OBITUARY: Donald James Smith, 1952-2024

LoCO Staff / Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Donald James Smith, born on January 22, 1952, in Healdsburg, passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Don, or DeDon as he was often called, was known for his unique dry sense of humor and his love of practical jokes. He enjoyed fishing the rivers, camping, and was a devoted Dodgers fan as well as a Giants fan after his son began his career in San Francisco. An animal lover, Don always had a dog by his side, including his Irish Setter, Prince, and his beloved little Gigi, who was with him until the very end.

After retiring from the Louisiana Pacific Pulp Mill, Don found great joy in caring for his grandkids, nieces, and nephews. He was a truly dedicated father to Joshua and Remie. He could often be found tinkering in his garage or hanging out in his man cave. Don had a passion for unique vehicles, whether it was an Austin Healey, a Ranchero, a Bobcat, or a Volkswagen van. He also supported his wife, Lorraine, with their horses, helping at horse camp, towing trailers, mucking stalls, and feeding the animals.

Don’s love for motorcycles, especially Harley-Davidsons, led him to become a member of the Cruising Clowns Motorcycle Club, where his playful personality fit right in. He also enjoyed spending time at the casinos.

When Don was a senior at Arcata High School, he met the love of his life, best friend, and soul mate, Lorraine. They were introduced by a mutual family friend on Chester Street in Arcata, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. Together, they raised Joshua and Remie, always quiet but always there for those in need. Don’s love for Lorraine was unparalleled, and he cared deeply for her until the very end. Even in his final days, Don’s main concern was ensuring that Lorraine would be taken care of. On June 14, while in the hospital, they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary.

Don is survived by his wife, Lorraine; son, Joshua (wife, Carly); daughter, Remie (husband, Jonah); and grandchildren, Sawyer, James, and Rosemary. He is also survived by his mother, Mary Jane; brother, John; nephews Nathan and Adam; all his Zerlang family; and his good friend, Jim. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim, who was honored by having Jim Smith Lane named after him, as well as his sister, Connie, who passed away at a young age, and his grandmother, Nonnie, whom Don helped care for in Cloverdale.

Don took great pride in his work at the mill and in driving down Jim Smith Lane, dedicated in memory of his father. He attended all family gatherings, where it was important to him that hamburgers were served — no onions, no tomatoes, and ketchup only.

The family invites everyone to a “Farewell Don” party at the Zerlang family cabin, 1369 Fay St., Samoa, on Sunday, September 1st, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hamburgers will be served — no onions, no tomatoes and ketchup only.

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


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OBITUARY: Mark Edward Hudson, 1964-2024

LoCO Staff / Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Mark Edward Hudson
January 21, 1964 - August 11, 2024

With great sadness, we announce Mark’s passing on August 11, 2024, at the age of 60 from a heart attack. Mark was born on January 21, 1964, to Charles and Linda Hudson in San Francisco, and moved to Fortuna with his family at the age of two,

Mark was tall, dark, and handsome with the most beautiful blue eyes. He attended Fortuna Elementary schools and graduated from Fortuna Union High School in 1982. He was a standout athlete in both basketball and baseball. He was one hell of a pitcher!

Mark was employed by Johnny’s Cookhouse and Crown Redwood in high school and then worked for 21 years at Eel River Sawmills, Inc.

Mark met his high school sweetheart, Wendy, in April 1982, and he finally married that girl in 1988. He leaves behind three beautiful children who were his world. Kyle Joseph was born in 1989, Ryan Matthew in 1991, and his beautiful daughter MacKenzie Marie in 1997. He was the best hands-on dad ever. Mark loved his family so much and cherished being called “Pop Pop” by his grandchildren. He truly was the best!

Mark loved coaching all the kids in their sports and never missed a game. He was everyone’s dad, uncle, son, brother and the best friend you could ever ask for. He was a lifelong Raiders fan, loved a good BBQ, enjoyed playing cornhole, bingo, and his vacations to Mexico were medicine for his soul. Nothing made him happier than watching the grandkids run around the yard. Family time was truly the most important thing to him.

Mark is survived by his mom and stepfather, Linda and Kent Wrede of Fortuna; his siblings Matt and his wife Merle Hudson and their family of Hydesville; Bonnie Hudson and her sons Jake and Tyler Hines and their families of Fortuna; and his twin half-sisters Sandee and Shawnee.

Mark leaves behind his wife Wendy of 36 years; his children Kyle and Danielle Hudson of Fortuna, Ryan and Chelsea Hudson of Carlotta, and Kenzie Hudson and Chad Watson of Fortuna; and his beloved dog Sydney Marie. His handsome grandsons Maddox Nolan, Jace Ryan, and Jax Kyle of Fortuna, and his beautiful granddaughters Sawyer Grace, Avery Hope, and Logan Lynn of Carlotta, will forever cherish his memory. He also leaves behind his cousins Laurie, Greg, and Judy and their families. Additionally, he is survived by all of Wendy’s family, of which there are many, and he was the best uncle to all of his nieces and nephews. We would also like to include the many friends that became family throughout his life and a very special person in Mark’s life, Robin.

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father Charles Hudson, his baby granddaughter Maverick Hudson, his favorite bingo buddy, his mother-in-law Shirley Wyatt, his sister-in-law Shirley Stevens, and many more relatives and close friends who passed before him.

We are eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and support shown to our family during this most difficult time.

We will honor Mark with a celebration of life on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Fortuna Veterans Memorial Building.

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



OBITUARY: Bradley Reginald Johnson, 1954-2024

LoCO Staff / Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Bradley Reginald Johnson, age 70, of Eureka, died suddenly on July 29, 2024. He was the husband of Dorothy Weber-Johnson. Brad was born in San Raphael on January 24, 1954 to Edward (deceased) and Reginette Johnson (age 98) of Arizona.

Brad and Dorothy were members of Eureka First United Methodist Church in Eureka. He was in the Army and later retired from driving big rig trucks, for 40 years.

Brad loved helping people everywhere he went, whether it be a person in need financially (like over-tipping), buying someone a meal, baby needs or merely complimenting someone on something. I always heard people say his smile lit up the room. Brad loved helping his best friend Paul work on the property Paul was caregiver to, taking down trees, cutting them up for firewood, clearing the property and playing with the dogs.

Brad loved flying his remote helicopters and airplanes, or watching movies about aviation or large ships. Brad even lived on his own yacht for awhile and was a member of a Oregon yacht club.

Brad’s life had a number of low spots in the beginning of his life but during his last five years he was very happy in Eureka with his new wife Dorothy and her family. Everyone accepted Brad as one of their own. Brad also loved being a big part of helping at our church. He is sorely missed by many.

Brad has two children — Jamie and Ryan Johnson and granddaughter Faith Yeamans — who reside in Milwaukie, Oregon. Brad has two stepchildren — C.J. Marino of Blue Lake and Sheri Marino — and two step-grandchildren, Acacia and River Harvey, all of McKinleyville. Brad is survived by his brothers, Barry and Donna Johnson of New Mexico and brother Bryan and Doris of Arizona.

There is a memorial service scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Eureka First United Methodist Church at F and Del Norte Sts in Eureka, Ca 95501. All family, church family and friends are welcome to attend. There will be a reception at the church after the memorial.

Donations are appreciated and should be sent to this link. (This hospital saved both Jamie and Faith’s lives.) Flowers are accepted at the above church office. Thank you to everyone who is helping put all this together.

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



TOO WET! This Week’s Eureka Friday Night Market Called Off ‘Cuz Rain

Andrew Goff / Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 @ 3:44 p.m. / How ‘Bout That Weather

Summer schmummer

Rain is nice, but it does not make for good Eureka Friday Night Market conditions. After casting eyes skyward, the event’s organizers have tapped out to mother nature. Catch them next week, they say! 

If you had your mind set on community, perhaps peruse your Friday Lowdown for alternative joys. 

Full release from Eureka Friday Night Market organizers below:

Tonight’s (8/23) Market has been postponed☔️⚡️

You do not want to miss next week’s market (8/30), as we are packing in a ton of extra fun things to make up for missing this week - mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more details on what is looking to be our largest Night Market yet!

Safety and the promise of a good time are our absolutely top priorities, and after consulting with community partners and after monitoring some potential wild weather this evening (which includes forecasted heavy rain and potentially lighting).

We love you Humboldt - stay dry and safe tonight 💕



Masked Man Robs McKinleyville 76 Station By Claiming to Be Armed, Sheriff’s Office Says

LoCO Staff / Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 @ 3:04 p.m. / Crime

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Aug. 22, 2024 at about 8 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 76 Gas Station on Central Ave. in McKinleyville for the report of a robbery.

A gas station employee reported to the responding deputies that the suspect entered the business and demanded cash from the register.

The suspect told the employee that he was armed, however no weapons were seen. The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash prior to the employee calling for help. Deputies searched the surrounding area for the suspect, and they were unable to locate him.  

The suspect is described as a 6’2” white male adult, last seen wearing a dark gray hoodie, green camo shirt, brown or black leather boots, and a dark blue mask.

This case is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.



Eureka Massage Parlor Owner Arrested on Sexual Assault Charges

LoCO Staff / Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 @ 2:42 p.m. / News

Eureka Police Department press release:

On August 18, 2024, the Eureka Police Department commenced an investigation into a report of sexual battery that occurred at a massage parlor in the 300 block of F Street in Eureka. During the investigation it was learned that the owner of the business, Jianzhao Dong, 58 years old from Eureka, was performing a massage on the victim when he sexually assaulted them.

On August 22, 2024, the Investigating Officer obtained a Ramey warrant for Dong’s arrest. On August 23, 2024 at approximately 1230 hours, Dong was arrested without incident at his business. Dong was transported and booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for violations of PC 289 (a)(1)(a), Penetration with a foreign object and PC 243.4(a) – Sexual Battery.

At the time of his arrest, Dong was served a notice from EPD Chief of Police advising him that his permits to operate the business were going to be revoked, as well as all Certificates of Registrations held by Dong or any of his employees. The Certificates of Registrations must be surrendered to the Police Chief within five days of this notice.

This is an ongoing and active investigation and EPD is asking anyone that may have information about this business or similar illegal activities at local massage parlors to contact them at 707-441-4300.




Wanted Felony Suspect Located in Downtown Loleta With Meth, Firearm Yesterday Morning, Sheriff’s Office Says

LoCO Staff / Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 @ 1:06 p.m. / Crime

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Aug. 22, 2024 at about 1 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were on routine patrol in Loleta when they located a suspicious vehicle parked in the 600 block of Main Street. The deputy subsequently contacted a male subject inside the car.

The subject was identified as Jackson Parrott, age 44 of Scotia, Calif. Parrot had an outstanding felony arrest warrant for violating the terms of Post Release Community Supervision (PC 3455). The deputies took him into custody without incident. Upon searching the suspect, a firearm, ammunition, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and were located.

Along with an outstanding felony warrant, Parrott was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges:

  • Felon in possession of a firearm (PC 209800(a)(1))
  • Felon in possession of ammunition (PC 30305(a)(1))
  • Carrying a loaded firearm (PC 25850(c)(6))
  • Possession of methamphetamine (H&S 11377(a))
  • Violation of probation (PC 1203.2)

This case is still under investigation. Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.