Patrick Joseph Folkins Jr. (Pat) passed away peacefully in Reno, Nevada surrounded by family on May 7, 2026. Pat most treasured his family, his children, grandchildren and wife of 65 years, Sheila. Pat touched countless lives and was loved by many in the Humboldt County community and befriended numerous people in the last two years as a Nevadan. As was typical of Pat, he visited with many family members, immediate and extended, and received phone calls during the last month of his life.

Born in San Francisco, California to his parents, Patrick Joseph Folkins Sr. and Norma Pratt Folkins, Pat was the oldest of four children, siblings William (Bill), and twins Mike and Molly. The family moved to Guerneville where his parents owned Pat’s Place Bar and Grill before ultimately growing up in Santa Cruz, California. Pat’s father died when he was only eight years old, which was a foundational moment in his life. At that time, he began selling newspapers in Santa Cruz setting the stage for his love of the news and passion for working. As a young teenager he began working for Bud and Vin, owners of Shopper’s Corner Grocery Store. At age 16 he met his future wife there while stocking the shelf with Del Monte peas. Sheila recalls, “he was the cutest guy in the store.” Pat graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1957 and immediately enlist ed in the United States Marine Corp. He served in the Marine Corp from 1957 to 1960 as a rifleman and squad leader and was ultimately promoted to rank of Corporal. The Marines teach many things including discipline and leadership and the Corps has a commitment to bring out the best in you. While Pat’s active-duty service was over, those traits stayed with him for the balance of his life.

One month after he left the Marines, Pat married the love of his life, Sheila McRae. The couple decided that Sheila would work while Pat continued to work at Shopper’s Corner while pursuing an Associates of Arts Degree. The couple then moved to Eureka, California in order for Pat to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at Humboldt State University.

Soon after graduating from Humboldt State, Pat got involved in the grocery business and a short time later became a partner in Pete’s Supermarket. Over time, his entrepreneurial drive would see him owning several more stores including the Blue Lake Market, Stop & Shop Market, Fairway Market, and Harris Street Market and Liquors.

Pat believed in giving back to his community and has done for most of his adult life, from coaching little league and girls’ softball and serving and receiving PTA Recognition awards at Washington Elementary and Win ship Junior High. Pat’s community participation began at a young age as President of the Active 20-30 Club. In the 1980’s he and Sheila served on the Board of the Humboldt/Del Norte American Cancer Society and were instrumental in growing the local organization and creating the very profitable ACS Discovery Shop in Eureka. He became a member of the Rotary Club of Eureka in 1981, serving on several committees and boards before serving as President from 1987–1988, He also was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1986. As a pivotal member of the business community, Pat served as President of the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce for two terms and was a member of the Ingomar Club for 44 years. In addition, he was a member Naïve Sons of the Golden West Parlor 14 for nine years and the Eureka Elks Lodge #625 for over 25 years.

After retiring from the grocery business, he worked in the automobile sales and mortgage industries. He then provided his business experience while working for his friend, Gregg Gardiner, at 101 Things. Pat loved to work and finally retired at 80 years old.

Always a Marine, Pat served as Commandant of the Marine Corps League Six Rivers Detachment. Pat volunteered with Toys for Tots yearly, helping thousands of needy children get toys at Christmas time, sending a message of hope when it is needed most. One of the closest things to Pat’s heart was Honor Flight. He volunteered countless hours helping send World War II and Korean War veterans to Washington D.C., so they could visit memorials built in their honor. It meant the world to him to help those veterans receive the recognition they so deserved.

Pat’s greatest joy was his family, he was everyone’s favorite playmate which included endless hours of football, baseball, volleyball, card games and cribbage. He spent many hours teaching his daughters and grandchildren how to body surf the waves in Santa Cruz as well as water ski, snow ski and any activity anyone had an interest in. Thanks to him, his family has a love of sports, fitness, and the outdoors. Finally, Pat was a master of history and current events and was a voracious reader.

In 2024, Pat and Sheila moved to Reno to continue being close to family. Pat cherished living in the same city as his daughters, Shirley and Molly, and embraced the opportunity to meet new people and build new friendships. He especially enjoyed swimming, playing cards with his family, and taking trips to Lake Tahoe, a place that held special meaning for both him and Sheila.

Pat was married 65 years to Sheila and they had two daughters. The oldest, Shirley Folkins-Roberts, who has been married to Doug Roberts for 34 years, and Molly Nylander who has been married to Ryan Nylander for 36 years. Grandchildren include Clint Nylander (Annemarie), Ashley Lopez (Anthony), Breanna Gratrix (Adam), Patrick Roberts (Rose), Drew Nylander (Madison), Nikki Wilson (Nick) and Jennifer Trujillo. Great grandchildren include Patrick, Basil, Warren, Kolbe, Tatiana, Lily, Addison, Adrian, Brody, Sean, Khaleesy, Tucker, Gracelyn and Braya.

Pat was beloved by his many nieces and nephews: Bruce Folkins, Eric Folkins (Amy) Jeph Folkins (Theresa), Antoinette Costa, Michelle Marlatt (Neil), Larry Nichols (Alyse), Patrick S. Folkins, Piper Folkins, Layne Nichols and all of his great nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by his father, Patrick J. Folkins Sr.; mother, Norma Pratt Folkins Miller; stepfather, George Miller; brothers, William “Bill” Folkins and Michael Folkins; sister, Molly Nichols, and brother-in-law, Larry Nichols; and cousins, Donna and Dutch Vogel.

Pat spent many special years with Shirley and Molly’s in-laws, Lois and Mack Roberts and Butch and Cheryl Nylander, as well as life-long friends Tahni and Tucky Long, Jim and Patsy Pedrotti and Kathleen (Cloney) and Gregg Gardiner. Pat often commented on the strong martial foundations of his grandchildren’s in-laws and adored them: the Maslaks, the Lopezes, the Gratrixes, the Stephenses, and the Sehons.

Today Pat has simply transitioned from serving here as a mortal man to standing post at Heaven’s gates. Semper Fidelis – you will be deeply missed. Services will be held on Saturday, June 6th in Eureka California, with an interment to follow in Reno, Nevada on Saturday, June 20th at Mountain View Cemetery.

Saturday, June 6th Arrangements

11:00 am Mass honoring Pat at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 615 H St., Eureka, California

1:00 pm Reception and Celebration of Life at the Ingomar Club, 143 M St., Eureka, California Saturday,

June 20th Arrangements

11:00 Interment at Mountain View Cemetery, 435 Stocker Ave., Reno, Nevada

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the “The Patrick and Sheila Folkins Scholarship Fund.” This scholarship will be awarded to an active duty, reserve or veteran member of the US Marine Corps or a US Navy Special Warfare Operator attending Humboldt State University, Pat’s alma mater. You can pay by check or Zelle Please make check payable to the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

For checks: Please make check payable to the Community Foundation and write in memo section “The Patrick and Sheila Folkins Scholarship Fund” Please mail your check to: Community Foundation of Northern Nevada 50 Washington Street, Ste 300 Reno, NV 89503

For Zelle: Recipient. Name: Zgift@nevadafund.org. IMPORTANT: Write in “What’s This For?” memo section, “The Patrick and Sheila Folkins Scholarship Fund”, along with your email address and phone number.