Carlton Yee: 1941-2024

By North Coast Journal Staff on January 12, 2025 at 7:30AM

Besides a Ph.D., he had more than 30 years of research experience in forest operations, water quality, fishery habitat and soil erosion processes and mitigation. In addition, he was one of two technical advisors to the Best Management Practices Subcommittee of the Board of Forestry from 1978 to 1980, which resulted in the first revision to soil erosion, watercourse and lake protection, and other forest practice regulations. 

Byron 'Mike' Chamberlain: 1935-2024

By North Coast Journal Staff on January 12, 2025 at 7:00AM

While attending UH, he met and married Katherine Piltz. After their firstborn they moved from Hawaii back to SoCal, where their daughter was born.

Pam Giacomini: 1958-2024

By North Coast Journal Staff on January 11, 2025 at 7:00AM

Following their graduation from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, in 1980, she with a degree in agricultural journalism, Pam and Henry moved to Humboldt County and took over Henry’s family dairy business. Pam taught agriculture at Ferndale High School and College of the Redwoods while actively partnering with Henry on the dairy.

Heather Mae Lenardo: 1975-2024

December 25, 1975-November 23, 2024

By North Coast Journal Staff on January 5, 2025 at 7:30AM

After high school, Heather entered the workforce with determination and a strong work ethic. She started her career in food services, working at Hometown Buffet in both Eureka and Chico.

Nathalie Giacomini: 1930-2024

November 20, 1930-December 17, 2024

By North Coast Journal Staff on January 4, 2025 at 7:00AM

Nathalie Giacomini was born to Manuel and Julia Viegas in Rio Dell, California on Nov. 20, 1930. On Dec. 17, 2024 she passed peacefully at Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna.

Joan Anne Martien: 1943-2024

May 6, 1943-November 22, 2024

By North Coast Journal Staff on January 3, 2025 at 7:00AM

Joanie lived with an aunt in Anaheim while attending Fullerton JC, then studied art and graphics at Long Beach State, where she completed her Master of Fine Arts. After graduating she worked as a graphic designer at Douglas Aircraft, then as a freelancer for Disney and other Southern California design firms.

Paul Jespersen: 1942-2024

February 2, 1942, to November 27, 2024

on December 26, 2024 at 7:00AM

Paul Jespersen, 82, of Salem, Oregon, passed away peacefully Nov. 27, 2024, surrounded by family. Born in 1942 in Ferndale, California, Paul was the son and youngest child of Raymond and Lois Jespersen.

Ruth Patricia Merrill McKnight: 1947-2024

By North Coast Journal Staff on December 8, 2024 at 6:30AM

The youngest child of a career Army officer, Pat was born in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and grew up in London, England, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Florence, Alabama and Indianapolis, Indiana, finally settling in West Lafayette, Indiana, where she attended high school and Purdue University where she majored in Theater. She made another trip to Europe after college with a girl friend starting in Milan where she picked up a Lambretta scooter at the factory.

Carl Dean Boyd: 1938-2024

June 2, 1938 - June 29, 2024

By North Coast Journal Staff on December 7, 2024 at 7:00AM

Right after high school Carl joined the army reserves and was on active duty for six months at Fort Knox, Kentucky. His regiment was called the Boy Wonders.

Delbert (Del) V. Westman

1/19/38 - 11/25/24

By North Coast Journal Staff on December 7, 2024 at 6:30AM

Del loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed taking friends and family out on the ocean in one of his many boats to catch "the big one." He was a member of the Rotary Club of Fortuna where he was active for many years.