie Ammer and Kim McNaughton; and his lifelong friends, Susan and Laurie King.

There will be a celebration of life held at the Van Duzen Grange on Sunday, June 14 at 1 p.m. Please join us in honoring Colin’s memory. There will be light refreshments provided by the family.

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