Sunday, May 25, 2025
July 21, 1952-January 5, 2025
Brian Federici was a long-time resident of Arcata, California, having moved there in 1978. He was born on Long Island, New York, and lived at the end of Long Island Sound close to New York City. With both his mother and fathers' families from New York City areas, he frequented the Big Apple and knew the places around town somewhat as a local. He served in the U.S. Army, PFC stationed in Germany near the Iron Curtain in an armored tank unit. He loved to reminisce about the stories of his comrades there and his encounters with the local populace. His stories of those experiences were many and entertaining in their levity of seriousness of the times and the hilarity of the personalities involved.
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Saturday, May 24, 2025
April 25, 1932 - April 17, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our father, Ralph Lindstrom, on April 17, 2025, a week before his 93rd birthday. He was a guiding light in our lives, a devoted father and a man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Born and raised in the Humboldt County's bayside hamlet of Fairhaven, on the Samoa peninsula, Ralph developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. Steeped in the family's long history of shipbuilding, Ralph was a natural when it came to construction. He possessed a rare talent to visualize what the completed project could become. Through over 64 years of active working life as a designer, builder and developer, Ralph worked on more than 400 building projects throughout his life, including local restaurants (Samoa Cookhouse), General Hospital and Pacific Charter School (formerly Moore Avenue Preschool). In 2015, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Humboldt Builders Exchange.
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Sunday, May 18, 2025
April 16, 1961 – April 27, 2025
Jim Dale, beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2025, at the age of 64. Known for his fun-loving nature, deep kindness, and extraordinary talent with a guitar, Jim lived his life with a soundtrack of laughter, music and unwavering love for those closest to him.
Born on April 16, 1961, Jim brought light and energy into every room he entered. His love of music took root early — he began playing the guitar at just 8 years old, taught by his father, Dessie Dale, a gifted guitarist and fiddle player. That spark grew into a lifelong passion, and by his teenage years, Jim was playing in bands and bringing his unmistakable style and joy to stages all over. He played in many bands throughout his life and cherished his bandmates immensely, treating them not just as fellow musicians, but as family. In later years, he especially adored his Dr. Squid band family, with whom he shared countless memories, performances, and a deep musical bond.
Patricia Mildred “Patti” Falk of Eureka, California, passed away on April 3, 2025, while in hospice care for seven months at A Will And Grace Care in Concord, California.
Patti Falk was born in San Francisco, California, on July 1, 1946, to parents Eugene Irvin and Mildred (née Meadows) Falk, and spent much of her childhood in Santa Rosa, Riverbank, Scotia, Fortuna, Eureka and Indianola. Until hospice care, she resided in Eureka her entire adult life.
Most of her schooling was in Eureka, notably St. Bernards, Jacobs Jr. High and Eureka High, where she graduated in 1964. She did not go on to college.
She was employed at the State and Rialto Theatres and Sizzler Restaurant in Eureka, before being employed by the State Compensation Insurance Fund in Eureka for 32 years, retiring in 1998, resulting from injuries sustained in a car crash in 1980.
She would continue to participate in the California State Retirees for more than two decades, most of the time as secretary and treasurer for the local chapter.
Patti never married, and raised one son, Michael Dennis Falk.
Patti loved to travel, especially to Disneyland and Disney World, as well as cruises to Hawaii, Alaska and the Mediterranean.
She was a frequent bingo player, notably at The Heights Casino.
Patti loved animals, both cats and dogs.
She is survived by her brothers, Eugene Irvin and Kenneth Wayne Falk, and her son Michael Dennis Falk. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Richard Dennis Falk, who was murdered in 2017.
As per her wishes, she was cremated by Tulip Cremation of Stockton, California, and requested no services. Her son and surviving brothers plan to have her ashes scattered out to sea.
Tags: Patti M. Falk , Image
Aryay came to Humboldt County, like many others, to live out some of the visionary propositions of the 1960s. He had so far been rewarded with beatings, arrests and a fat file in the offices of the FBI. His photo had made the front page of the San Francisco paper when HUAC (the House Unamerican Activities Committee) came to town hunting for commies and subversives. Sprayed by fire hoses along with other protestors, cops dragged him feet first down the marble stairs of city hall’s rotunda, hands jammed in the pockets of his corduroy jacket, looking like he was exactly where he wanted to be.
Even as the child of a liberal and cultured Portland family — he began violin at an early age — he reacted badly to unreasoned authority. Sent to a pre-eminent eastern college, he left during his first year with an allergic reaction to the prevailing idea of order. Only after living a year with relatives in Berkeley, who introduced him to leftist living and found him a job driving a furniture truck — beautiful music and working class politics — did he begin to find his way to health and happiness.
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Friday, May 9, 2025
May 10 1959-April 20 2025
Born to parents Dave and Echo Loughland in Roseburg, Oregon, Tammy Rochelle Reid is survived by her sister Kelly and niece Kacie, of Las Vegas; and children Duffy, Amanda and Brian. Also, best friend Margaret Lindholm; special friend Paul McEwen, and care worker and friend Dejah Barley. Along with many good friends too numerous to mention.
Tammy had resided in Loleta for the past 23 years. She was an extremely kind person, always giving food, clothing, a place to stay and however else she could help. A very hard worker, she would show up with her white Ford F-150 "Jimmy" and get the job done. A very devout Christian, her main goal in life was to "meet Jesus and see his face." She attended the Loleta Community Church in downtown Loleta.
Tammy was a strong, beautiful, free spirit. She was an avid reader, lover of music and movies; and loved nature, having built a cabin on an island on the Eel river. It was her favorite place for many years.
Even though she lost her battle with cancer, she achieved her life goal of seeing the lord.
A celebration of life will be held at the Loleta Community Church in downtown Loleta at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, Tammy's 66th birthday.
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Thursday, May 8, 2025
Lee Roy Whitman, son of Ethen Miles Whitman and Carolyn May Whitman, passed away April 8, 2025, at his home in Blue Lake at the age of 76. Lee was born in Ellensburg, Washington, on Aug. 2, 1948.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Karis Marie Yerton, and his brother, Mark Alan Whitman. Lee is survived by his ex-wife, Deborah Whitman, of Eureka, and their son, Nicholas Jay Whitman, his wife, La Velle Whitman, of Blue Lake, and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Lee is also survived by his sister, Connie Heine (James), of Delano, Minnesota, his sister, Mary Holt, of Sacramento, and numerous nieces and nephews.
After attending grade school in Malin Oregon the family moved to Hoopa. He graduated from Hoopa High School in 1966. After high school Lee was drafted into the United States Army at age 19 and spent two years in Vietnam. After his service ended, he attended Perry Technical Institute of Yakima and had various short-term jobs , before going to work for the United States Forest Service as a mechanic for the rest of his professional career. He retired in the early 2000s after which he spent his time as an automotive hobbyist and woodworking craftsman.
A memorial is being planned for all who knew him. It will be held Friday, May 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. in McKinleyville at Azalea Hall, Hewitt room, 1620 Picket Road.
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Sunday, May 4, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Adrienne Claire Freeman, who left us on March 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 83 years old.
Adrienne, aka Mitzi, was known for her strength, determination and fierce love for her family. A woman of resilience, she never backed down from a challenge and always put others first. Even in the face of illness, she fought with an inspiring tenacity that reflected the remarkable woman she was. Adrienne was the loving wife of Christopher Kitt Freeman, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage, and the devoted mother of her son, Christopher John (wife Diana), and her daughters, Marguerite Helen (husband Josh) and Elizabeth Lesley (husband Josh).
She was a proud grandmother to Ellen and Maggie (Chris's children), Eva (Marguerite's daughter), and Hailey and Ryan (Elizabeth's children). Adrienne and Kitt shared a deep love for travel, exploring the world together and creating memories that spanned across continents. They marveled at new landscapes, from the vast steppes of Mongolia to the serene beauty of Europe. One of Adrienne's most cherished journeys was tracing ancestors in Latvia, connecting with relatives in a way that brought her great joy and fulfillment.
Adrienne was born in Eureka, California, and grew up with her sister Nancy and parents Lester and Helen Pierce who operated Pierce Flying Service at Murray Field. She graduated from Eureka High School, then with honors from Humboldt State University with a degree in elementary education and a minor in music. Adrienne taught GED and ESL at community college and spent many years as a second-grade teacher. She touched countless lives with her kindness, patience, and wisdom.
Though her time with us was too short, her impact was immeasurable. Adrienne's legacy of strength, love, and perseverance will live on in all who knew her.
A private family service will be held to honor her life. Rest in peace, Mom. You fought so hard, and we are forever grateful for the strength you gave us.
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Saturday, May 3, 2025
August 1958-January 2025
Bill died peacefully in his sleep next to his wife Susan, after a four-year journey with lung cancer. Bill was born in Elmira, New York, to Arthur Scott Welliver and Ann S. Clute. Sadly, his mom died young. His father later married Nancy Beecher, who was a second mom to Bill and nine siblings. He grew up in a large grey house on Hoffman St. in Elmira. It brimmed with love, commotion, good food, discipline and a family dog named Duchess.
Bill adored his big family and reveled in talking about their escapades, meals, milk machine, and Nancy's attempts to control 10 kids. Seneca Lake was a huge part of the family's life. It was there he learned to sail, water-ski, and spent many happy hours boating. He loved scuba diving in the deep cold water. When he wasn't in the water, he was learning about tools and construction from his dad.
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Wednesday, April 30, 2025
July 12, 1949-March 18, 2025
Ted Ray Ruggles, born on July 12, 1949, in Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his own home surrounded by his family on March 18, 2025. He was the only son of Oliver George Ruggles and Patsy Ruth (Wolff) Ruggles, a devoted husband to Donna Lee (Smith) Ruggles for 33 years, a loving father to Emily Caitlin Ruggles and Oliver Joseph Ruggles, a cherished brother to Mickey Marie (Ruggles) Fell and the late Julie Ann (Ruggles) Champion, and an uncle to Heather Marie (McCoy) Butler and the late Ryan Patrick McCoy. Ted's warmth and kindness touched all who knew him.
After graduating from Indiana University, Ted went on to graduate school in behavioral psychology at two preeminent institutions in the field, earning a master's degree from Western Michigan University and a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. He distinguished himself as a consummate scholar, publishing articles, book chapters and presenting numerous papers at national conferences. Recognizing his talents, faculty at Kansas kept him on after he completed his Ph.D. to continue his teaching and research. Despite his busy schedule, Ted was always ready for an adventure. One day, he and his best friend Greg walked into a motorcycle store, bought two new motorcycles, packed their bags, and rode across Kansas into the Colorado Rockies in search of fun.
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The North Coast Journal publishes free online obituaries, allowing people to share news of a loved one's passing with the community and celebrate their life. Submit your obituary with or without photos to obituaries@northcoastjournal.com at least three days before you would like to see them posted. Please include your name and contact information. Submissions may be edited for spelling and grammar. (For some tips on how to write a compelling remembrance, click here.)
The Journal also offers paid obituaries in our weekly newspaper as an option for those who would like to see them print. For more information on print obituaries, contact Mark Boyd at mark@northcoastjournal.com or (707) 442-1400, extension 314.
