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Norman Joseph Lewis Jr., born April 14, 1977, began his journey home August 13, 2023. Norm was a proud father of six and a devoted husband to Patricia Anne Scott. Norm was a son, grandson, big brother, nephew, cousin, avid community member, athlete, coach and friend. He was especially known for his gift of gab, taking care of his aunties, and for having a big heart that was full of love for his friends and family.

Throughout his life he created many strong bonds and friendships with people throughout the states who all shared his love of hunting, fishing and sports. He poured his heart into his family and would do anything to make sure they were taken care of and provided for. His contagious laugh and boisterous personality will be greatly missed.

Norm worked for many tribal departments for many years. In recent years he was known as “the skidder guy” for Hoopa Forest Industries (HFI) and was often the spokesperson for his crew. His work pards relied on him to run the heavy equipment. His presence and hard work ethic will be missed. He absolutely enjoyed cutting wood and running his chainsaw. Norm was very proud to be part of a logging family.

Norm is known for his generous heart. He made sure his family always had wood, salmon, deer meat, etc. He was an amazing brother, son, nephew and cousin who would show up randomly at his aunties’ and family members’ houses to drop off wood or special goodies that he pulled from the river.

Norm enjoyed cruising up in the hills with friends or family. He would often spend hours visiting and telling stories about his kids’ accomplishments and how proud of them he was. Taking care of his friends and family was something he was most proud of. For many years he took care of his old grams-Dolores. Their relationship was very special. She was the only person who could put him in his place and he would not argue with. 

You could always find Norm on any court, mat, field coaching and/or cheering as loud as he can. He was a dedicated coach and the No. 1 fan for his kids in everything they do. At times, Karen and Tyler would have to give him the side eye because he would get too excited during a game or match. Norm was known to be very passionate in helping his nieces, nephews, little cousins and local youth. He opened his home to many youth over the years for them to practice their skills, have a warm place to eat and a place to stay. 

Norman is survived by his wife Patricia and his children, Devin Price, Roman Price, Karen Lewis, Tyler Lewis, Landon Madison, Katherine Lewis. He is also survived by his dad, Norman Lewis Sr.; his siblings, Kristi Lewis (Lizzie), Bronson Lewis Sr. (Aninda), Joseph Lewis, and Stormy Lewis; his uncles, Clarence “Sling” Lewis (Debbie) and Earl Moon; his aunties, Francene Lewis, Tina Lewis and Brenda Lewis; his great aunties, Marcellene Norton, Alvera Houston, Mildred Montgomery, Marilyn Lewis (Gaylord), Kayo Moon and Roosi; and his chosen brother, James Gensaw. Norm had many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who all had a place in his heart. 

Norman is proceeded in death by his son Steven Lewis, daughter Stephanie Lewis, mother Karen Moon, grandmothers Delores Moon and Margret Lewis, grandfathers James Moon III and Clarence “Buck Lue” Lewis Sr. 

Service will be located at the Hoopa Cemetery at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2023. The reception will be held at the Neighborhood Facilities (NF) Gym after the service.

Honorary pallbearers: Tyler Lewis, Kristi Lewis, Clarence (Sling) Lewis Jr., Clarence (CJ) Lewis III, Norman Lewis Sr, Earl Moon, Bronson Lewis Jr, Joseph Lewis, James Gensaw, Nick Sunberg, William Peters, Vernon Peters, Curtis Kane, Tony Risling, Ryon Markussen, Landon Madison, John McGinnis, Dakota McGinnis, Mike O’Rourke, Larry Evanow, Josh Lewis, Sean Meyer, Zach Easter, Justin Hornaday, Jake Brauning, Dan Brauning, Robbie Jackson, Loren McKinnon, Justin (Berry) Jackson, John Franklin, Thomas Mosier, Julius Jacksin, Ralphy Peters and Sil-is-che-twan Jackson.

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

Kenneth Eugene Chapman passed away peacefully August 5, 2023 at home in Fortuna at the age of 63. Kenny was born in Fortuna, CA on July 8, 1960.

He is survived by his mother Connie (Chapman) Chase, and his father Kenneth Hough, sister Arlene Stafford, half siblings, Richard Chapman, Doris Pires, and Colleen Hough, and stepsiblings Dennis Chapman and Judi Harrigan. He also left behind many aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Kenny was preceded in death by his stepfather Norman Chapman and stepmother Marie Hough. Kenny had an amazing number of friends that will miss him.

Kenny went to Cuddeback Elementary School and Graduated from Fortuna High School. He worked in masonry most of his life with his Uncle Buzz Chapman on many construction sites in Humboldt, De Norte and Lake Counties. He also worked at Eel River Saw Mill in Redcrest for a few years.  

Kenny was an amazing gardener. He grew many different vegetables, always making sure he planted plenty of beets for pickled beets and also giant pumpkins for all the kids in his life.  Kenny lived in a wooded area where the deer were like his pets. The deer and gardening were his two favorite things in the last few years of his life. He loved working with wood. He made wooden toys for kids, bookcases, quilt racks, cabinets, you name it and he could make it. He enjoyed snow skiing into his early 20’s. He was amazingly talented and could build and fix just about anything. He loved to play dice and cards.

Kenny earned the nickname “Slick” from Bob Gray because he slid off of Phil Nyberg’s barn roof on a piece of plywood, uninjured.

Kenny was a wonderful person and always had the best intentions. He was a man of few words but, when he spoke you listened. He was very practical and gave the best advice, he seemed to know the right thing to say at the right time. He had a fantastic sense of humor and would do almost anything for those he cared about. Kenny was loved by many and will leave a hole in all of our hearts.  

A gathering will take place sometime in the near future.

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

Marie Giampaolo, age 95, of Eureka passed away in the early morning hours of August 8th with family by her side.

Marie is survived by her daughter Patty Merideth (Ken), son Jim Giampaolo (Colleen), grandchildren Kelly Giampaolo, Michelle Merideth-Sutke (Dwayne), Chris Merideth (Wendy), Kate Rankin (Anthony), Kera Brichetto (Joe), and Cody Giampaolo (Kala) and great-grandchildren Reece Merideth-Sutke, Sidney Merideth, Norah Merideth-Sutke, Forest Merideth, Jedidiah Giampaolo, and Bodhi Brichetto.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Roland “Jim” Giampaolo and her sister Helen Hover.

Over her lifetime, Marie saw many things change in the world.  She was born to immigrant parents and was raised by her father and older sister.  As a young woman, Marie met her husband Jim on an elevator and they were married soon after their meeting.  Jim and Marie welcomed their daughter Patty and then a few years later their son Jim.  When her children were little Marie spent countless hours volunteering at the kids school with PTA, leading Cub Scouts and Campfire troops, and volunteering with the Catholic Church.  As her children got older her volunteering expanded within the church (CCD classes) and moved on to setting up teen programs such as the Olive Branch. 

Eventually she started a senior lunch program at the Presbyterian Church in Eureka and the Methodist Church in Fortuna to give senior citizens a place to meet, have lunch, access information related to seniors and watch a bit of entertainment.  She started working for College of the Redwoods to develop a senior citizen program and set up many memorable trips and activities for the seniors involved in the program.  This led to the building of Friendship Square at the Humboldt County Fair and the creation of the infamous “Kitchen-aires Band”. 

Marie always loved a good conversation and a game of cards, preferably Gin Rummy.  During these times, her guests could count on delicious snacks being provided by their host.  In fact, cooking and hosting family dinners were something that Marie took great pride in.  Holidays and Birthdays were always celebrated at Grandma “Who Who’s” house.  She had a knack for training animals and had a rooster who would crow on command, a turtle who would come when she called, a cockatiel who knew many tricks and lots of well-loved dogs.  Marie was fiercely independent and lived in her own house (with family support) up until a few months before her passing.  Marie will be greatly missed, but her spirit will be carried on by those who knew and loved her.

Marie’s family would like to thank the amazing people at the Eureka Timber Ridge and Hospice of Humboldt.  We would also like to thank the numerous visitors who spent time with Marie and provided comfort over the past few months.

A memorial service will take place on August 26th at 9:30 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church in Eureka, with a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation, PO Box 123 Cutten, CA 95534; or Hospice of Humboldt, 3327 Timber Fall Court Eureka, CA 95503; or the Humboldt County Animal Shelter.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Brian Miller Booking Photo | Humboldt County Correctional Facility

On Aug. 15, 2023, at about 9:14 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on Teal Lane, in the county’s jurisdiction of Eureka, for the report of a burglary in progress.

According to the reporting party, an estranged family member unwelcome at the residence forced entry into the home while minors were present. The suspect, 38-year-old Brian Razinni Miller, reportedly vandalized the home in order to gain access and stole various items. Deputies located and arrested Miller in the area of 18^th Street.

Miller was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of first-degree burglary (PC 459/461(a)), possession of stolen property (PC 496(a)), vandalism (PC 594(b)(1)) and annoying a child after illegally entering an inhabited dwelling (PC 647.6(b)).

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.

Receive HCSO news straight to your phone or email. Subscribe to news alerts at: humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Loureiro

On Aug. 16, 2023, at about 6:48 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies on patrol in the Blue Lake area conducted an investigation into an occupied vehicle parked outside a business on the 700 block of Casino Way.

Deputies contacted a female occupant, who initially provided a false name. She was later identified as 34-year-old Ruby Cheryl Loureiro. Loureiro was found to have an outstanding felony warrant for her arrest. Additionally, deputies observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the vehicle. During a search of Ruby and the vehicle incident to arrest, deputies located over 6 grams of suspected fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.

During this investigation, deputies were approached by 50-year-old Ralph Otis Springs Jr. who was determined to also be associated with the vehicle. Deputies learned that Springs had outstanding misdemeanor warrants. Springs was later cited and released for his warrants.

Loureiro was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of resisting arrest (PC 148(a)), possession of a narcotic controlled substance (HS 11350(a)), possession of drug paraphernalia (HS 11364(a)) and violation of probation (PC 1203.2(a)).

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.

With wildfire activity on the minds of many in NorCal, the Outpost wanted to attempt to give you a brief rundown of the major blazes affecting our greater region.

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LONE PINE FIRE: Several fires continue to burn near the Hoopa Valley Reservation in northeastern Humboldt County. The Lone Pine Fire has grown to 450 acres and is five percent contained, according to a morning update from the Six Rivers Nationals Forest. The Hoopa Office of Emergency Services has issued an evacuation advisory for zone HIA-E014-B. This zone includes residents north of Pine Creek and Tish Tang Road, south of Community, east of Pine Creek Road and west of Hostler Ridge Road. This is not a mandatory evacuation order. “This advisory is a precautionary notice designed to give residents time to prepare for a possible evacuation,” according to local fire officials. “[There is] potential for [an] evacuation warning if fire crosses Tish Tang Creek. There are no evacuations currently.”

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PEARCH CREEK FIRE: The Pearch Creek Fire ignited nearby, northeast of Orleans, on Wednesday night. The fire is burning in the Pearch Creek drainage. Fire officials have not provided any additional information regarding acres burned or containment as of this writing.

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BLUFF COMPLEX: The Bluff Complex consists of 5 separate fires located near the Bluff Creek area north of Mosquito Lake. The total acreage for the complex is approximately 200 acres.

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PILOT FIRE COMPLEX: These fires are burning in Humboldt County, just west of the Trinity County Line and Forest Route 1 near Blake Mountain. The total acreage for these fires is over 100 acres with 0% containment. 

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KELLY FIRE: Highway 199 remains closed near the California/Oregon border due to the Kelly Fire, which has burned approximately 1,100 acres. The closure extends between Pioneer Road and Oregon Mountain Road.

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SLIDE FIRE: The Slide Fire has burned an estimated 340 acres in the Yolla Bolly Eel Wilderness. The fire is not contained, as of this writing.“Fire behavior has been low to moderate so far, creeping around through open ground,” according to a morning fire update from the Mendocino National Forest. “However, as scattered thunderstorms move through the area today and tonight, fire behavior has potential to increase.” There are no evacuations associated with the fire at this time.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Heading out to the Humboldt County Fair this weekend? You don’t have to wait until noon to begin your fair day! Stop by the Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP) Farm in Fortuna this Saturday for free coffee, hayrides and farm tours before heading up the road to Ferndale. 

Coffee at the Farm is an annual event inviting the community to see the sustainable programs underway at the SWAP Farm to rehabilitate low-level offenders and provide food to our incarcerated population within the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. At Saturday’s all-ages event, community members will have the opportunity to meet some of the Correctional Deputies who work on the farm and in the jail, sample produce grown at the farm, see the animals and of course, get free, freshly brewed coffee. 

Coffee at the Farm is taking place this Saturday, August 19, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office Work Alternative Program Farm, located at 2300 Airport Road in Fortuna. 

Come stop by and say hi on your way to the Humboldt County Fair! 

 Receive HCSO news straight to your phone or email. Subscribe to news alerts at: humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.