It is with deep sadness that we share the peaceful passing of Barry Brown on November 7, 2026 at the age of 78.

Barry wrote his obituary in stages over the last few months with much reflection.

Barry was born February 10, to Ronald and Mary Brown. Barry’s earliest recollections involved fly fishing and football, activities that were encouraged by Barry’s father. Barry caught his first trout at the age of two on the Mattole River with a little help from his father.  That began a lifetime pursuit of trout, salmon, and steelhead fishing, rod in hand throughout the West Coast and beyond. The two of them spent much time together fishing on the lower Eel River. Barry grew up in a loving family that promoted family activities, most of which tended to be outdoor ventures of one kind or another.

Barry graduated from Eureka High School in 1966; he was on the football and wrestling team. After graduation, Barry enrolled at College of the Redwoods, where he continued his participation in team sports. That time was interrupted when he joined the National Guard. After finishing Boot Camp, he was enrolled in Radio School, where he excelled in learning tactical communications, radio operation and network management at the top of his class.

Barry began his career in law enforcement, initially with the Fortuna Police Department at the age of 21, later transferring to the Eureka Police Department, where he worked as a patrol officer. He was a member of that agency’s first SWAT team. It was during this time that Barry received an award for being the most outstanding new officer. Barry was elected as the Police Association President and was the designated range master in charge of firearms training. He also competed in police pistol and shotgun competitions, placing second in the combat shotgun competition for the entire state of Oregon.

Barry taught at the local police academy at College of the Redwoods and lectured at Humboldt State College. He was also employed as a part-time teacher at Eureka High School teaching an elective class in Criminal Justice. Barry continued taking college courses by enrolling in the external degree program through Sacramento State College. Barry also attended courses at Long Beach State College, University of Utah, and University of California, eventually receiving his degree in Criminal Justice.

In the 1980s Barry and his father Ron, opened Henderson Bicycles. Barry was a member of the local trails advisory committee, sponsored the March of Dimes Bike-a-thon, hosted the bicycle portion of the Police Olympics, formed the Humboldt County Bicycle Club with his father and initiated the now famous “Tour of the Unknown Coast’ a one-hundred-mile bike race. The bike shop venture lasted a couple of years and was then sold, allowing Barry to proceed with his law enforcement career.

He was hired by the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office as a Criminal Investigator. Barry was promoted to Chief Investigator, a position he retained for over twelve years with the District Attorney’s office. Barry retired from the DA’s office in 1998, and then obtained his Private Investigation license, specializing in criminal law cases in California and Oregon, Barry’s private investigation business was active for nearly two decades when he was forced to retire due to multiple health issues. With the love and support of his life companion, Cathy Nickalou, I remained optimistic.  Cathy was my life line, and my soul mate. 

Barry had many hobbies. Photography, bicycle riding, hiking the Pacific Rim fly fishing, Kayaking. Barry was passionate about the welfare of all animals and the protection of our environment. He and his father were active in the protection of the Eel River. Barry’s passion for photography, led him to what would become a life long friendship with Fred & Jan Dockway, who live in Sydney, Australia. Barry was an accomplished guitarist, playing ‘finger-style’ on one his prized possessions, a classical guitar built especially for him by a Luthier in the Bay area. Barry joked when asked how well he played, saying that he “played well enough to amuse myself but bad enough to irritate most listeners”.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald & Mary Brown, his daughter Jennifer, two twin granddaughters, Mahlanya,  Nadianna Crockett, younger brother, Bud Brown, Oakland, sister Ronelle Nicholson, brother-in-law Paul Nicholson, nieces, Tawyna, Ceila, nephew Mathew, and his life companion, Cathy Nickalou. Barry was accepted into Cathy’s family and developed a loving relationship with Cathy’s son Nathan “Nate” Rinne, his wife Kate Rinne, and grandchildren Graham and Elise Rinne. Barry was also proceeded in death by a series of animal companions who all played an important role in Barry’s life. Barry leaves behind his current animal companion, “ KissmeCuddley Cooper” a beautiful mini-Australian Shepard who gave Barry much comfort during the last several years. Also, a special bond with his Australian Shepard Tucker.

Barry and Cathy would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt for their amazing love and care. A special thank you to his home nurse, Rose, Dr. Joni McAtee, Dr. Steven Aussenberg, special friends Bill White and Marna Jones Colcun for their love and support. Also, Gary Woods, Stan Girt, Mike Garver for their support over the last months.  And special friend Worth Dikeman.

A celebration of Life to honor Barry will be announced at a later date.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of Humboldt, or Sequioa Humane Society.

The memory of his smile, kind nature and big heart will be in our hearts forever.    

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