With great sadness, we announce the passing for Frederick William Lewis. He was a devoted father, brother, grandfather, cousin and friend to many. He was born in Hoopa on April 24, 1969 and peacefully began his last journey on May 2, 2026 at St. Joe’s Hospital in Eureka , surrounded by loved ones.

Fred received his AA in Substance Abuse Counseling from CR in 2012. He chose this field from being clean and sober for several years. He wanted to be able to help people in the battle with addiction the same way he was helped. One of his many mottos was “No matter the age or how many doubts or setbacks, if you really want it, go out and work for it.” That’s exactly what he did.

One of his many great qualities was being caring and compassionate towards not only his loved ones, but complete strangers. Every Thanksgiving he would make plates with all the leftovers and hand them out to the homeless. He loved to help anyone in need. The youth, elders or people he saw were struggling. He had the biggest heart and left a huge impact on anyone and everyone he came across. He could light up an entire room with his big dimpled smile and his infectious laugh. He was the type of person who’d give the shirt off his back to give to someone in need. No matter the situation, he would always find a solution and make it happen, with a smile on his face.

Some of the things he loved to do was fishing, cutting wood, going to our ceremonial dances, picking root and other traditional materials, while teaching others. He spent most, if not all of his time outdoors, with family and his closest friends. Being around his friends brought him peace and solace, they were all a huge part of, not only his life but his sobriety. His friends were a big part of his foundation. With a huge heart Fred started his own, not so little tribe, which includes, from his wife Laura. Josh (Brody), Daniel and his wife Janelle (Jaydin and Jeziah) and Derek (Jordahlea). He continued to grow his family with Tina came, Ayela and her fiance Sean(kyleigh and kohl), Hawk and wife Corrina( Angel, Halo, Malachi and Zaykima). They even had L.T and her husband Jake (Jorden and Odin), Poh-lik-lah and wife Cayla (Pj), Ameila and her fiance Thomas (Jack, Faith and Jordahlea). Lastly with Bonnie, who he spent many years with, they had destiny and their grandson Tyler.

At this point the family would like to acknowledge his circle was huge and there is no way to thank everyone individually. His circle contained his family, friends from downriver, upriver, Hoopa, the coast, the 12-step community and countless others. Please know we might not know you but we appreciate the space you had in this life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Athena (Pat), Franklin Sr., and Gary Willison; his siblings Darrell Thorton Jr., Franklin Lewis Jr., MaryAnn Kathleen, and Athena Willison; his grandbabies, Zaylah and Zakima Erickson; his nieces Jillian and Jerry; loving cousin Celinda Lewis; and lastly, two women who shaped his childhood, Donna Bailey and Rebecca Ferris.

He was survived by his siblings Carolyn Lewis (Angie, Rebecca, and Sophie); Frank’s kids; Ginette Lewis and kids; Preston Lewis and kids; Kira, Jacqeline, and kids; Tanya (Erika) and kids; Derek and son; Talissa and daughter; and Sarah. GaryDean Lewis (Koo, Sammi, Spencer), Nora Lewis, Shantelle Willison and husband Mike (Russell, PerGish, and Chegemmem), Nikki Rube and husband Edward (Calvin, Nate, and Gerrious), Linda Daniels and husband Cody (Marissa, Jayce, and Jesse), Micheal Willison (Micheal Jr. and Sawyer), and Michelle Rocha and husband David Sr. (Hannah and David Jr.). Special mentions: his great-nieces and nephew Melissa and Mariah, Samuel Jr. Campbell; great-niece Mya Schonchin; his son-in-law Mat; sister-in-law Tambi Schonchin; and lifelong friend Laura Bailey. Plus many, many more!

There will be a public viewing at Goble’s Mortuary on Saturday the 9th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Fortuna .

Frederick’s services will be held May 10 at the Tish Non Building in Loleta, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Officiating will be Ted Hernandez. It will be potluck style, if possible bring a side. Everyone is welcome. We encourage everyone to bring memories, songs, stories and smiling faces. Let us come together and send Fred on his journey home to the creator.