It is with a broken heart that I write this obituary for my dear spouse Charlie, who unexpectedly died 8 days before our 39th wedding anniversary.

Charles (Charlie) Robert Myers died September 14, 2023. He was born October 31, 1938 in Baltimore, Maryland to Marie Anna Zeller and Charles Robert Myers, Jr.

Marie died of breast cancer when Charlie was six years old and his dad, of little means, placed him in an orphanage and his two year old sister Gwen, was placed with Charles’s sister. After three years, Charlie was reunited with his dad and new stepmother, Rosalie. Charlie was a bright child who loved to read. He delivered newspapers after school. He didn’t care much for school but his math teacher saw his potential and had Charlie take a test; he did so well he was awarded a full scholarship. He hadn’t even applied to any colleges so his teacher sat him down to apply to either John Hopkins to study Engineering or Western Maryland College to study Mathematics. He chose Western Maryland College where he studied Mathematics, English and Education and received his degree in Mathematics. Charlie was the first in his family to go to college. His passion for English led him to Theatre Arts. He went to the University of Iowa, where he received his MA in 1962 and PhD in 1971 in Theatre Arts. His MA thesis was The Early Plays of Eugene O’Neill: A Critical Study; his Doctoral thesis was titled Game Structure in Selected Plays.

Charlie taught in Missouri at Tarkio College a church-supported school. Eyebrows were raised when Charlie directed “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”!

Charlie came to Humboldt State College to teach Theatre Arts and Film History in 1969. He always laughed about being hired in a bar on the Arcata Plaza. Humboldt became Humboldt State University soon after. He was a gifted teacher, whose love and understanding of contemporary theater inspired colleagues as well as students. He mentored many wonderful students and left lasting impressions on them. Many went on to become friends and he was very saddened by the loss of dear ones: Lee Ann Gadilauskas who was his “best woman” when he married Claudia; Lani Harris whom he walked down the aisle and Pamela Lyall who performed Charlie and Claudia’s wedding ceremony after he had directed her in Tennessee Williams’ “Streetcar Named Desire.”

Charlie was the proud father of Robert (Robin) Wyse, Jonathan (Jon) Myers, Jennifer Myers and he cherished his grandsons Owen and Declan Clark.

Charlie enjoyed directing plays throughout his career. When former students Joyce Hough and Fred Neighbor opened the Jambalaya, Charlie directed them in performances there: Fred and Joyce in Harold Pinter’s “The Lover” and Fred in Samuel Beckett’s “”Krapp’s Last Tape.”

Charlie taught Directing, Theory and Criticism and Film History. He was pleased when he was able to show films to his class at the historic Minor Theatre thanks to former student David Phillips co-owner of the Minor. Students thought this would be an easy class, but were they surprised when they had to write academic papers on the films they saw!

Charlie was chair of the Theatre Arts Department twice and was an Academic Senator as well as Academic Senate Chair from 1977-1978. He was a member of the Six Rivers Runners Club for years and enjoyed 10ks, half marathons and recreational running, was a past member of the Jane Austen Society and was on Toby and Jack’s dart team. Charlie loved teaching his students. He FERPed (Faculty Early Retirement Program) in 1998, but opted to teach for another five years. When he fully retired he deeply missed working with his students. Once retired he continued to enjoy classical, pop, jazz and country music, reading, going to movies and plays, playing chess, doing crossword puzzles and collecting first day cover stamps — and having a nightly bourbon with potato chips! Charlie was an avid reader and read many book reviews to decide which new books to buy. He was a passionate bibliophile, so attached to his books, that if he lent one that wasn’t returned, he’d buy a replacement.

In 1987 Charlie had a sabbatical. He and Claudia bought a 25-year-old 13-foot travel trailer and, with their Bloodhound Sherlock, they traveled around the United States on Blue Highways, avoiding interstates and visiting some magnificent places. With no real destination in mind they drove north into Canada, across Canada and down to Iowa City, so Charlie could get advice from a former professor for suggestions where he might go to study film history. They returned to Canada and drove to Ottawa, where news came that Charlie’s step-mom Rosalie had died. So for the first time since leaving home, they went on their first interstate to get to Rosalie’s memorial in Baltimore. They then settled in Madison, Wisconsin for a semester. Charlie took a class in film history but it was the graduate English class where they studied Thomas Pynchon, that had Charlie totally relishing being a student again. They took two months to get home visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Black Hills of South Dakota, among other memorable places. On the road, they met many folks in camp grounds. Someone would suggest going to a certain place, and off they’d go.

In 1994, Charlie and Claudia went on sabbatical to London where he studied Harold Pinter’s papers at the British Museum. He was excited to find in the papers that Pinter had written a diary for Emma, a character in his play “Betrayal,” one of several Pinter plays Charlie had directed. They were able to see Pinter’s one-act, “Landscape,” directed by Pinter himself, and they took full advantage of London’s wonderful classical music scene.

Charlie’s love of classical music lead him and his friend, Jerry Sattinger, to live in London on two occasions. On their second trip to London, he would write of their experiences to a group of friends — one of whom was Judy Hodgson, who asked him to write movie reviews for her North Coast Journal when he returned. Thus, Charlie became “Charlie in Filmland” in June of 2003.

When he retired from Filmland in September of 2011, he wrote his last column, “Charlie Says Farewell”:

When I began writing reviews for the Journal in June 2003, I had no idea how it would go or how long I would keep writing the column. Now, some eight-plus years later, I think it’s time to say farewell to regular reviewing.

By and large, the years reviewing movies have been very enjoyable. If that comment sounds somewhat qualified, it is due primarily to the type of films we get locally, which, clearly, are not the sort I deeply enjoy in general although there have been any number of exceptions. At any rate, things change including me and the Journal. Initially, the column was called “Charlie in Filmland,” and I wrote all the reviews and previews. I used to cover most of the films that opened here. In the beginning, I had fun panning films I didn’t care for, but over the years that aspect just became tedious, no doubt for both myself and readers. Eventually, due to several factors including my frequent travel, the column became Filmland and material was written by a variety of people.

I would like to acknowledge one major influence that led to my reviewing “career,” namely publisher Judy Hodgson who enthusiastically pushed me into this endeavor and who constantly supported the column. Thanks as well to those who were burdened with editing the column, particularly Arts and Culture Editor Bob Doran and staff writer Ryan Burns.

Since coming to Humboldt County back in 1969 to teach at HSU, I came to know a lot of people locally, people who were familiar with my sense of humor and taste in films. As a result, the reviews have been more personal than would be possible in a big city newspaper. One of the joys of the column has been the conversations with people, both strangers and those who know me, about the reviews, conversations that likely would not otherwise have occurred. So many thanks to all who approached me to talk about movies in stores, on the street, or wherever. I hope you will not stop. Perhaps the Journal might even allow me a guest reviewer gig now and again.

Charlie and Jerry spent a number of months in Portland, Oregon, enjoying classical music, seeing plays and partaking of Portland’s Happy Hours. Claudia soon joined them, as did their new bloodhound puppy, Katie. For eight years, Portland become a second home. There they were thrilled to see such longtime favorites as Bruce Springsteen, Leonard Cohen and Fleetwood Mac. They’d seen Bruce in Chicago on their first sabbatical, but this time folks sat down! Tragically, Katie died in April, breaking Charlie and Claudia’s hearts. They returned to Portland for three weeks later that spring, not knowing it would be their last journey to Portland together. It still seems unreal.

Charlie and Claudia went on their first post-COVID trip to Mammoth Lakes to see family, where Charlie broke his ankle. They were flown to Reno after major heart issues were discovered. He had ankle surgery and he got COVID in the hospital, which was the beginning of the end for Charlie. An ambulance brought him to Eureka for more rehabilitation. He’d lost his appetite since getting COVID; he ate very little and lost a significant amount of weight. He was happy to be coming home to hospice care and pleased that another bloodhound puppy was in their future. Shockingly, Charlie succumbed to heart failure the day before he was to come home.

He is survived by his loving spouse Claudia Myers, his sister Gwen Nolte, his children Robert Wyse, Jonathan Myers and Jennifer Myers; brother-in-law John Nolte; daughters-in-laws Galyna Wyse, Renee Pype, son-in-law Scot Clark; grandsons Owen Clark and Declan Clark; brothers-in-law David Wilbur, Mark Wilbur, sister-in-law Noreen Wilbur; nieces, Usha Penrod , Ariel Duvall and Patti Nolte Adamson; nephews-in-law Luke Penrod and Brian Duvall; great nephews, Graham Penrod, Ryder Duvall, Hunter Nolte and great-niece June Duvall; dear friend Kathy LaForge, mother of Jonathan and Jennifer, their step dad Dick LaForge and special friends Jerry Sattinger and Alexa Day. He was preceded in death by his parents Marie Zeller Myers and Charles Robert Myers, Jr. and beloved bloodhounds Katie, Rose, Mellie, Emma, Rowdy and Sherlock.

Charlie’s friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Charlie at Moonstone Beach House, Trinidad, California, Saturday Nov. 25 from 2 to 6 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Breast and GYN Health Project, 987 8th St, Arcata, CA 95521; Arcata Playhouse, 1251 9th St, Arcata, CA 95521; Dell’Arte International, PO Box 816 Blue Lake, CA 95525.

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Daniel H. Pedrotti
Born May 21, 1939
Passed October 16, 2023

Dan passed away peacefully at his home in Ferndale with his wife Dorene by his side.

Dan was born to George and Mary Pedrotti in Ferndale. He was the oldest of five children and grew up on the family dairy on Grizzly Bluff. He attended Grizzly Bluff School and Ferndale High School. He graduated in 1957. After graduation, he enlisted in the National Guard and went to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. While he was enlisted in the National Guard, he worked for the Humboldt County Roads Department and Rob Renner Logging as a caterpillar operator.

In January of 1964 he married Dorene Renner. They have two children, Grant and Karen.

In November of 1964 they decided to lease a dairy on Grizzly Bluff from the Keohan family, just in time for the 1964 Flood. In 1969 they purchased the dairy, which they operated until their retirement in 2004. Dan was very proud of his dairy and herd of registered Holsteins and Guernseys. They had award-winning cows for milk production and records through the Ferndale Cow Testing Association.

After retiring from the dairy business, he began making hay on their property. He enjoyed employing many hay haulers throughout the years and loved to talk with them and tell stories and jokes. He sold hay to many loyal customers throughout the years. He loved his garden, dahlias, and apple orchard. He also enjoyed making sausage with his family, and smoking salmon in his smokehouse for his friends. He enjoyed watching the Giants, 49ers and Warriors play. He loved supporting his grandchildren throughout their youth by attending every sporting event and fair event possible.

He was preceded into death by his parents, George and Mary Pedrotti, brothers Norman and Don Pedrotti, sister-in-law Mary Pedrotti and niece Vicky Grandy.

He leaves behind his wife Dorene Pedrotti, children Grant Pedrotti (Missy), Karen Hansen (Darren), grandchildren Danielle Hansen (Kyle), Nathan Hansen, brother Sid Pedrotti (Lorraine), sister Sylvia Grandy (Gary), brother-in-law Ed Renner, daughter-in-law Debra Pedrotti, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

At his request there will be a private, family service at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ferndale. His family would like to thank Dr. Douglas of Open Door in Ferndale and Dan’s cancer doctors, Dr. Fellows, Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Luh. Also, Jan Borges for her care in his final nights, and Hospice of Humboldt for their on-going care and support.

If you wish to make memorial donations in Dan’s honor, please remember the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department, Church of the Assumption, and Hospice of Humboldt.

Rose Marie French, born on March 12, 1938, peacefully passed away on October 31, 2023. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to all. She graduated from Eureka High School and retired from Safeway, where she worked in the bakery.

She made Willow Creek her home and was a member of the Willow Creek Bible Church. Her kindness, grace, and warm smile touched the lives of all who knew her.

Rose Marie will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her passion for gardening, ceramics and all kinds of crafts. She leaves behind cherished memories that will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Richard “Dick” French. Her son Richard “Rick” French, her daughter Debbie French and grandson Ricky French; by her parents Herb and Julia McClung

She is survived by her son Robert French; by her grandchildren, Erica and Matt Gibson, Jessica Marks, Elizabeth and David Stoddard and Toni Ann French; by her great-grandchildren, Jessalyn Lewis, Joey Lewis, Michael Gibson, Mason Stoddard and Vera French; by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

A graveside service will be at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 3 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Sanders Funeral Home, Eureka.

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Doris McConnell was a woman who cared deeply for her family. She loved watching her daughter Lauren grow, as well as her granddaughters, all of whom eventually worked for her and Leo’s family business, Cement Hill Storage. She also enjoyed seeing all her great-grandchildren grow up around her.

Doris Mary Harpster was born on April 19, 1931 in Fresno, where she was raised, went to college and became a teacher. Doris and Leo were wed on July 1, 1953. Doris began her teaching career in 1953. In 1957, their only child, Lauren McConnell, made her debut. In 1959, Leo, Doris and Lauren all moved to Santa Barbara for Leo’s work in lath and plaster. All three soon moved to Portland, Oregon for Leo’s construction work. Doris continued teaching at an elementary school in in the Portland Oregon School District. Finally, in 1964, they all three moved to Fairfield, California where Leo began operating a construction and paving business.

While in Fairfield, Doris also taught at several schools in the Fairfield School District. Doris taught 1st through 3rd grade. She loved teaching 3rd grade students the most as they were always so excited to learn about cursive. After 15 years of teaching, Doris left the classroom to continue running the books for Leo’s businesses. Leo always reminded us that the smartest thing he did was marry a teacher. Doris was sharp as a tack, and always had a keen eye for details. Leo, Doris, and Lauren moved through several homes while living in Fairfield. Every time they would, it would be to a nicer home that Leo had spruced up through renovation. Leo and Doris started Cement Hill Storage in 1984. Between the two of them, they built a business that has spanned four generations of their family. With nothing but a warehouse and dirt lot, hard work, and a vision, they created one of the most successful small businesses in Solano County that is still thriving today.

Leo and Doris enjoyed traveling in their RV all over the state. They traveled to Yosemite several times. They spent many years attending the Rose Bowl in Southern California. Doris absolutely loved flying with Leo when he finally obtained his pilots license. Leo and Doris loved spending time with their Square Dancing club in Solano County, an activity that they both got to enjoy together. Doris enjoyed many fun games of Rummikub, dominoes and canasta with her beloved Leo.

After nearly 30 years at storage, Leo and Doris decided it was time to retire to enjoy their golden years. In 2007 Leo and Doris had had their forever home built in the quaint community of Fieldbrook, deep in Humboldt County. Their property was surrounded by towering redwoods. Leo even had a large garden area built where Doris spent many years growing a plethora of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. There was never a shortage of her favorite flower, the California Poppy, in her garden. Doris loved playing the piano which she spent several years playing for the Fieldbrook church.

Though she slowed down in her later years, taking it easy at Timber Ridge in McKinleyville, Doris always remembered her Leo, the funny stories of him learning to fly, all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and the memories they made. We are forever grateful for the length of time we got to have with her and will always cherish all of the good times, life lessons, and knowledge we gained from her.

She will be laid to rest with her husband Leo McConnell on Nov. 9, 2023 in Fairfield, Calif. Services will be held at Bryan Braker Funeral home at 11:30 a.m.

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PREVIOUSLY:

•  Fatal Crash Near Henderson Center Closes I Street

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On November 07, 2023, at about 12:10 p.m., officers from the Eureka Police Department (EPD) as well as personnel from Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF) responded to the report of a two-vehicle traffic collision at the intersection of Henderson and I Streets in Eureka. It was reported that one vehicle had overturned and the occupants were still trapped inside.

HBF was able to remove the driver from the overturned vehicle who was then transported to a local hospital by City Ambulance for minor to moderate injuries. The passenger in this vehicle was determined to have suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision.

A member of EPD’s Major Injury/Fatal Traffic Investigation Team responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. Additionally, EPD Detectives and Evidence Technicians responded to assist with the collecting of statements and evidence. The initial investigation has revealed the driver of the overturned vehicle was north on I St. and failed to stop at the red light at Henderson and was struck by another vehicle that was traveling west on Henderson.

Intoxication may have been a factor in this traffic collision.

The occupants of the other involved vehicle were uninjured.

The decedent has been identified and the Humboldt County Coroner’s office is working to notify next of kin.

This is an active investigation and EPD is asking if anyone witnessed the collision to please contact the department at 707-441-4044.

Yet another major car crash in Eureka has shuttered one lane of Broadway at the south end of the 101, and traffic is slow in the area while the city’s thin-stretched traffic cops try to sort this one out.

As you can see in the video below, a driver of one of the vehicles involved was detained by police — handcuffed and hauled away to a cruiser. The Outpost’s Andrew Goff spoke to the driver of the other involved vehicle, who was unharmed and in good spirits.

UPDATE: An EPD officer on scene confirms that the driver was detained on suspicion of driving under the influence

Not even two hours after a fatal two-car crash at the intersection of Henderson and I streets smack in the middle of Eureka’s residential core, two other vehicles collided down the street at the intersection of Henderson and Union.

Officer Andrew Endsley of the Eureka Police Department that three people were sent to the hospital. He added that officers are investigating, and are looking at excess speed as a factor in the collision.

Slow down, people.