Audrey Jennifer Wells
September 19, 1931, to December 1, 2022

Audrey Wells passed away peacefully at the age of 91 with her family by her side. As she desired, she was able to stay in her home in Myrtletown thanks to her loving family, caregivers, and the support of Hospice.

Audrey was born September 19, 1931, to Audley Maurer and Jennie Sandkulla Maurer. She was the younger sister to John (Marian) and Alan (Betty) Maurer. A lifetime resident of Humboldt County, Audrey attended Eureka City Schools, graduating from Eureka Senior High School.

She attended Humboldt State University while working for her father’s construction company, Fred J. Maurer & Sons, as a bookkeeper. It was during this time that Audrey met Carleton (Corky) Wells, and they married in 1951. They lived a life dedicated to their family, having three children Lindsay, David, and Tracey. There were frequent camping trips to Richardson’s Grove and to the Larson’s cabin in Willow Creek in the summers, but also bigger adventures such as to San Francisco, Tahoe and Disneyland. While Corky loved social outings such as Friday nights at the Elks Club, Audrey was just as happy curling up on the couch at home and reading a good book. (She recommends the Gamache series of books by Louise Penny and the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child.) Audrey and Corky had been married 42 years when he prematurely passed away in 1993. Audrey spent the next 29 years supporting her family in ways big and small. The family home was the center of annual Christmas, Easter, July Fourth and family birthday celebrations; as well as hosting periodic events such as weddings, baby showers, and Super Bowl parties. While she had several types of fruit trees, she was best known for her lemon tree, which produced enough fruit for the entire neighborhood to stop by and pick when needed.

Audrey worked in the home as a bookkeeper when her children were young, waiting until all were asleep to pull out the receipts, paperwork and the clackety old adding machine. Later, she went to work for the Humboldt County Appraiser’s office, retiring after a lengthy and successful career. Some of her best friends came from her work world; Karen Templeton, Tiny Hershberger, and Mari Wilson among them. If your property tax bill was accurate in the 1980s and 1990s you can credit this hardworking gang.

Audrey loved all the Bay Area professional sporting teams; including the Giants and 49ers. But she saved her most passionate devotion for the Warriors, and her favorite player Steph Curry. Indeed, she had her Warriors blanket covering her on her bed at the time of her passing. Audrey is survived by son David (Kathy), daughter Lindsay (Fernando), daughter Tracey (Vince), her grandchildren Jamie (Deanna), Katy (Omid), Jessie and Christopher (Jessie), and numerous nieces and nephews and other family members.

The family would like to thank our mom’s caregivers Wendy, Brandie and Hazel for their care and dedication. We would also like to thank the exceptional staff at Hospice. Without these special people we could not have cared for Mom at home, fulfilling her one final wish.

At the time of her death, Audrey was looking forward to the birth of her first great grandchild. A celebration of life will be held when the new baby, Shyla Delara Talai, is able to join us in honoring and celebrating Audrey our mother, grandmother and friend.

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

Harry Spurling finished his earthly course on Tuesday evening, January 31, 2023, at home in Willow Creek. He was 74 years old.

He was born in Southern California in 1948. However, he was fond of saying he was made in Japan, where his parents, R. Wayne and Ellen Spurling, met after WWII.

The family moved to Sunny Brae, Arcata, where Harry eventually became the oldest of six children. As a young boy, the neighborhood was his playground. He loved riding bikes and playing in the woods with his friends and brothers.

As he reached adulthood, he searched for the purpose of life. That journey took him back to the book his mother had read to him as a child. Recognizing the Bible as the truth, Harry began to associate with the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and made it his life’s work to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

On January 3, 1976, he married Patricia, his faithful wife for 47 years. During their early years, they traveled to the Sioux and Navajo reservations where they shared their hope that God’s Kingdom will restore peace on earth among every nation, tribe and language. (Revelation 7:9, 14) Later, they settled in Willow Creek.

During their 42 years living in Willow Creek, Harry and Patricia loved hiking and have been to many of the lakes in the Trinity Alps. In the past several years, they also took yearly trips with Patricia’s sister and brother-in-law to such places as Lassen and Yosemite, where Harry enjoyed seeing evidence of Jehovah God’s handiwork.

All along, Harry worked diligently to provide for his family. He was well known as a jack-of-all-trades in the Trinity River area. He could clean it, unlock it, replace it, mow it, paint it — all while being the best neighbor he could be.

Remembering his roots, Harry took on the job of preserving his father’s photographs taken in post-war Japan. He painstakingly digitized hundreds of images and then curated gallery showings at Humboldt State University and in Weaverville.

Harry has been described as a helpful and generous friend, a true brother when there was a need. Countless friends and family received his help on a moment’s notice. He was willing to travel hundreds of miles when needed to assist a friend in distress. For those who knew him, the name Harry Spurling will bring to mind a man who gave thoughtful advice rooted in Scripture. His comments, his public discourses, and his prayers revealed the depth of his spirituality.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, R. Wayne and Ellen Spurling and his brother William Spurling.

He is survived by Patricia, his wife, by his brother, Patrick Spurling of Zurich, Switzerland, sister-in-law, Jo Anne Spurling, sisters and their husbands, Joy and Mark Smelser of Independence, Mo, C. Michelle and Ron Pontoni of Bayside, and Melody and Troy Poff of Redwood Valley. And he left behind his loved ones in the Willow Creek Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The family wishes to sincerely thank Kathryn Stollmeyer PA-C, for her compassionate care of Harry.

A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 65 Blue Jay Lane, Willow Creek, on February 18th, at 2 p.m. It will also be streamed via Zoom. ID: 878 1554 8254. Passcode: 692952

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

Lyn Edward Bagley was tragically taken from this earth on December 21, 2022 at the age of 53 from a hit and run accident on Highway 299. He was born February 3, 1969 to Carl and Frances Bagley in Fortuna.

Lyn — a.k.a “the Legend” and a.k.a “The Bags” — was a friend and brother to many. He was a larger-than-life kind of guy, literally and metaphorically. His height measuring in at 6 foot 6 inches, he stood out in a crowd. Lyn loved playing baseball (catcher) as a young man. His favorite sports teams were the San Francisco Giants, Las Vegas Raiders or as he was growing up the Oakland Raiders, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Lyn was the kind of guy that would give the clothes he was wearing for a person in need and he would do anything for any of his friends or family. He was a big guy with a bigger heart. He lit up the room with his smile and sense of humor. He was the protector of many. He will be missed tremendously by so many.

Lyn had worked for different lumber companies in Humboldt County for many years. He also worked for Professional Tree Services, where he met and made many friends.

Lyn is survived by his brothers, Eddie Shields, and Dale Bagley; nieces and nephews, Shayla Verbich (Mike), Shaun Bagley, Skylur Bagley, and Ryan Shields; his many aunts, uncles and cousins on both the Bagley and Smith side; and we can’t forget about his fur friend Toby.

He is preceded in death by his parents Carl Edward Bagley and Frances Irene Bagley, grandparents, Harold Arthur Smith and Hattie Irene Smith, sister-in-law Sherry McDonald.

There was a private burial service on January 18, 2023 in Fortuna. A celebration of life (pot luck style) is scheduled for Saturday February 11, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Sequoia Park in Eureka. If you are able, please bring a side dish and a good story.

Thank you to all of Lyn’s friends and family members for the wonderful pictures, memories and kind words. It means so much!

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

Tom Keating was a caring brother, uncle and friend. He died unexpectedly on Monday, February 6, 2023 at the age of 65.

He was born to Darrell and Marilyn Keating on December 13, 1957. After graduating from Eureka High School, at the top of his class, he became a cherished staple in local businesses such as JC Penny and Rite Aid. He is remembered by his coworkers for his work ethic, humor, kindness and above all his friendship.

Tom was a devoted Giants and Raiders fan. He had a passion for antiquing and specifically had a knack for collecting items of historical value. Most of his weekends were spent gardening and reading from his vast collection of books.

His family and friends could always count on a special caramel apple at Christmas time, as sweet treats were his language of love.

Tom is survived by his sister Dianne Keating, his niece Alex (Jack), his niece Andie (Tom), and his nephew Keaton (Brooke). The family will hold a private ceremony. Donations in his memory can be made to Hospice of Humboldt.

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

Our beloved and amazing mother was born Lorraine Giraud on November 24, 1929, and joined her husband, family and friends in heaven on February 3, 2023. She was born in San Francisco to Ersilia and Maggiorino Giraud and grew up in the Sunset District, graduating from Lincoln High in 1947.

She worked for her father at Superior Building Company until she married Elmer Miller on August 7, 1954, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. Twin daughters were born in 1955 and her life changed forever! The family relocated to rural property in Santa Rosa in 1963 and she took care of the family, property, garden, and farm animals while her husband worked, along with participating in the twins’ elementary school activities. Later she became a 4-H leader, where she taught cooking and sewing. She was a wonderful seamstress making many of our school clothes and later beautiful quilts.

In the mid-1970s Mom and Dad relocated to their dream property in Fort Jones. There she continued to enjoy her hobbies as well as working with Dad at Interstate Battery of the Siskiyous. They made many friends and loved Scott Valley until they came west due to Dad’s illness to be closer to us in Eureka.

Mom took care of Dad for almost 10 years as he suffered from dementia and passed away in 2006. Travels with her daughters served as respite during that time. There were many trips to Scottsdale and San Francisco for Giants Baseball. After Dad passed there were trips to Hawaii, Canada, and Europe where she especially enjoyed river cruises.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, parents, uncle Frank Giraud, sister-in-law Beth Giraud, and lifelong friends Gloria and Sayoko.

She is survived by her daughters Karen Miller and Marie Liscom and her husband Glen. She is also survived by her beloved brother Richard Giraud and his children Julie, Rich and Tony, their spouses, and children. Her loyal dog Penny was at her side when she passed.

The family wishes to thank Beth Abels and her staff Karen and Jericho for their amazing ongoing care. Many thanks also to Providence Home Health and Hospice of Humboldt who helped guide us in her illness and final days. Thanks also to Betty Jean for her recent care and guidance.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Humboldt, 3327 Timber Fall Ct, Eureka 95503; or Sequoia Humane Society, 6073 Loma Ave, Eureka 95503.

A memorial service will be held at Sacred Heart Church on February 17, at 11 a.m., Father Bernard D’Sa officiating.

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

HUMBOLDT TODAY: Will a giant barge docked in Eureka soon house Cal Poly Humboldt students? We look inside the rumored vessel. Plus, a man is arrested in Fields Landing for failing to register as a sex offender. Those stories and more in today’s newscast with John Kennedy O’Connor.

FURTHER READING:

• Cal Poly Humboldt is Exploring the Idea of Housing Students on a Huge-Ass Barge in Humboldt Bay
• One Arrested, Two Cited During Fields Landing Probation Search
• DN Sheriff Decides to Continue Searching For Missing Woman, Will Get More Searchers, Resources From CalOES

HUMBOLDT TODAY can be viewed on LoCO’s homepage each night starting at 6 p.m. Want to LISTEN to HUMBOLDT TODAY? Subscribe to the podcast version here.

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In desperate need of new student housing, Cal Poly Humboldt is looking to the water.

Local officials have been working with the university and state regulatory agencies to explore the potential of temporarily housing around 600 students aboard a multi-story residential barge docked in Humboldt Bay.

“The idea of floating apartments or studios is one of many possibilities the University has been exploring,” Cal Poly Humboldt Communications Specialist Grant Scott-Goforth said in an emailed response to questions from the Outpost. “This is very preliminary at this point and the university does not have further details to share.”

Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery tells the Outpost that the city has been discussing the barge proposal with regulators from the State Lands Commission, the Harbor District and other agencies.

“I think, personally, that this is a great idea,” Slattery said. “It would be a huge benefit to the City of Eureka, our businesses, to have this available.” 

Stressing that the concept is still in the preliminary phase, Slattery said city staff have identified two potential dock locations that have the structural capability to host the vessel as well as the necessary water, sewage and electrical hookups.

He declined to identify a specific vessel or manufacturer but said the barge under consideration is 82 feet wide by 320 feet long and includes a cafeteria, a rooftop terrace, a workout room and other amenities.

“They’re nice,” he said. “If I was back at college and went to [Cal Poly Humboldt] I would be the first one to apply. I would live there before living in the dorms,” he added, noting that he lived at the Colony Inn during his own days on campus.

The barge would be a purely stop-gap solution while more permanent housing is constructed, Slattery said.

News of this proposal comes as the university finds itself in hot water with the current student body, many of whom rallied in the quad Wednesday to protest plans to house returning students at local hotels north of campus, including a Comfort Inn, Super 8 and Motel 6.

Photo by Andrew Goff

In his emailed statement, Scott-Goforth said, “As in many areas of California, there are simply not enough housing options available either on campus or in the community. The University has been looking into many creative solutions to provide additional high-quality and affordable housing for students. This includes the three hotels in Arcata, which serve to temporarily expand the available housing stock near campus.”

The Lumberjack student newspaper reported yesterday that there were “rumors and apparent email leaks” pertaining to the barge proposal. At least one student at yesterday’s protest objected to the idea, holding up a sign telling Cal Poly Humboldt President Tom Jackson, “Hey Tom! Don’t put us on a fucking prison boat!”

Barges like the ones being considered here have, in fact, been employed as floating prisons, though more often they’re used as temporary housing — or “floatels” — for employees on offshore or near-shore oil, mining and wind projects. During the worst of the COVID pandemic, one barge was used in Singapore to house healthy workers in a restricted area to avoid potential infection.

Slattery said that when the barge idea first came up, city staff reached out to RWE Offshore Wind Holdings, LLC, one of two energy corporations that won bids to develop offshore wind projects off the Humboldt County coast. The barge could work well to house their employees during construction, he said. 

While Slattery is excited by the barge proposal, Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District Executive Director Larry Oetker has reservations. Reached by phone this morning he said his agency operates under the Public Trust Doctrine.

“In the Humboldt Bay Management Plan it says residential uses are generally not considered an acceptable public trust use of tidelands, with a few limited exceptions,” Oetker said. “I’m not saying we’ve made that determination, because we have not,” he added, noting that he has yet to see a detailed proposal, “but generally it is not acceptable in the long term to have these kinds of uses except in limited places,” such as live-aboard boats currently docked at Woodley Island Marina and the Eureka Small Boat Basin.

Melissa B. Kraemer, North Coast District manager for the California Coastal Commission, said in an email that there’s not much precedent for this type of thing along the California coast. Her agency would need to consider a number of issues before issuing a coastal development permit, including impacts on marine resources, water quality, parking/traffic/transit service, visual impacts, tsunami hazards and impacts to commercial fisheries and recreational boating.

Slattery said use of tidelands falls under the jurisdiction of the State Lands Commission, which is well aware of this proposal. The city has also consulted with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers about any potential interference with Humboldt Bay’s navigation channels. The barge’s 82-foot width would “barely” extend into those channels, Slattery said.

While Slattery acknowledged that any work done below the mean high-tide line in Humboldt Bay is the purview of the Harbor District, he said that in his estimation there would be no “work” performed on the barge while it’s docked, meaning the Harbor District would be absolved of any responsibility.

City staff have discussed a number of other potential means of housing Cal Poly Humboldt students, including putting them up in the city’s own hotels or in the EaRTH Center housing and transit project being developed downtown. A previous administration at the university explored the idea of housing students on a cruise ship, Slattery said, though he noted that those vessels would be more difficult to accommodate because they have deeper drafts than residential barges. 

Jennifer Kalt, executive director of environmental nonprofit Humboldt Baykeeper, said that while the barge idea took her aback when she first heard about it, she believes it could work.

“Humboldt Baykeeper has not seen any proposals, but the concept seems like it has a lot of potential and could be a good temporary solution with very little impacts to Humboldt Bay,” she said.

Below, enjoy a tour of the Bibby Renaissance and, if you’re so inclined, stick around for the mukbang.

Note: This post has been updated from its original version to add information from the California Coastal Commission.