OBITUARY: Theodore ‘Tad’ Robinson, 1957-2023

LoCO Staff / Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

It is with heavy hearts that we mark the passing of our friend and family member, Tad. Tad was a well-known and easily recognizable resident of Eureka and Arcata, who in years past could be seen flying down Broadway Street on a longboard, being pulled by his dog who wore a harness ringing with sleigh bells. In more recent years, he was well known and loved in his role as keeper of the plantings he created to beautify the area around the Arcata Creamery.

Tad was born in Lubbock, Texas, on October 8, 1957. He graduated in 1975 from Moon Valley High School in Phoenix, Arizona. He later joined the Army and was stationed in Germany. He worked several jobs in his early adulthood, but his favorite job was raising his daughter, Courtnie. He spoke often and with great fondness of the time he spent parenting.

In later years, Tad traveled the country. He had tales of learning to hike farther and farther into the desert alone, and of the connection he felt there with Spirit. After many roads, Tad arrived in Humboldt County to get involved in local activism. He is remembered for the love that he brought when he advocated for the forests, Vets for Peace, Food Not Bombs, and for the rights and dignity of all people. He brought a spirit of joy to the struggle against oppression. Tad was especially vocal in his defense of those without money or means, leading with compassion and working both inside and outside the legal system for justice.

Tad was a prolific reader and an insightful writer, sharing his thoughts in a local zine, The Plazoid, and online on the Plazoid blog. In conversation, Tad could display his vast array of knowledge across a wide variety of subjects, always seen through the lens of unconditional love and compassion.

Tad was known for attending Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meetings, and giving public comment on agenda items. Once, when speaking against the county’s involvement with a juvenile work camp, he was dragged from the meeting by police, receiving injuries. When charged with resisting arrest, he fought the charges by taking the case to trial and representing himself. He received a guilty verdict, and during a month in jail, Tad maintained a hunger strike that had a groundswell of popular support. Never one to back down when in the right, after being released from jail he appealed his case and won.

Tad spent well over a decade as groundskeeper of the Arcata Creamery property. While there, he created and maintained colorful plantings using plants, soil, and containers that had been discarded by others. He was a person who could look at cast-off items and see their beauty and usefulness. Always ready to lend a hand with any sort of project, he exemplified the ability to see a need and to work to fill it.

Tad was a deeply kind man, yet did not suffer fools gladly. He was vocal about what he perceived as the shortcomings of government, organized religion, capitalism, and the status quo. He didn’t set out to offend, but wasn’t afraid to do so. His great intelligence was balanced by a great capacity for love. We will miss his kindness, his wit, and his advice. He was a moral compass for those around him. He will be remembered as someone with a deep connection to Spirit, and with a strong belief that people need to work together, in love, for the benefit of the planet, humankind, and all beings.

Tad is predeceased by his beloved dogs, Grizz and Giles. He is survived by his daughter, Courtnie, and his grandchildren Erol, Laurelia, and Sher, of Texas; by his dog, Dude; and by a large number of friends.

A celebration of Tad’s life will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, beginning at 2 p.m., at the Creamery in Arcata. Donations will be accepted to defray final expenses. We invite all who loved him to come and bring items for the memorial table, snacks to share, and memories of Tad.

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


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OBITUARY: Jack Mason, 1934-2023

LoCO Staff / Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

On June 9, 2023, Jack Mason, 88 of Arcata, passed away at home with his beloved fur friend, Jeb at his side. Our family will forever miss his big grin, funny jokes, teasing and words of wisdom. He will be missed dearly by not only his family but his many friends. Jack was born on November 26, 1934 to Warren Mason and Bertha McClain Mason who named him John Warren Mason but never called him anything but Jack from that day on. Jack grew up in Fieldbrook and attended Fieldbrook School and then Arcata High School (Class of ‘52).

At a picnic at Ivan and Elizabeth Wymore’s ranch, he met Helen Wymore and they became great friends. The friendship would blossom into much more and the two would marry on September 14, 1952, right after high school graduation. They would live in Fieldbrook in the house Jack grew up in for the first few years. In August 1953 their family would grow with the birth of Donna, then Diane followed in 1955, Jackie in 1956 and John in 1960.

Jack began his career with Mason Logging working with his dad and brothers logging near Redwood Creek, later he would work for the Weyhauser Mill in Arcata. He told great stories about his experiences at both jobs, the cast of characters he met there giving him stories for years to come.

In 1963 he and Helen bought a small dairy on the Arcata Bottoms (yes, The Bottoms, he was definitely sure of that!). Mason dairy started with a herd of 24 cows and 10 yearlings. In those early years he continued to work nights at the mill while Helen milked the cows at night. Eventually the dairy would expand its herd size and production so he could retire from the mill. Jack worked 365 days a year for many years. Every activity outside of the ranch revolved around milking time. He loved the dairy, especially the summers when there would be lots of activity with hay hauling and getting the animals ready for local fairs. He loved to tease and joke with the guys hired to help with hauling the hay. Once his son, John, became a partner with him he was able to turn some of the daily chores over to him, Jack enjoyed stepping back and helping when needed. He loved to sit at his barn and visit with neighbors as they drove by, always sharing what he learned from one with the next to pass by. Another favorite pastime was coffee with his buddies at V & N Burger Bar. Linda would open the Burger Bar early just for the group of coffee drinkers for many years and when she tired of it her husband, Jim Roseman opened it for them. Later the group would end up at The Pantry, where Jack loved to tease and joke with Tephi, his favorite waitress. When The Pantry in Arcata closed and the staff moved to the Pantry in Eureka he was lost and sad not to hang out with the group. Fortunately, for him his friend, Harry, started swinging by the ranch and picking him up several times a week and driving him to Eureka.

One of his favorite hobbies was growing and tending to a beautiful vegetable garden each year. He loved to take the grandchildren and later his great-grandchildren into the garden to eat fresh peas. With the birth of his first grandson, Brian, in 1976, Jack would become “Popo” to the next generation. All of his family and friends loved to eat the wonderful vegetables he grew. Although he liked to cook and was a very good cook after Helen passed in 2017 he didn’t cook as much. Lucky for him his friend, Scully, would deliver many delicious meals and baked goods each week for the past five years.

His daughters, Jackie and Donna also visited almost daily to drop off something for dinner, a batch of his favorite cookies or pet food. His daughter Diane would come to help with the housework and a visit to hear the latest happenings around the ranch. Along with Jeb, his beloved dog, Popo cared for many stray barn kitties, chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, pigs, and even a flock of geese over the years. They always had a clever name, and an even more clever nick-name. His natural sense of humanity and goodness was evident with the way he cared for all life-forms.

Jack didn’t like to leave the ranch much, but he would accompany Helen on trips to visit relatives or bus trips to Reno. He was not a gambler but Helen was and he would take her winnings and hide them so she couldn’t put them back into the machine. One of their last adventures together was to visit his grandson Justin and his wife Ashley at their home in Missouri. After her death, his travels remained local, but the outings always seemed like a big to-do. He would have dinner in Fortuna with Donna, Krissy, Brian and their families or Thanksgiving at Emily’s in McKinleyville. During the COVID years his grandson Dustin would bring his boys for the Holidays and Popo’s birthday. He enjoyed these times very much, having his family around him and enjoying great meals together. He was always in charge of the turkey!

His family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of the people who stopped by to visit with Jack throughout the years. Your presence brought him so much joy, nothing made him happier than telling an off-color joke and seeing the response it generated. He worked hard his entire life without complaining and set a wonderful example for his family to follow. His legacy will be the land he cared for so diligently for 60 years, that has now evolved into his grandson Jeffrey’s pumpkin patch, Huddie’s Harvest.

Jack was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Helen, his parents, Warren and Bertha (McClain) Mason, his in-laws, Ivan and Elizabeth (Miller) Wymore. He was also preceded in death by his son in-law, Richard Schirmann, his siblings, Ruth (Ford),Jim, Dave and Tim Mason, brother in-law Bill Greenwood, a nephew Gary Wayne Adams, his brother in-law Don Kempf and sister in-law, Doris (Wymore), nephews Dean and Duane Kempf.He is survived by his sister, Charlotte Greenwood and his brother, Gary Lee, his sister-in-law Alice and his four children, Donna (Del), Diane, Jackie and John (Karin) Mason. He also leaves behind his seven grandchildren whom he loved to tease and joke with, Brian Corning (Cindy), Krissy Mora (Joe), Devon Johnson, Dustin Della, Emily Valadao (Dane), Justin Mason (Ashley) and Jeff Mason. They will forever remember their Popo for his fried potatoes and bacon breakfasts. He loved them all dearly and looked forward to their visits so he could continue to tease them and their children…his great-grandchildren, Coltyn, Kaydance and Gage Corning, Cooper and CJ Fish, Brayden Della, Bella, Mekenzie, Oriana and Mason Mora, Jane Mason and Jack, Blake, George and Cruz Valadao.

On September 16, 2023 at 1 pm in the afternoon there will be a Celebration of Jack’s life at the ranch (Mason Dairy) 3364 Foster Avenue, Arcata. Everyone is welcome to join us in the pumpkin patch to share memories and celebrate a life well lived.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jack Mason


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


’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.



Former Humboldt State President Alistair McCrone Has Died at 91, Cal Poly Announces

LoCO Staff / Monday, Aug. 21, 2023 @ 1:31 p.m. / Education

Press release from Cal Poly Humboldt:

We are sad to share news of the loss of President Emeritus Alistair McCrone. Dr. McCrone passed away in Lynnwood, Washington on August 17 at the age of 91. He leaves behind his wife Judith, of 65 years, and two sons Bruce and Craig and their families.

An accomplished scholar and Cal Poly Humboldt’s longest serving president (1974-2002), he leaves a lasting impact on the University and the North Coast.

Dr. McCrone was born on Oct. 7, 1931 in Saskatchewan, Canada. He did geologic field work in Canada during the summers while he was completing a B.S. at the University of Saskatchewan, an M.S. at the University of Nebraska, and his Ph.D. at the University of Kansas—graduating in 1961. After teaching and serving in administrative roles for 11 years at New York University, and four years as the Academic Vice President at the University of the Pacific, Dr. McCrone became the Humboldt State University president in 1974. In keeping with his passion and enthusiasm for teaching, and to remain connected with the students, he also taught several Geology classes while he was President.

During his presidency, Dr. McCrone guided the University through enrollment declines and budget constraints, oversaw the expansion of academic programs and cultural resources, led the construction of many now-familiar buildings and facilities, including Alistair McCrone Hall, and worked to improve community-university relations.

His focus on academic quality was evident, as was his commitment to strengthening connections between the University and the broader community. He was particularly known for walking the campus to engage with students and faculty, an aspect of his role that he relished.

The McCrones have been long-time supporters of various areas throughout the University—including the Geology department, the Library, Youth Educational Services, and others.

He helped establish the McCrone Promising Faculty Scholars Award and the Alistair and Judith McCrone Graduate Fellowship, which have benefited more than 50 faculty members and 20 graduate students.

Dr. McCrone helped shape the University into the outstanding institution it is today and extended educational opportunities to countless people in Northern California and beyond.

An intimate family gathering will be held in Washington to celebrate his life and achievements.



Some Guy Tried to Snatch People’s Mail From Them, Used a Road Sign and PVC Pipe as Weapons, Then Barricaded Himself in a Fortuna Home, Sheriff’s Office Says

LoCO Staff / Monday, Aug. 21, 2023 @ 12:44 p.m. / Crime

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:


Jed Arthur Stoll Booking Photo

On Aug. 20, 2023, at about 1:33 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 5500 block of Rohnerville Road, in the county’s jurisdiction of Fortuna, for the report of an attempted robbery.

The two adult victims told deputies that they had driven to the intersection of Rohnerville Road and Fox Hill Lane to retrieve their mail. After retrieving the mail, a resident in the area, 45-year-old Jed Arthur Stoll, approached the victims’ vehicle. The victims rolled the window down and Stoll reportedly reached inside to take the mail from them. The victims were able to get the mail away from Stoll and push his arm out of the vehicle. Stoll then reportedly armed himself with a road sign and a PVC pipe, and began swinging the pipe towards the vehicle, blocking the roadway and preventing the victims from leaving. No one was injured during this incident.

Upon arrival to the area, deputies located Stoll walking on Fox Hill Road. Stoll initially complied with deputies’ requests to stop, but then fled from deputies, barricading himself inside his residence on Rohnerville Road. Sheriff’s deputies, with the assistance of officers with the Fortuna Police Department surrounded the residence and began issuing commands for Stoll to exit. After several minutes, Stoll exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident.

Stoll was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of attempted robbery (PC 664/211), false imprisonment (PC 236), battery (PC 242), assault (PC 240) and violation of probation (PC 1203.2(a)(2)).

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.



SIX RIVERS FIRES: Lone Pine Fire Across from Tish Tang Grows to 1,600 Acres; Parts of Orleans, Somes Bar Under Evacuation Warning From Pearch Fire

LoCO Staff / Monday, Aug. 21, 2023 @ 12:37 p.m. / Fire

Press release from Six Rivers National Forest:

California Incident Management Team 2 is in command of the Six Rivers National Forest (SRF) 2023 Lightning Complex which includes the Lone Pine, Pearch, Mosquito, Blue Creek, Blue Creek 2, Bluff #1, Let-er-buck, and Iron fires in addition to Redwood National and State Parks wildfires; Lost, Devil and Glenn Fires.

Redwood National and State Parks Area

Lost – 0% contained. Full suppression tactics continue on the Lost Fire, estimated at 351 acres. The fire is located in the Lost Man Creek watershed west of Holter Ridge Road and south of the Lost Man Creek Trail/Geneva Road. Crews are working to prevent the fire from entering old growth forest and adjacent private timberland. CAL FIRE and Green Diamond Resource Company are collaborating with suppression efforts on the Lost Fire.

Devil 12 acres contained and in patrol status Glen 0.1 contained and in patrol status.

Hoopa Area

Lone Pine - Located south of Hoopa in the Horse Linto Creek watershed east of the Trinity River and across the river from Tish Tang Campground and Sugar Bowl Ranch, fire size is estimated at 1,624 acres. Crews are pushing the fire toward the mainstem Trinity River into a planned backing alignment while holding and monitoring current lines.

Orleans Area

Pearch - East of Orleans is estimated at 981 acres, has resumed a backing alignment after making a northeast run towards Somes Mountain. The fire pushed toward north fork Boise Creek, staying south of Pearch Creek and north of South Fork Pearch Creek. Fire lines established in 2006 are being utilized as the fire moves towards Somes Mountain. The Orleans pumphouse has been prepped with structure wrap.

Pearch Fire Evacuation Warning:

Orleans:

  • Zone HUM-E009 (Southeast of the Klamath River in Orleans)
  • Zone HUM-E008-B (Community of Orleans, west of Klamath River. East of Crawford Creek, including Orleans proper). Hwy 96 and Red Cap Road along east bank of Klamath River, south from Salmon River, east to Orleans Mountain.

Approximately 243 residents live in these 2 zones.

Somes Bar

  • Zone SIS-1701: NORTH of Monte Creek Road, SOUTH OF Camp Three Road, EAST OF Camp Three Road, WEST OF Wooley Creek Trailhead. Anyone in these areas should be prepared for potential evacuations, including personal supplies and overnight accommodations. Be ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Iron - Located above Ti-Bar Wildland Fire Station, this fire has been contained at 17 acres.

Mosquito - Near the Bluff Creek area north of Mosquito Lake is estimated at 1,061 acres. The fire remains north of Forest Road 11N19 and west of Forest Road 12N12. Two engines, one water tender, one dozer, and one division are on site. Smoke jumpers are also on site.

The following fires are currently unstaffed due to limited resources. Additional resources are on order.

Bluff #1 - 56 acres Blue Creek - .1 acre Blue Creek 2 - 318 acres Let er-Buck - 32 acres

Total estimated acreage for the SRF Lightning Complex is 3,091 acres.

Weather

The remnants of tropical storm Hilary will move out of the area today however clouds and a few showers are possible until the early afternoon. Breezy northeast winds will diminish through the day then become northwesterly. Clouds and lingering moisture will keep humidity levels higher and daytime temps lower. Today will see a 10% chance of isolated showers, with cooler and drier air along the ridges above the smoke inversion.

Six Rivers National Forest Closures

Closures are in effect on Six Rivers National Forest. They may be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/. Outdoor activities are not recommended due to wildfire danger and unhealthy air quality.

Redwood National Park and State Parks Closures

Due to fire activity in the area, Lost Man Trail from the trailhead on Bald Hills Road to the gate at the Lost Man Picnic Area is closed. Lost Man Road will remain open from Hwy 101 to the Lost Man Picnic Area.

Alert Notifications

ZoneHaven/Genasys for map and zone identification:

https://protect.genasys.com

Humboldt County resident emergency alert sign up:

www.humboldt.gov/alerts

Siskiyou County resident emergency alert sign up:

https://public.coderedweb.com/



OBITUARY: William Elijah Price, 2007-2023

LoCO Staff / Monday, Aug. 21, 2023 @ 7 a.m. / Obits

William Elijah Price was born to Sarah Scott and Jason Price, Sr. on December 15, 2007, in Arcata. He entered into eternal rest on August 13, 2023.

How do you sum up the life of such a wonderful, beloved young man? William attended Jack Norton and Trinity Valley Elementary schools and was ready to start his sophomore year at Hoopa Valley High School, where he was a member of the Hoopa Warriors football team. He was an active, fun-loving young man who enjoyed adventure of any sort with his family and friends. He especially loved swimming and playing games with his cousins.

William was the epitome of kindness, always ready to help in any way he could. He was the best big brother, happy to spend time with his four younger siblings who absolutely adored him.

Our sweet William was a treasured son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He will be remembered for his sweet nature and the mischievous sparkle in his eyes, and will be so deeply missed by all who knew him.

William was preceded in death by his father, Jason Price, Sr., brother Jason Price, Jr., cousins Steven and Stephanie Lewis, uncle Norman Lewis Jr., and maternal grandparents Sam and Kit Scott. He is survived by his parents, Sarah Scott and Alex Barner, siblings Devin, Roman, Jaycee, Crystal, Kaylee and Miles, paternal grandparents Walt Cosce, Sunny Cosce and Catherine Bourdase, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

A memorial service for William will be held at Mattz Gymnasium in Hoopa at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. He will live in our hearts forever.

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



OBITUARY: Frederick Arthur Rowen, 1942-2023

LoCO Staff / Monday, Aug. 21, 2023 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Frederick Arthur Rowen, Sr. died at his home in Eureka on August 2, 2023, a few days before his 81st birthday. The cause of his death was a rare neurodegenerative disorder called Multiple Systems Atrophy which was diagnosed nine years ago. With the devoted care of his wife, Virginia, the strong support of his two sons, Fred Jr. and Brad, the weekly help of Alisa Osburn and in recent months the wonderful care from Hospice of Humboldt (special Thanks to Robert and Christina), Fred was able to remain at home throughout the progression of this disorder.

Fred and his twin brother, Frank, were born in Richmond, Calif. on August 22, 1942. The family moved to Eureka in their early years and Fred attended local schools, graduating in 1960 from Eureka High School. He served as a US Marine for the following 4 years and upon his return to Humboldt County he finished a degree in Economics at Humboldt State University in 1972.

While attending Humboldt State, Fred and his first wife, Sabina, had their two sons and Fred worked at Safeway, mainly in Arcata. He continued to work at Safeway until his retirement in 1997.

Fred and Virginia Snyder Rowen were married for over 45 years, having been married December 17, 1977. Fred lived a life filled with varied interests. He was a skilled builder, designing and building additions to their home and major remodels of most of the original house. He enjoyed river fishing with his sons and created fond memories for them. Fred had a real passion for baseball, from helping with our local little league for several years to supporting his sons’ baseball playing years. He was a big Giants fan and took several family trips to Spring Training Camps in Scottsdale, Arizona. He loved his garden, especially growing many vegetables. He had his first experience with international travel while in the Marines, but had more fun traveling with Virginia to Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain and Mexico. Their travel also included many destinations within the US and brought them joy for many years. In quieter moments Fred was an avid Crossword Puzzler and a reader.

Those who survive Fred are his wife, Virginia, his sons, Fred Jr. (Monica) and Brad (Yelena), his four grandchildren, Jannelle, Haylee, Nicolas and Vivienne, his two step grandchildren, Evan and Olivia, his brother, Robert (Moneca) and nephews, Robert and Todd and his sister in law and brother in law, Jane and Mike Minor and nephew, Josh Summerfield. Fred will be remembered by us all and by extended family and friends not mentioned here.

No services are planned at this time.

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