Doug Durham, 94, of Eureka, passed away on April 11, 2024. Doug was born on July 7, 1929, in Reed City, Michigan. Doug — a loving husband, humble man, Navy veteran, community leader and gentleman — will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Navy Korean War veteran, Doug served in the United States Navy from December 1948 until December 1951.

Doug was assigned to the USS Endicott DMS 35, a minesweeper based in San Diego, when the Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950; the Endicott was the first ship to leave the states from San Diego, California, leaving on June 30 for Korea. Upon arriving in Korea, the Endicott was stationed off the Korean Peninsula in the Pusan perimeter in early August 1950 and provided live fire support for the Army’s 24th division field artillery. The USS Endicott fired its 5” guns day and night. When the ammunition ran out, the Endicott made the round-trip ritual to Sasebo to pick up more ammunition and then returned to offer support fire. Not yet done in Korea, Doug and the USS Endicott headed north to conduct minesweeping duties for the invasion of Wonsan. Doug was lucky as two other minesweepers, the USS Pledge and the USS Pirate, both were sunk, with several lives lost. Doug had just visited the Pledge an hour before the sinking to repair a faulty radar. There was still one last mission for Doug and the USS Endicott in Korea as they headed further up the Korean coast to sweep mines in Hungnam Harbor, the most heavily mined area in the world, and assist in the evacuation of 105,000 servicemen, primarily United States Marines of the 1st Marine division who had been fighting one of the fiercest battles of the Korean was at the Chosin reservoir. The evacuation was called the Christmas miracle.

Doug was honored as a Humboldt Hero for his service to his country and was also selected to go on an Honor Flight back to Washington, DC, to see the memorials that were built to honor those who served. You could easily recognize Doug with a Korean Veteran ball cap placed in the proper military position on his head,

During his illustrious career at Lockheed, which spanned over 30 years, Doug played a pivotal role in the development of a groundbreaking missile detection system. His contributions to the field were not just significant but truly invaluable, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

His dedication to his country as a patriot was evident in both his military service and his civilian life.

Doug’s passion for volunteering was unmatched. He dedicated his time to various organizations, including the Senior Resource Center, A1 Center on Aging and the Ingomar Board, as well as the Historical Committee. He also provided caregiver training for family members with Alzheimer’s, showcasing his selflessness and compassion.

When not at work or volunteering, Doug found solace in embracing nature, indulging in his passions for fishing and hunting. The beauty of roses and redwoods never failed to captivate him. Doug loved spending time with friends, and he had many. His wit and humor were like a ray of sunshine, brightening the lives of those around him and leaving an unforgettable imprint on their hearts.

Doug is survived by his sister, Judy Bonds, and preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Virginia Durham; father, Jules Durham; mother, Harriette Durham, stepmother Eleanor Durham; and sister, Georgia Woodall.

In lieu of flowers, you can contribute to the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, a cause dear to Doug’s heart.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, a humble man, a community leader, a witty individual, a Navy Korean War veteran, a patriot, a dedicated volunteer, and a good friend to all he knew.

The celebration of life will be held at the Eureka Elks Lodge on June 22 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Rest in peace, Doug Durham. Your legacy will continue to inspire and uplift others.

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

Terri Norlene Cain (aka Hillemeier)
Feb. 1, 1960 - April 13, 2023

Terri was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Stockton on February 1, 1960. About two years later, the family moved to Modesto, where Terri was raised alongside her four younger siblings — three brothers and one sister. After graduating a year early from Davis High School in Modesto, Terri worked as a wildland firefighter in the Santa Cruz area. She soon relocated, while working for the CCC, to Northern California, where she spent most of the remainder of her life.

Terri had her first son in 1983 followed by another son in 1986 and finally a daughter in 1988. The family lived in the Willow Creek area for many years. Many good, long summer days were spent on the Trinity River. Terri loved to camp and explore the mountains, rivers, and lakes of Northern California. The family relocated in 1995 to the coast. Like the mountains, Terri loved the coast, the ocean, and all it had to offer. She was a true nature-lover.

Terri was a free spirit, who lived life on her terms. She loved her family and friends unconditionally. Terri had a heart of gold and was always looking out for those in need. She never had much but she never hesitated to share what she had with those around her.

Terri passed away after a long illness on April 13, 2024, at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka.

Terri was preceded in death by her father, Tony Valdez. Terri is survived by her three children, Josh, Daniel, and Shawnee Hillemeier; mother, Joan Valdez; sister, Kristi Bailey; brother, Mike Cain; brother, Greg Valdez; brother, David Valdez; aunt, Mickey Anderson; four grandchildren, Arianna Hand, Julian Hand, Andrew Hillemeier, and Travis Hillemeier; longtime close friend Semiramis Toops; and many other longtime friends in Willow Creek and on the Coast.

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

Steven Warren Youkey of Fortuna passed away at the age of 75 on Friday, April 19, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Steve was born in Scotia to A.W. and Aline Youkey on September 21, 1948. He attended Rio Dell Grammar School and Fortuna High School where he met his high school sweetheart, Carol Addington. He graduated Fortuna High School in 1966.

Steve started working for Pacific Lumber Company at the age of 17 delivering mail. He then transferred to the print shop where he worked for 48 years and became a well-known pressman throughout the county and was recognized nationally by the 3M Company for outstanding pressman achievements. Steve created an atmosphere within the Scotia print shop that became a place that people associated with him and his love for the community. He later became owner of the print shop and retired at the age of 66.

Steve married the love of his life, Carol on May 10, 1969 at the First Baptist Church in Campton Heights. Their love and dedicated to each other was an inspiration. Steve and Carol built a beautiful life together. They welcomed their son, Brian Warren in September 1971 and daughter Heather Lynn in June 1974. Steve loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events as spending time with his family was his number one priority.

Steve was an active member of his community belonging to the Rio Dell and Scotia Volunteer Fire Department and coached his children in youth baseball.

He belonged to the Redwood Empire Golf Club where he enjoyed golfing and playing cards with his friends. He also enjoyed his 1967 Chevelle 396 SS that he bought brand new at the age of 18. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his friends and family and going on donut runs with his grandchildren. Steve will be known for being an avid dog lover and enjoyed daily walks with his dog, Abbey.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents A.W. and Aline Youkey, childhood friend Rodney Johnson and many other dear friends.

Steve is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol Youkey, Son, Brian Youkey and Daughter-in-Law, Keri, grandchildren, Brayden, Haylee and Madison, Daughter, Heather and Son-in-Law Ryan Davy, granddaughters Payton and Taylor, sister Frances Henry and her husband William Henry Jr., along with countless friends and family.

Steve lived life to the fullest. He always greeted people with a smile and brought laughter to everyone he met.

Steve’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 26 at 4 p.m. at the Fortuna Veterans Memorial building. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to Hospice.

The family of Steve wishes to acknowledge Dr. Stephanie Dittmer and staff, Visiting Angels and Hospice and the community who surrounded his family with love and support.

Steve radiated Jesus through his actions and is now at peace in heaven. Psalm 23:6.

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

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Colorful protest signs, dome tents and graffiti had proliferated across the Cal Poly Humboldt campus on Wednesday, the second full day of an ongoing student demonstration in support of Palestine. Hand-painted signs and chalk slogans on concrete called for a free Palestine, an immediate ceasefire and an end to the Israeli occupation of Gaza, among other messages.

The campus will remain closed through the weekend as an untold number of students continue to occupy Siemens Hall, which was the site of a violent confrontation with police Monday evening. Three protesters were arrested.

The entrances to the building have since been barricaded with picnic tables, garbage dumpsters, metal desks, wooden benches and more.

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Outside the main door this morning, a few masked protesters stood behind portable tables that had been stocked with coffee, snacks, paper plates and cutlery. Loaves of bread sat next to a rice cooker and some large pots and pans had been stacked next to a propane cookstove. Underneath one of the tables, a supply of bottled water was placed alongside a bullhorn and a coiled extension cord. 

Reporters were not being allowed inside the building, but outside on the university quad, several dozen students had gathered to speak with each other and make new protest signs ahead of a scheduled “teach in” from the faculty association scheduled for noon.

Student protesters who’d assembled at a side entrance to Siemens Hall sat in a circle of camp chairs. One had an orange dog on his lap. 

“I’ve had him since I was seven,” the young man said. None present wanted to speak about the protest in any official capacity but several of them stressed that their demonstration was completely non-violent and peaceful until law enforcement arrived, and it has been peaceful since the cops left. 

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Another student protester, who wore a face mask and asked to remain anonymous, told the Outpost that while this protest has no official organization and no firmly established terms, students’ determination is unwavering.

“We’re seeing a genocide happen in real time,” she said. “And I feel like —  we, as a community, feel like — we have to do what we can to try to stand up … and stop it. History is watching and our actions since October 7 will be remembered.” 

What’s their goal?

“We do have a general list of five demands that are agreed upon,” the protester said. Those demands, as she explained them, are as follows:

1. “First, the divestment of anything profiting off of or associated with Israel, including weapons manufacturers, exploitation of the West Bank as well as any firms that invest in those activities.”
2. “Boycott all Israeli academic institutions.” Asked how Cal Poly Humboldt is currently involved in such institutions, the student referenced a study-abroad program that includes the University of Haifa in Israel.
3. “We want the university to publicly call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
4. “We want the University to promise that there will be no charges, either criminal charges or disciplinary action … taken against any protesters.”
5. “We want the university to either amend or remove the time, manner or place clause [of its free expression policy] which allows them to call the police on students for organizing in ways that they deem inappropriate.”

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Back down on the quad, a woman with a bullhorn addressed the gathered crowd. 

“I just want to thank you for joining us on this historic event,” she said before acknowledging that all present were standing on the stolen land of the Wiyot people.

“And Palestinians are fighting for their right to exist on their land. This is all indigenous land, and our struggles are connected,” she said.

She then called for a round of applause for the brave people occupying the building across the quad.

“There are important lessons going on here in Siemens Hall, and we are here to learn,” she announced. “We also thought that the fact that the buildings were closed could be an opportunity for us to build the university we would like to see.”

She launched a call-and-response chant: “Whose university?”

”Our university,” the crowd replied in unison.

Later that afternoon, a DJ on student radio station KRFH put out a call for items that the barricaded protesters had requested, including milk of magnesia, tourniquets, paper cups and bowls and more sidewalk chalk.

Press release from the Arcata Fire District:

On Wednesday, April 24 at 12:46 P.M., the Arcata Fire District was alerted to a multi-family structure fire on the 4000 block of Valley East Blvd.

The first of Arcata Fire’s engines arrived on scene to find a two-story apartment building with smoke alarms sounding and smoke coming out of the window of the bottom-right apartment.

Firefighters made entrance to the apartment building and began searching for any occupants. No occupants were inside the apartment, and the source of the fire was contained to one bedroom. The fire was then promptly extinguished.

After investigation, the fire was determined to be accidental in nature. Due to the loss of property and belongings, the occupants were given a SAVE card. SAVE is a program of the California Fire Foundation that provides immediate, short term relief to victims of fire or other natural disaster.

This is a perfect example of smoke alarms activating and functioning properly. The neighbors heard the alarms sounding, smelled the smoke and called 911.

Arcata Fire would like to urge residents to check that their smoke alarms are functioning properly by testing them on a monthly basis – just press that ‘test’ button.

Arcata Fire District would like to thank Blue Lake Fire District, Humboldt Bay Fire and CalFire for responding, and Samoa Peninsula Fire District for covering AFD’s stations during the call.

Press release from the Rio Dell Police Department:

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at approximately 12:54 am, officers from the Rio Dell Police Department were dispatched to the area of Pacific Avenue and Monument Road for a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located two victims with injuries consistent with a stabbing. Both victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Based on the subsequent investigation, Benjamin Mitchell Sanchez Jr. was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked for PC 245(a)1) Assault with a Deadly Weapon and VC 23152(a) Driving While Under the Influence. His bail has been set at $35,000.

This investigation is continuing. If you have any information regarding this incident please call the Rio Dell Police Department at 707-764-5642. The Rio Dell Police Department would like to thank the Fortuna Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and the Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department for their assistance in this matter.

Press release from Cal Poly Humboldt:

Protestors continue to occupy Siemens Hall, plus another building at Cal Poly Humboldt. Campus will now be closed through the weekend, and work and instruction continue to be remote. The University is making various contingency plans, including possibly keeping campus closed beyond that. The safety, health, and wellbeing of our students is paramount as the situation has become increasingly complex. There are unidentified non-students with unknown intentions, in Siemens Hall. This creates an unpredictable environment. In addition, all entrances to the building are barricaded, creating a fire hazard. Adding to health and safety concerns, many toilets are no longer working.

The occupation of Siemens Hall causes complex operational challenges that require the closure of other facilities on campus. In particular, there is a risk of other buildings being occupied, as protestors have shown a willingness to enter unlocked buildings and either lock themselves in or steal equipment. The occupation is also having a negative impact on other students, who are trying to complete classes at the end of the semester. Campus officials are communicating with protestors and continuing to encourage them to leave as soon as possible.

As protestors have been told, the continued occupation of the building is causing the ongoing closure of other campus facilities. Upcoming activities and events are being canceled, while other important events such as IdeaFest are in question.

In recent days, hateful graffiti has been painted on university property. The University condemns in the strongest terms all forms of hatred, bigotry, and violence. Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, hatred, and bigotry in all forms have no place at Cal Poly Humboldt. The University is actively offering support to all students and has been in touch with local Jewish community leaders.

The University supports free speech through open dialogue that is respectful and constructive. That does not include behavior that involves destroying and damaging property, and disrupting students, faculty, and staff from learning, teaching, and working. Everyone deserves to be in an environment where everyone can feel safe, included, and respected.

Numerous laws have been broken, including resisting arrest, destroying and damaging property, criminal trespass, and more.

Multiple local, state, and federal agencies are providing additional resources and support.

For additional updates check humboldt.edu.