Our carefree, sassy, and loving mother passed away peacefully with her husband by her side on the afternoon of May 26.

Maryhelen Ness was born to Rita and Douglas McConaghy on August 8, 1951, in Youngstown, Ohio. When she was young, her family moved to California, and she grew up in the San Fernando Valley. She was the eighth of twelve children.

In 1975, Maryhelen had her first child, Jesse. In 1977, she met Michael Ness through mutual friends. It was love at first sight, and they married on December 16, 1978, once Michael completed his service in the Navy. They moved to Humboldt County before their daughter April was born in 1980. She then had her third child, William, in 1985.

Maryhelen had been a CNA since she was 18 years old—caring for others was her life’s passion. She held many roles, including EPT, Home Health, and working at several skilled nursing facilities. However, her dream job was working with Hospice. Sadly, a back injury forced her to retire from nursing.

Maryhelen met her best friend, Lori, through Hospice, and they enjoyed taking trips and spending time together. She was always destined to be a grandma. Her favorite color was purple, and she was lovingly known as “Purple Grandma.” Michael and Maryhelen adored spending time with their grandchildren, often hosting sleepovers that lasted two or three days—much to the kids’ delight, who always begged to stay longer.

She took great pride in her Irish heritage and dreamed of visiting Ireland. She fulfilled that dream with her daughter April and cherished every moment of the trip. She also loved traveling to Brookings with Michael, where they spent weekends sightseeing and visiting the beaches. The ocean and dolphins held a special place in her heart.

Maryhelen is survived by her husband of 46 years, Michael; her son Jesse (April); daughter April (Lyndon); and son William (Lisa). She is also survived by her grandchildren: James, Shyanna, Jamie, Myles, Ariana, Liam, and Barrett—as well as several siblings with whom she had lost contact over the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, several siblings, and her very special grandson, Alexander.

We would like to give special thanks to the amazing staff at Hospice. We wouldn’t have made it through these last few months without them—especially her nurse, Bridgette, and the aides. Also, heartfelt thanks to her private caregiver, Makhila, who went above and beyond whenever she could. Thank you to all our friends, family, and neighbors who stepped up to help during this time. We truly appreciate all of you.

In lieu of a funeral, her family will hold a private gathering this summer to honor her.

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

Eleanor Farley, 92, passed away on March 24, 2025, at Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna, CA. She was born on October 27, 1932, at her grandmother’s home in Crescent City, CA.

At just four years old, Eleanor’s family settled in Eureka when her father began his career with Arrow Mill Co.

She attended Franklin Elementary School and graduated from Eureka High School, Class of 1950.

Eleanor’s boldness led her to the love of her life when she asked Robert Farley of Ferndale to a Sadie Hawkins dance. After receiving her engagement ring for graduation, the two were married on March 4, 1951.

Ellie began her working career with Pacific Telephone Co. in Eureka, then moved on to Bank of America in Ferndale. But it was her 38-year tenure at St. Joseph Hospital that truly showcased her compassion and dedication. Even after retiring at age 71, she couldn’t stay away—volunteering with the Hospital Auxiliary for over a decade.

Bob and Ellie enjoyed many activities together: Thursday Night Music at the Ivanhoe (at the “Deserved” table), winter bus trips to Reno, dance club, and high school football games. Go Wildcats!

Yet of all her passions, books were her truest companions. An avid reader and collector, Eleanor found solace and joy in reading. Even as dementia clouded her later years, her love for words never faded—she continued reading aloud to friends at the Sequoia Springs Memory Unit.

Eleanor is survived by her son, Kenneth (Ann) Farley of Ferndale; daughter, Laura (Ben) Liu of Ferndale; and daughter-in-law, Joanne Farley of Ferndale. Grandchildren: Jenifer Farley (Will) Nalty of Geyserville; Jason Farley of Garberville; Jeremy Farley of Ferndale; Haley Farley (Brett) Boynton of Ferndale; Jamie Farley (Brandon) DeMille of Fortuna; Kyle (Ashley) Farley of San Antonio, TX; Ryan (Jessica) Farley of Klamath; Heather Liu (Rex) Rigney of Ferndale; and Carson Liu of Ferndale. Great-grandchildren: Ian Nalty of Geyserville; Kalynn Farley of Eureka; Kevin and Kara Ann Farley of Ferndale; Jordan (Ben) Kortus of Ferndale; Blaine (Bri) Becksted of Willow Creek; Kyler Becksted of San Francisco; Taylin and Caleb Boynton of Ferndale; Taryn (Cody) King of Fortuna; Emma and Landon DeMille of Fortuna; Logan and Karah Farley of San Antonio, TX; Taylor, Kadence, Alayna, and Aleeah Farley of Klamath; and Cade, Hana, and Jack Rigney of Ferndale. Great-great-grandchildren: Cooper, Jackson, Walker, and Scout Kortus of Ferndale; Crew and Canyon King of Fortuna; and Ashton Becksted of Willow Creek.

Eleanor is also survived by her sister, Marjorie McKenny of Willow Creek; sister-in-law, Maureen St. John of Tehachapi, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Ona (Wilcox) Parks; husband, Robert Farley; sons, Gary and Jeffrey Farley; sister, Helen Parks Farley; and brothers- and sisters-in-law: Irwin Farley, Francis Farley, Norman “Sonny” Farley, Helen Nicholson, Margaret “Margie” Jacobsen, and Phyllis Farley.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the exceptional caregivers at Redwood Memorial Hospital and the Sequoia Springs Memory Unit.

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

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dr. George Isenhart on March 19, 2025, at the age of 83, following complications from heart and kidney failure. He resided in Eureka, California, where he was a dedicated emergency room physician for over 40 years.

A gifted musician from a young age, George was an accomplished pianist by the time he graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1960. He went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine and proudly served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy, with assignments in Pensacola, Florida, and Okinawa, Japan, over an eight-year period.

After his military service, George and his then-wife, Judy, settled in Eureka, where they raised their five children. He later married Dawn Leek, an accomplished and talented seamstress, who preceded him in death on Mother’s Day, 2019.

George remained musically active throughout his life. He played trombone in jazz bands for decades and was a talented pianist and guitarist with a remarkable ear for music—able to play just about anything by ear.

He is lovingly remembered by his five children: Don, Matt, Andy, Denise, and Angela; and by his four stepchildren: Elizabeth, Lydia, Leah, and Brandon. George was also an active member of two local bands and will be dearly missed by his extended family of fellow musicians.

A celebration of George’s life will be held on June 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Eureka, California. There will be jazz music in honor of George’s lifelong love of music. Drinks will be available for purchase from the Moose Lodge. All are welcome to attend and share in remembering George’s remarkable life.

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

Thomas Edward Rayl passed away on May 21, 2025, due to cardiac complications.

He was born on April 30, 1959, to Charles and Alicia Rayl at Redwood Memorial Hospital, along with his twin brother, Timmy. Tom grew up in Ferndale, attending Ferndale Elementary and Ferndale High School. At the age of 14, he began milking cows for his dad and later bought his own dairy.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Rayl; his twin brother, Timmy; and his grandparents, Elevezio and Mary DeCarli, and Clifford and Ethile Rayl. He is survived by his mother, Alicia Rayl, and siblings: Vicky (Joe) Donahue, Sherri (Wayne) Shaw, Kathy Rayl, Karen (Dan) Vann, Lisa (Charlie) Danbom, Randy (Sharlene) Rayl, and Billy (Gina) Rayl; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and special friend Angie Luzzi.

Graveside services were held at St. Bernard’s Cemetery.

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

In the same easygoing way he lived his life, John Caldwell Goodrich peacefully drifted into the next world on May 17, 2025. 

Born in Iowa City, Iowa in November 1958 to George D. and Lois Goodrich. The following summer, along with his siblings, George H. Goodrich and Laura Goodrich, the family moved to Arcata, CA so his father could start a job teaching at Humboldt State College. The adventure of a lifetime! 

Packed up with all their belongings (Lois had even managed to get her washing machine into the back of the giant station wagon) they headed west. The family was looking forward to visiting Yellowstone Park to see the geysers and animals. On the morning of their departure from the park, Lois put baby John in the back seat while she loaded the food box into the back of the car. Laura remembers vividly two kids coming to the door of the cabin “Hey Lady, there’s a bear in your car!” Lois ran out and yes, there was a bear in the back of the station wagon headed for the food box. Luckily, the washing machine blocked the bears access to baby John sleeping in the back seat! From the beginning John’s mild-mannered, easy-going nature was his style. 

He was a good soul who loved his family and friends dearly. He was funny, kind, and gentle and sometimes a bit mischievous. As the youngest of the three, John took advantage of opportunities for pay back such as when his mother asked him to look after his older 13 yr. old brother. George was stuck in bed in a full body cast and John would take his sweet time to answer George’s cries for assistance. 

John attended College Elementary School at Humboldt, Stuart Middle School, and Arcata HS. He always had a great posse of friends wherever he went. His interest in woodworking and carpentry started with the ROP program at Arcata HS where he later worked with his instructor on home remodeling projects. He was artistic in his woodworking and if you are lucky, you own one of John’s hand-crafted pieces. 

As kids, John and his brother George rode dirt bikes in the hills of Sunny Brae and raced motocross. His life as a young man was a dream. He married Shelly Rosebrook in 1984, and they had three beautiful boys, Shane, Casey, and Cole. John had a home in Arcata and one in Willow Creek that he built himself. He had a thriving construction business. Many happy summer days were spent camping and in his ski boat exploring Whiskeytown Lake with lots of family and friends. 

His favorite pastimes were fishing, diving for abalone and looking for agates on the beach. John always generously shared his catch. 

John was one of the most agreeable people you could meet and always appreciative of others and things they did for him. He was loyal through and through, always ready to help a friend. John will be greatly missed by his soulmate Diana, his family and his many friends past and present.

Rest in peace, dear sweet brother and devoted dad.

A Celebration of Life to take place later this summer will be announced. Watch Facebook for details. 

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PREVIOUSLY: Avelo Airlines to Launch ICE-Led Deportation Flights Out of Arizona (But Not California, the Company Says)

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Local activists will gather at the Arcata Plaza on Saturday for the Nationwide Anti-Avelo Day of Action, joining protestors in more than two dozen cities in opposing the airline’s involvement in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation flights. 

The nationwide protest, coordinated by the Coalition to Stop Avelo, comes just two weeks after the budget airline began deporting migrants out of its new hub at the Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona. The Anti-Avelo Day of Action is the latest in a series of protests calling the flights “illegal, inhumane and unconstitutional.”

“The company’s multimillion-dollar contract to operate deportation flights for ICE is both deeply troubling and a clear violation of the ‘good faith’ clause in Avelo’s contracts to operate in cities across the country,” the Coalition to Stop Avelo states on its website. “Avelo’s leadership, especially its CEO and Chairman, Andrew Levy, must take immediate steps to realign corporate policy with the rule of law and ethical business practices.”

An online petition to boycott the airline has garnered nearly 39,000 signatures.

The local protest, led by Humboldt Democracy Connections, will begin at Crabs’ Stadium at F and Ninth Streets in Arcata at 11:30 a.m. and proceed to the Arcata Plaza. More information can be found here.

Firor. | Photo via the City of Blue Lake.

Blue Lake’s ongoing political drama just experienced another plot twist as City Councilmember Christopher G. Firor has resigned from office, effective immediately.

Firor, who was appointed by the council last October to fill the seat that had been vacated by Elizabeth McKay, did not cite a reason for his abrupt departure in the emailed notice he submitted at 6:28 on Tuesday evening, roughly two minutes before a council meeting was set to begin. (The email wasn’t stamped as “received” until the following day.)

“This decision was not made lightly, but after careful consideration, I believe it is the right time for me to step down,” his emailed resignation says.

Firor had missed several council meetings in a row. In his application to serve on the Blue Lake City Council, he said he looked forward to “working with the council in a coordinated and collaborative manner with a high degree of respect, trust an openness.”

He’d been living in Blue Lake for just nine months when the council selected him over other applicants, including John Sawatzky, who would go on to win election to an open seat a month later. A community health worker employed by the the Providence-owned Blue Lake Community Resource Center, Firor told the council during the special meeting in October that he’d tried to move to the city earlier, “but it’s hard to get here.”

Facing questions from the council, Firor said he saw a need to build consensus and bridge divides.

“Of course, I want Blue Lake to grow,” he added. “We need it in every which way — more population, more businesses, more tax revenue.” 

The recent political divide in Blue Lake has largely centered on how best to plan for such growth. For years now the city has been out of compliance with state housing law. 

The remaining four members of the Blue Lake City Council will now be tasked with appointing a replacement for Firor. An email to City Attorney Ryan Plotz requesting details on this process and its timeline was not immediately returned. 

[UPDATE, 3:45 p.m.: Plotz replied via email, saying the council has 60 days from the resignation to either make an appointment to fill the vacant seat or call a special election.  “We will call a special meeting to review the process with Council and seek direction on how the Council would like to proceed,” he explained.]

Three of the four remaining councilmembers in Blue Lake are facing voter-initiated recall campaigns.

Here is the text of Firor’s letter of resignation:

Subject: Resignation from City Council

City of Blue Lake,

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position as City Councilor for Blue Lake, effective immediately. This decision was not made lightly, but after careful consideration, I believe it is the right time for me to step down.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Blue Lake. I am proud of the work I have accomplished and I remain deeply committed to the betterment of our community. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside dedicated city staff and engaged citizens. I will always cherish these relationships built during my time on the council.

In conclusion, I look forward to continuing my overarching goal of being a positive and contributory force for this beautiful community, this “Center of the Universe,” my Blue Lake Heaven.

Sincerely,

Christopher G. Firor  

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DOCUMENT: Firor Letter of Resignation

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