Obituaries

Sam passed away unexpectedly on May 11 and was the beloved son of Albert and Gina Portillo, brother to Thomas Portillo and Kenneth Portillo. He attended elementary school in Eureka and high school at South Fork High in Miranda, CA. Sam was a proud member of the Tolowa Tribe from Elk Valley, Crescent City, CA.

He was a wonderful, beloved son, brother, cousin, grandson, nephew and friend. He will forever be in so many hearts for all the love and compassion he spread everywhere he went. Sam was a talented musician and held a special love for music. Sam took great pride in being the stepfather of Robert and Allivia Clements.

On Nov. 23, 2021 David Spreen passed away peacefully at home. Dave was a master mathematician and Nov. 23 is Fibonacci day, so it is a fitting day for his passing.

David Spreen was born in Trona, California, to highly educated and well-respected father and a charismatic mother in 1951. He was the youngest of three brothers. Dave, Jeff and Steve were the three amigos and had many adventures together. We all heard the story about creating a buzz around town when they left cards with a mysterious printer press symbol on them, secretly, at the local shops. The symbol stood for the boy’s Winged V Motorcycle Club, which had found the printer press in an old abandon building. The boys also had fun experimenting with the chemicals their father, who was a chemical engineer, had brought home for them. One of Dave’s earliest memories was his mother waking him to see the light of atomic bomb testing in Death Valley, approximately 60 miles northeast of Trona. Growing up the family moved around and they lived in New York, Tennessee, and Nevada before coming back to California to Laguna Beach in 1963.

Dave met the love of his life, Kathy, in Laguna Beach in the 1971. They made their way to Blue Lake, Humboldt County, in 1972 and were married in 1976. In 1974 Dave and Kathy found everything they dreamed of in a property in Kneeland where they built their dream life with their two daughters, Karla and Kelly, in the mountains. He was a kind, gentle and supportive dad and husband. He always encouraged his daughters to reach for the stars and pursue education. Dave took his family on trips every summer, which created family memories to last a lifetime. He was most proud of the family trip to China where he was able to share his experiences working there in the international flooring trade business. He also always spoke fondly of his trip to the Middle East with his great friend Scott in the summer of love, 1969, and his trips to Mexico with his friends.

Dave loved the outdoors and helping others. He was always educating himself and getting involved with organizations that were in line with his passions. He was actively a part of the Save Richardson Grove Group and the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities Group (CPRT). He also worked with the Blackberry Bramble Group to bring internet to Humboldt County in the early 1990s, served on the Freshwater Elementary School Board and helped to create the Charter Middle School, and offered his educated opinion on city and county initiatives. One of Dave’s proudest accomplishments was protecting the community from asbestos exposure by preventing the Barn 2 Quarry from mining asbestos containing rock, which would have been used to rock local roads.

His spirit and legacy will live on in the many values he instilled in his daughters that will be passed down through the generations; the pursuit of life long education, discovery of self and universe, and keeping family close.

Dave is survived by wife of 45 years Kathy Spreen, and daughters Karla Knapek and Kelly Wehausen. Dave is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ruth and Edward Spreen as well as his two brothers, Steve Spreen and Jeff Spreen.

Jen (Shiro) is the beloved mother of Ezekeal Zion Ayo (23), Keani Pele Young (16) and Machete Luke Young (15). She was an artist, a dancer, a generous friend and a radiant personality that shone brightly in the lives and hearts of those who knew her. Our loss is great because the joy and goodness that she expressed and provoked in all of us was profound.

Jen is survived by her three children, her parents, Ernest and Sonia Ayo, of Saint Francisville, Louisiana, and her three siblings, Jaimee Pangburn, Jeanne-Marie Ayo and Jonathan Ayo.

There will be an open air memorial and celebration of Jen’s life on Friday, June 3, at 10 a.m. at the north end of Trinidad State Beach. Bright colors are recommended and lots of flowers are encouraged.

Bruce Miller, born July 10, 1943, in Missoula, Montana, was a man with a lot of passion and strength. He fought off two bouts of cancer – 2004 (throat), and 2018 (bladder). His third bout with esophagus cancer took his strength and his life. Bruce went to his heaven peacefully on Easter Sunday. His last clear words spoken were, “Alexa. Shut me down.” His wish was granted prior to midnight April 17, 2022.

Predeceased by his parents, Frederick Alton Miller and Mary Holmes Green Miller born in Montana, Bruce traveled with his family to Dunsmuir, California, when he was two months old. His father worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad from Klamath Falls, Oregon, to Dunsmuir, California.

At Dunsmuir, Bruce attended kindergarten in the office of the housing project where they lived. He was not the easiest child to nurture — always into mischief in school that drove the teachers wild. His dog always followed him to school. His mother was called in for a conference. The teacher said it was okay for his dog to stay, but Bruce was the problem. She needed help with how to handle him. His Dad called him “bucket head” a nickname that stuck in the family.

At the age of 7 Bruce lost his father in a railroad accident. The family moved to Gerber where Bruce attended Gerber grammar school and participated in 4-H and other youth activities. He had a pig called Lila. Bruce attended Los Molinos High School where he was active in FFA with a pig called Elvis. Living in the country Bruce was able to get a driver’s license at 14 ½ years of age.

Bruce nearly didn’t graduate high school as he’d thrown the janitor’s broom up in a tree. His Mom was called to school again. After thinking about it, Bruce was allowed to graduate as the teachers dreaded the thought of him returning the following year. Reluctantly, his mother signed for Bruce to join the U.S. Navy after high school at the age of 17 as he planned to join anyway on his 18th birthday. By joining at 17 he served the minority cruise of a three-year stint instead of four years. He was proud of this military service that opened his eyes to travel. Bruce sailed on the U.S.S. Midway aircraft carrier to Hawaii, Philippines, and Japan.

Four months out of the Navy found Bruce attending Shasta College under the GI bill and working at U.S. Plywood in Anderson, California. He and a friend Garnett decided to take a weekend trip to the coast where he met Rowetta Stapp. They were attracted to each other, discovered their love for dance, and after that first wild weekend together their love blossomed into a marriage on August 7, 1965.

Bruce moved to Eureka and worked in the woods as a choker setter for a short time prior to beginning work during the startup of the pulp mill in Samoa. He worked 30 days straight after their wedding. Bruce and Rowetta’s first home was a 40-foot trailer until they moved to Redding in 1966 where Bruce returned to Shasta College. They moved from Redding to Shingletown and Bruce drove the school bus from Viola to Redding, attended college during the day, and drove the school bus home in the afternoon. He graduated in 1968 when his oldest son Chad was a week old.

To continue his education, Bruce’s family moved back to Humboldt County where Bruce enrolled at Humboldt State University. He drove a school bus, attended college during the day, and graduated in 1970 — the year his second son Jason was born. Bruce drove a water truck for Simpson Timber during the summer. His third son Cedric was born the year Bruce received his teaching credential in 1972.

Bruce decided teaching was not for him. He loved being a heavy equipment operator, and he took pride in driving the road grader for Simpson/Green Diamond where he had worked for over 40 years prior to his retirement in 2011. When Rowetta’s parents passed, Bruce and Rowetta were able to take on the work of the homestead in Showers Pass known as Bootjack Timber.

After living in a doublewide mobile for 9 ½ years, and raising three sons, more space was needed. Good spirits followed Bruce and Rowetta as they discovered the ideal Fieldbrook property in 1976 that was for sale. They had a home built and became active in the community. Bruce was a 4-H leader for over 25 years. Swine and fairs were his specialties. He began what’s known as the Pig-Out Ranch and raised pigs for many years.

He was active in a variety of his sons’ activities including 4-H, FFA, soccer, football, baseball, basketball, drama and wrestling. Later, he loved attending the HSU girls’ softball games. Sons being off to college out of the area, and in other countries, creating more places to travel. Many trips were taken.

Great travel adventures took Bruce to Alaska, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Sweden, Norway, Scotland, England, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Portugal, Spain, Russia, Estonia, South Korea, Italy, Turkey, Taiwan, England, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Fiji Islands, Argentina, and Brazil. Also, trip by train across the United States to New York was an adventure right after Bruce’s truck’s brakes locked up, and he rolled down over the bank on Gordon Road in Showers Pass.

Bruce’s life never slowed with his travels to see the world. Alaska was the first of many cruises. Bruce liked unpacking only once until his last cruise when Rowetta became ill and they were put off the ship in Brazil. Bruce was up all night packing all the suitcases. Bruce with his iPad was able to communicate from Brazil to make arrangements to get them home after a week’s stay in the hospital and hotel where the Tapajos River meets the Amazon.

COVID canceled trips to Tahiti, Iceland, and a family trip to Alaska. One can’t ask for a better travel partner than Bruce as he’s always aware of what was going on around him — perhaps from the Navy training and his traveling experiences.

In addition to his parents, Bruce was predeceased by a brother Grover E. Miller II, his parent-in-laws Marvin and Isabel Stapp, his Grandfather James Green and Grandmother Ethel Myers Green, Grandfather Grover E. Miller and Lilly Grace Fox Miller, Aunt Helen Kirkorian (Mike), Uncle Robert Green (Veda), and Uncle Donald Green (Dorothy), Aunt Jean Tuttle (Allen), and Uncle Joseph Miller (Marge).

Bruce is survived by his loving wife and dancing partner Rowetta Faye Stapp Miller and their three sons Chad Alton (Lynette), Jason Devoe (Holly), and Cedric Garth (Rachel). He is also survived by a brother Chip Miller (Bonney), and a sister Perdita Miller (Don Timmons). Bruce’s grandchildren that survive him are Sadie Isabel, Sophie Jean, Liam Matthew, and Jade Emily; sister-in-laws Tanya Currier (Gene) and Anita Diaz; brothers-in-laws Aron Stapp and Brian Stapp (Karen); and many cousins, nephews, nieces, too numerous to mention for fear of leaving one out.

Bruce was respected for all the time he gave to youth in sports and as a leader in raising pigs for 4-H and FFA members. He had such a family and community spirit, doing everything with so much heart. Bruce was a kind man, husband and community-oriented person who went out of his way to help everyone he knew.

He desired to have his love and thanks expressed to all the great nurses and doctors who saw him through difficult times over the last two years. Special thanks to Hospice for the guidance of volunteers both day and night.

Bruce and Rowetta’s last dance together was at the Fieldbrook Market & Eatery located in the community they hold dear in their hearts. Bruce’s family was with him at home on Easter Sunday where he had a peaceful and fitting send off. Bruce lived life to the fullest and accumulated so many friends along the way.

Near the end, Bruce wished for a celebration of life, “I’d like a Wake while I’m awake — or not.” This celebration of his life will be at the Moose Lodge in Eureka on the afternoon of July 10, 2022. It would have been his 79th birthday. Family and friends are invited to join the festivities and perhaps share a story or two, drink a toast to a life well-lived, enjoy food and music, and reacquaint with family and friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to a Cancer association, the Alzheimer’s group “Fieldbrook Friends Forever,” charity of your choice, or the non-profit Fieldbrook Community Club that Bruce worked diligently for as Grange Master and community member for over 41 years helping to keep the hall open for use by the Fieldbrook community.

Joseph Raymond Copp was born on November 11, 1941. He passed away peacefully at his home in Reedsport Oregon on February 18, 2022. He was 80 years old.

As a teenager Joe could always be found under the hood of a car, and hunting or fishing in the ocean. At 16 he was a deckhand on several sport fishing charters out of Long Beach, California.

Joe joined the Air Force in 1959 and earned a Sharp Shooter designation and award. Because of his sharp shooting ability in 1960 he was stationed in South Korea as part of the peacekeeping efforts. In 1962 he was on standby in Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His final duty station was in England as a heavy duty equipment mechanic.

After leaving the Air Force in 1967, Joe returned to the family home in Ventura County, California.  He gained employment at the Port Hueneme Naval Base where he repaired heavy duty construction equipment for the Vietnam War.

During his years at the navy base he served on the Equal Opportunity Board and the Navy Safety Commission. He received numerous awards for his ideas and implementation of safety procedures.

Joe was very proud of being part of the Red Cross emergency blood donation program. He was a member of the rarest blood types. He was called upon to donate day or night, always willing to answer the call to save another's life.

Joe continued to enjoy hunting, fishing and cars all his life. While in England he raced his own stock car. He went on many hunting trips with his father, brothers and friends. After his move to Arleta, California, he earns his captain's license and skipped the "Skippy" out of Eureka.

Joe is survived by his wife Cathrine, his daughters Christine and Sarah Copp, his grandson Kyle Dicke, brother Roy Copp and sister Anita Boeris. Joe was preceeded in death by his brother Laurence Copp.

Joe's wish was to have his ashes scattered at sea in the ocean he loved.

Vonda Glee Wilson of Eureka, California, peacefully passed away on the night of March 13, 2022, surrounded by her family.

Vonda was born on September 14, 1939 to Vivian and Fred Broyles in Olympia, Washington. She moved with her family to Humboldt County in 1954. After Vonda graduated from Eureka Senior High in 1958, she married Lawrence “Larry” Wilson on July 13, 1958. Vonda and Larry were married for 49 years and had two daughters, Lori Ann and Vonda J. Wilson.

When her youngest daughter started school, Vonda enrolled at Humboldt State University and majored in Education. She graduated at the age of 40. After graduation, she worked as a Special Education teacher at South Bay and in various preschool and after school programs in Humboldt County. Vonda enjoyed working with children and loved her career. She often reminisced about the time she spent at South Bay and how honored she was to have had the opportunity to work with such great people. Vonda worked in local schools for 20 years.

After she retired, Vonda had time to pursue her many interests. She especially loved to travel, was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening. Among her favorite activities was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether it was watching movies on the couch or helping them with their schoolwork. She also really enjoyed baking treats for them, they especially loved her cupcakes. Vonda was the type of person to love and care for others. She spent most of her recent time with her family and little ‘maltipoo’ Mimi.

Vonda was predeceased by her parents Vivian and Fred Broyles, husband Lawrence Wilson and daughter Lori Ann Asbury. She is survived by her daughter Vonda J. Liles, brother Fred Broyles and his wife Joan, sister Arlene Broyles, niece Heidi Broyles-Ortega and her wife Julieta. She is also survived by her grandchildren Daniel Asbury and his wife Staci, Heather Asbury, Ashley Carlson, Alyssa Liles, Jordan Liles, and her great-grandchildren Bradley Edwards, Haili Asbury, Jayden Edwards, Jonathan Martinez, Josiah Carlson, Juan Martinez and five other great-grandchildren.

Vonda was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. She will be remembered and honored by her friends and family.

Rich lived in the Fresno area in his earlier years. He moved to Eureka in 2000 to help his sister. The first time I heard Rick sing, I asked him to marry me. I was joking at the time. History tells a different story. We married in 2002. Rick learned to love Cats and Cruising. That could have been a deal breaker for me. Rick was a very kind, happy, generous person who loved to eat. He spoiled me rotten, which we both loved. He went to be with God. Now for the first time he is well and pain free. I can't wait to see him again someday. I miss him terribly.

He is proceeded in death by his mother, Alene, father, Merle Todd, son Shawn and grandparents. He is survived by his wife Margie Omstead. His children Tim, Micah and Leslie. Aunts Sue and Kay, nephew Ryan. 

Rick's memorial will be April 19th at 11 a.m. at Lifehouse Humboldt Church, 2734 Hubbard Lane, Eureka.

A celebration of life will be held for John Lee Lyons on April 2, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (24 Fellowship Way, Bayside, CA 95524. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served after the ceremony. Please dress comfortably and wear a mask.