OBITUARY: Wayne Hooper, 1932-2024

LoCO Staff / Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Wayne Hooper passed away peacefully in Eureka on September 17, 2024. He was 92 years old.

While serving in the U.S. Air Force, Wayne married Shirley Hooper in Everett, Washington in 1955. They moved to Eureka in 1957 and raised seven children together.

A prominent figure in local trucking business circles, Wayne operated his Hooper Trucking business for more than 50 years before retiring in 2009. Through his business, Wayne touched many lives, from customers and business partners to the young men who worked for him as mechanics and drivers. Many of Wayne’s employees went on to start businesses of their own with his support and mentorship and frequently returned to his Myrtle Avenue truck yard, known simply as “the shop,” to keep Wayne apprised of their progress or ask for guidance.

Above all, Wayne was known for his honesty, even if it could be brutal. “If you were right, he would back you,” said one longtime friend. “If you were wrong, he would tell you to your face.”

Wayne was also known as a storyteller with a dry wit punctuated by his Southern accent. Known for his ability to “spin a yarn,” Wayne spent many hours swapping stories with friends, employees and business associates standing around the wood stove at “the shop.”

While Wayne was dedicated to his family and business, he also was active socially. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #79 in Eureka for more than 50 years. He served as Master of the Lodge in 1994 and in 2008 received the Hiram Award for outstanding achievement and commitment to the Lodge. Wayne was also a member of The Shrine and president of the mini-car club of the Shriners. Later in life, he also attended weekly breakfasts with a group known as the “Romeos,” for Retired Old Men Eating Out.

Wayne was born September 15, 1932, in Tuckasegee, North Carolina to Jesse Monroe Hooper and Florence Hooper.

He is survived his brother, Frank Hooper, of Tuckasegee, North Carolina; his sister-in-law Marjorie Willey of Snohomish, Washington; his seven children: Joyce Hooper of Prineville, Oregon, Robert Hooper of Eureka, Max and Sandy Hooper of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, Douglas and Barbara Hooper of Eureka, Larry Hooper and Kuldip Singh of Sonoma, California, Kenneth and Patti Hooper of Henderson, Texas, and Kurtis Hooper of Eureka; his 14 grandchildren: Robert Griffin, Christine Hooper Parsons, Bridget Montoya, Amy Dodge, Kendra Shepherd, and Kelly, Kyle, Clint, Logan, Amanda, Eric, Colin, Alyssa and Cassidy Hooper; his 28 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann Hooper, who passed away December 10, 2004; his mother and father; his brothers Harold, Jim, Robert, Raymond and George Hooper; his sister Dorothy Long, and his grandson Cory Monroe Hooper.

Services will be held at 12 p.m. Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Sanders Funeral Home, 1835 E Street in Eureka. Burial will be at Ocean View Cemetery, 3975 Broadway in Eureka followed by a reception in the Redwood Acres Home Economics Building, 3750 Harris Street in Eureka.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Shriners Children’s Hospitals.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Wayne Hooper’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.


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OBITUARY: Mary Julia Micheli Rovai, 1929-2024

LoCO Staff / Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Mary Julia Micheli Rovai
Mom Mary Nonna

Just as she lived her life, Mary Julia Micheli Rovai gently and peacefully left us Sept. 14, 2024. Born August 16, 1929, she was the youngest of the five children of Angelo and Beppina Antongiovanni Micheli originally from Lucca, Italy. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: Orlando, Elio, Dentio and Duilio Micheli and spouses as well as her husband, Louie Rovai and - most difficult for any parent - her daughter, Paula Mary Rovai Miller, and son, Louis Rovai Jr.

Mary Micheli attended and graduated from Rio Dell Elementary (1943) and Fortuna Union High School (1947). Then, as fate would have it, Mom met her husband-to-be when she went to work at the Hiway 101 Grocery Store originally owned and operated by Dad’s parents, Domenico & Angelina Malfatti Rovai. Dad proposed to her while on a July 4th airplane ride over Humboldt County. He would later chuckle and say, “She had to say ‘yes’ or I would’ve had to jump!”. They married at St Patrick’s Catholic Church (Scotia) on November 30, 1947.

Living in the vibrant Wildwood (aka Little Italy) area of Rio Dell, they were surrounded by family and friends and the many thriving businesses, restaurants, bars, gas stations and community events active at the time. Mom supported Dad in the business endeavors he co-owned and operated with his older brother, Julio (L&J’s 101 Club and the Rio Dell Water Works) and his final employment as a letter carrier for the Rio Dell Post Office after the water company was sold to the newly incorporated city of Rio Dell. Their family grew to include four children. Linda Angela, Rita Louise, Paula Mary and Louis Rovai Jr. enjoyed a fun and loving childhood full of music, traveling, riding bikes, picnics in the Redwoods, picking blackberries, BBQs and camping with family and friends as well as those early morning Red Cross swimming lessons in the Eel River - Brrr!

Known for her good cooking - Italian style, of course! - Mom was the heart and soul of the family. With a glass of vino in hand, she could be counted on to pull together a delicious meal using fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden including some of the 100 cloves of garlic always planted shortly after the full moon. Nourishing family & friends was her way of sharing love. Nonna enjoyed teaching her grandkids how to make ravs and around the Holidays her home bustled with activity as the great grandkids got in on the action making Torta, Biscotti and Fritelle - traditional foods brought over from Italy. Mom and Dad kept busy supporting their children’s various sports, music and academic endeavors. Following their son’s many college football games and playing in Bridge Tournaments through the Eureka Bridge Club afforded many traveling opportunities. The highlight of several trips to Europe was spending time with relatives in the beautiful Tuscan countryside of Capannori, Lucca, Italy. Yes, indeed, they spent time under the Tuscan sun.

Mary had a quiet, graceful presence about herself and was athletically inclined as well. She and Dad were members of the bowling league at Mingo’s; the Redwood Empire Golf Club; the Dance Club held up on Monument Rd (their song: Perez Prado’s ‘Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White’); and participated in the Annual Firemen’s Labor Day Picnic where Mom was the reigning Rolling Pin Throwing Champ. She was still exercising at age 92 - over zoom during the Covid years - with her Senior Exercise Group. She was a founding member of the RDVFD Auxiliary and a member of several card groups including the Sequoia Club. For the past 20 years she looked forward to the weekly companionship of the Hand & Foot card group which included her longtime friends: Arminda Antongiovanni, Lenora Marks, Bette Woodson, Nancy Hayes, Melissa Marks along with Linda Marks and and her sister, Sara Simonson.

Mary is survived by her children: Linda Rovai and Godson Anthony (Kellan) Hickman and children: Gavin & Gianna; Rita (Stan) Johnson and children: Angela Johnson DeMatos and children: Lourenco & Sánta; Amy (Ven) Letter and children: Madisyn, Kobe & Matthew; Kelsey Johnson Van Dissel and son, Kees; son-in-law Kim Miller and children: Amber (Ben) Brown and Theo; Sky (Katee Jones Foxx) Miller and children: Corinne ‘Coco’ Jones and Poppy Miller Foxx. She is also survived by many Micheli, Conner, Antongiovanni, Ambrosini, Dobrec, Swanson, Morgan, Rovai and Malfatti family members as well as the lifetime friendship of the Woodson, Hayes, Ghilarducci, Francesconi, Kurtz, Miller and Hoffman families.

Family and friends are invited to attend Mary’s graveside servIces at St Bernard’s Cemetery on Saturday, September 28 at 2:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial at the Rio Dell Fire Hall. Please bring photos or memories to share.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to Hospice of Humboldt or Visiting Angels both of which provided comforting care and support for our Mom or to a charity of your choosing. Also consider honoring Mary by cooking and enjoying a nourishing meal for yourself, your family and friends-if you do, don’t forget to include that glass of vino! Mom, Mary, Nonna - your kind, sweet Spirit will be missed.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Mary Rovai’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.



OBITUARY: Betty Jean Medley, 1937-2024

LoCO Staff / Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

It is with deep sorrow and love we announce the passing of Betty Jean “Jeannie” Medley on August 28, 2024. Jeannie died peacefully in her sleep at home in the midst of family members. Her kindness, strength, and endless love shaped our lives in so many beautiful ways. Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents Jim Giles and Dess Martin, her daughter-in-law Priya Medley, her grandson Russell Taylor, and her great-grandson Silas Vickers.

Betty Jean was born in the Southern California town of Wilmar on January 26, 1937, to James Lamont Giles and Opal Odessa Dockens. She was loved and cherished by her parents, older brother Jim and younger sisters Alice and Doris.

Betty Jean and family lived in the Las Vegas area for a few years. She got to ride home in a police car when she missed the bus after kindergarten. Her older brother Jim couldn’t understand why she was so distressed after such a grand opportunity. They all soon moved back to Southern California and Betty Jean decided “Jeannie” was a better fit. In the fourth grade, Jeannie took dance lessons at her best friend’s mom’s studio. Her dad Jim used to dive off the Long Beach pier and would also take Jeannie “way out” past the waves on long swims.

When Jeannie was a young teenager, she loved going to the “Cliffie Stone Hometown Jamboree,” a Country music radio and television show broadcast from the Legion Stadium in El Monte, California.

Jeannie was a Dancer at El Monte High School and during her Senior year, in the Spring of 1954, she danced a solo, the “Tahitian Conga”, during the Student Union Benefit Show. She later wrote next to her name in the program - “boy was I scared.”

Jeannie met “Dee” on a blind date, they hit it off and began to spend lots of wonderful times together - they were often at the beach together and with their friends.

Jeannie graduated from El Monte High School in 1954, and moved to Utah to go to Brigham Young University. Jeannie experienced some feelings of “homesickness” and her High School Biology teacher, Ruth Durham, wrote her a letter including these encouraging words, “Be your sweet, unselfish Jeannie and you will make a place for yourself in the hearts of all you meet. One of your strongest characteristics is your high degree of social development. You are at home with everyone and make them happy to be with you”. Dee apparently agreed and sold his car and moved to Provo. Dee and Jeannie’s romance continued. They both relocated to Southern California after a year at BYU. Dee, ever the teaser, asked for his fraternity pin back; paused for effect- and then offered Jeannie an engagement ring and proposal for marriage. Dee, Jeannie, and both their parents all traveled to Salt Lake City and were married on September 2, 1955, in the beautiful pioneer-era Mormon Temple.

Dee and Jeannie made their home in Southern California. They lived in a small home near Dee’s parents in Temple City. Dee began a seven year school journey preparing for a career in dentistry and Jeannie made the small home a slice of heaven for the fast expanding family. Jeannie would often refer to these days of young children as some of the most rewarding of her life. Dee had what seemed like a crazy idea to take the whole family camping, “it’ll be fun,” he said. Turns out it was, and the family of 7 kids (and babysitter) all piled into the 1963 Volkswagen beetle and headed out to the desert.

Dee graduated from Dental school in 1968 and the family moved to West Covina. Jeannie loved their new residence and helped create a loving supportive home for the whole crew. Dee and Jeannie made lots of friends in their church congregation and community. Jeannie was always involved with the youth group activities her children attended. They continued to take their family camping, with the new addition of the family “dune buggy” — the converted 1963 VW that seated two adults and eight kids. The family joined an off road club and went on regular outings. If the dirt road was too steep for the well laden buggy, Jeannie and the eight kids would pile out and walk while Dee navigated the 40-horsepower rig and met them at the top.

In 1978, an opportunity came to relocate to Humboldt County. Dee and Jeannie left their beloved home and friends in Southern California and moved to Bayside, Humboldt County, California. Dee and Jeannie spent the next 46 years creating an amazing home and family environment in the beautiful redwood setting on Washington Creek. Dee built zip lines, rope swings and “Papa’s Pond.” Jeannie organized incredible family reunions, cooked and baked, decorated their home with needlepoint and other art, loved their grandchildren, and kept Dee on schedule building and making unique Christmas gifts for their grandchildren. Dee and Jeannie worked together and remodeled and customized their home. Jeannie partnered with Dee at their Arcata dental practice for many years, she was the office manager, dental assistant and made appointments. She was also Dee’s stress manager, as on Friday’s she would keep particularly difficult Monday schedules secret so Dee could enjoy the weekend!

When the kids left home Dee and Jeannie kept active together. They continued to travel to Southern Utah and off road travel through the scenic red rock canyon country. Dee and Jeannie owned a fifth wheel travel trailer for a time and made trips across the USA. They started backpacking together in the slot canyon area of Escalante, Utah. They hiked a total of over 800 miles over approximately 20 years.

Dee and Jeannie enjoyed their retirement years together. Their Bayside home was the scene of yearly July family reunions. Jeannie was the heart of the matter and made everyone feel loved and valued. She made a quilt for every new grandchild born and sent birthday cards to all generations of her family. Jeannie always knew the life situations of all her family. She was involved and interested in the details of their lives. She treated all her grandchildren as if they were her favorite.

Jeannie had to slowly give up doing the things she loved as Parkinsons and old age took their toll. Children and grandchildren continued to visit to spend time with their wonderful “Grama Jeannie”. Sooner than we liked, family members were coming to say good bye. Our family is deeply grateful to all the caregivers that provided such loving assistance to Jeannie. Thank you Hospice, Visiting Angels, and Bill R. We are grateful beyond words for what you have done.

Jeannie is survived by her husband Woodruff Dee Medley, their eight children - Ric (Mary) Medley, Cindie (Mike) Stowe, Mike (Lola) Medley, Julie (Mike) Turner, Debbie (Bill) Taylor, Cathie (Scott) Price, Rob (Carmen) Medley, John (Val) Medley, 36 grandchildren, and 59 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Jeannie on October 5, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2806 Dolbeer Street, Eureka, California. Available by Zoom on request.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jeannie Medley’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.



OBITUARY: William Robert Warf, 1955-2024

LoCO Staff / Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

William Robert Warf (Bill) met Dana, the love of his life, in 2018. They married on July 9, 2022. For six years, they shared their passion for hiking, nature and gardening on 80 wild acres. They lived in the straw-bale, solar-powered home Bill designed and built. Perched above the Pacific Ocean and nestled in trees, Bill remained on the land he loved, with Dana, until the end, as was his wish.

Bill was born in Oakland on May 4, 1955, to James Warf and Carolyn Cleland. He grew up in Ukiah and spent many days with his grandfather, McGee, who taught him to hunt, fish and round up cattle. This experience planted the seed to one day purchase his own plot of land.

Bill was a man of substance, his kindness forming the core of his character. He lived by the principle expressed in one of his favorite books, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein: “There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.” This philosophy served him well, as evidenced by his victories in solar car races in Hawaii and Denmark. Despite his competitive success, Bill remained modest, often quoting Lao Tzu: “It is because he does not contend that no one in the world can contend against him.” A voracious reader with a rare combination of attentiveness and compassion towards others, Bill embodied the balance between achievement and humility.

During high school, he occupied himself completely rebuilding a classic MG, re-engineering the windshield washer nozzles to turn 180 degrees and spritz unsuspecting passersby. Bill then attended the University of California, Davis, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

He began his career as a design engineer, working for Peterbilt in Fremont, Remco Hydraulics in Willits and Retech Systems in Ukiah. After Bill designed and built an electric car he named the “Peregrin,” Volkswagen recruited him in 1998. He moved to Wolfsburg, Germany, to oversee VW’s prototype hybrid electric cars division. Later, he returned to the United States to serve as Program Manager of Electric Transportation at Sacramento Municipal Utility District.

Bill realized his dream of purchasing a parcel of land above Ferndale and moved there. He applied his sharp intellect to master solar power technology and electrical systems with relative ease. Those who knew him were impressed by his quick wit and gentlemanly demeanor. He owned and operated Wildcat Solar in Ferndale, serving property owners throughout Humboldt County until his recent retirement.

Bill excelled at growing Black Krim tomatoes in his self-built greenhouse and generously shared jar after jar of Thai peppers. His culinary skills, nurtured since childhood, included baking exceptional blackberry and apple pies in a special wood stove tin. His fresh-baked, whole-grain bread and chocolate chip cookies were praiseworthy, while his strong pour-over coffee fueled many cozy family mornings.

Bill found satisfaction hiking his woods, chainsaw in hand, and created artful stacks of alder firewood. They warmed his home through winter’s chill, and now, like a well-tended fire, the memory of his kindness and curiosity continues to warm our hearts.

Bill is survived by his wife, Dana Murguia, and his beloved rescue dog, Loki; his son, Thomas Warf (Emma); his daughters, Inge Warf (Michael Linder-Madsen) and Rachel Warf; his stepchildren, Zachary Murguia Burton, Owen Murguia Burton, Delanie Linden and Sidney Hinton; three grandchildren, Carl (9), Liza (7) and Adele (6); his sister, Elizabeth (Al) Gress, and nephew, Theo; his two first cousins, Melissa Ballard and Melanie (Jared) Willson; his step-siblings, Holly Chapin, Cindy (Charlie) Haug and Kit (Carol) Cleland; and many beloved friends too plentiful to list by name.

Memorial service will be held October 5 at Ferndale City Hall Auditorium, 834 Main Street, Ferndale, from 2 to 4 p.m. Friends and family are invited to share their cherished memories of Bill during the service.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Bill Warf’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.



OBITUARY: Jimmy Edward Huffman Jr., 1962-2024

LoCO Staff / Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Jimmy was born on Sept. 15, 1962 at St. Joseph’s Hospital to Beverly and Jimmy Huffman. He sadly passed away on Sept. 7, 2024 in Cameron Park, Calif., with his daughters by his side.

Jimmy was born and raised in Eureka, where he met Debbie Huffman (Tomich). They married July 6, 1985 and went on to have three daughters together — Trisha, Katrina and Shiloh. He spent many years working for City Garbage here in Eureka.

If you were lucky enough to know him you know he would do anything for those he loved. Jimmy would give you the shirt off his back. He loved adventure and spending time with family and friends. Jimmy loved music and dancing, even if it was in his living room. He had the blessing of having seven grandkids that he loved and adored — Kailey, Anthony, Kira, Brooklyn, Bryson, Amiya and Addisyn.

The last few weeks of his life he was surrounded by those who he loved most — his mother, Beverly; his sister, Debbie; and brother-in-law Nick. Growing up Jimmy and Debbie had many fun times together. Debbie will always remember how her “Jimbro” would come in and kill spiders that were in her room no matter how late or tired he was. His daughters loved spending time with him in his greenhouse, picking vegetables and showing them how things grow. He would take his girls to the park to throw a football or down to the pier to go fishing. He will be remembered as the best son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather and friend.

Jimmy leaves behind his mother, sister, daughters, grandkids, nephew (Tyler), aunts and uncles and friends. He is proceeded in death by many grandparents, his father Jimmy Huffman Sr., daughter Katrina Huffman and granddaughter Amiya Huffman.

A celebration of life potluck gathering will be at the Eureka Womens’ Club at 1531 J Street Eureka on October 20 at 1 p.m. Please bring stories and/or pictures you have of him to share if you would like.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jimmy Huffman’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.



Assembly Candidate Chris Rogers Rubs Elbows With Single-Payer Advocates in Arcata This Afternoon

Dezmond Remington / Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 @ 5 p.m. / Sacramento

Photo: Dezmond Remington.

The Humboldt chapter of the Health Care for All-California organization hosted State Assembly candidate Chris Rogers today in a meeting this afternoon at the Sanctuary in Arcata. Rogers talked about his views on health care and his plans for California if elected. 

Rogers is a strong advocate for single-payer health care, which he thinks is cheaper and fairer than the current system. 

“There’s no reason, in the richest state in the richest country in the world, that people should be going broke just because they’re sick,” Rogers said. 

About 30 people showed up to the meeting, mostly retired professionals and activists. Reactions to Rogers were positive, though many were disappointed in how unlikely it seemed that a single-payer health care would ever be implemented. 

“I’d like to see universal health care before I die,” one elderly member of the audience joked. 

Rogers is from Santa Rosa, where he was on the city council and served as mayor. Rogers announced his candidacy last year. He beat five other Democratic candidates to make it on the ticket this November. 

Rogers stressed his rural background and promised that he’d push for more equitable treatment of less-populated areas. 

“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach that will work for everyone,” Rogers said at the meeting. “That doesn’t work.”

Rogers faces Republican candidate Michael Greer, a member of the board of directors of the Del Norte School District on the Nov. 5 ballot.



Weekend Stabbing Incident Prompted by Dispute Over Bicycle, Eureka Police Say; Victim Uncooperative, in Stable Condition

LoCO Staff / Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 @ 11:31 a.m. / Crime

File photo: Hank Sims.

PREVIOUSLY:

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On September 21, 2024 at approximately 10:45 a.m., Eureka Police Officers were dispatched to the foot of Del Norte Street in Eureka on a report of a stabbing. Officers arrived on scene and located the male victim who was suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital for significant injuries that required emergency surgery but is currently in stable condition.

The investigation to this point has revealed that an altercation took place between at least two individuals over a bicycle. During the altercation, the victim was stabbed multiple times with what has been described as a handheld gardening rake. The victim’s bicycle was stolen during the altercation and the suspect was last seen riding the bike south on the Hikshari trail from W. Del Norte.

The investigation has been turned over to EPD’s Criminal Investigations Unit. So far, details are limited to uninvolved witness statements as the victim has been uncooperative with investigators. However, EPD does believe that the victim knew the suspect.

This is an ongoing and active investigation and EPD is asking anyone that may have information about this assault to contact Detective Donald Bailey at 707-441-4300.