Adrian Thomas Sallady

Following many months of declining health, Adrian Thomas Sallady (Dad) made his transition on October 27, 2010. Born in Phillipsville, California, on April 7, 1924, to Frank Miller Sallady and Lera Combs Sallady, Dad lived his entire life here, in Humboldt County. Upon graduating from Arcata High School in 1943 he left home only to serve in the Marines during World War II, an experience that left him with many wonderful memories and stories to share. While in the Marines someone "let it leak" that Dad was a talented caricaturist and received an offer to interview with Walt Disney, but that wasn't his dream. His heart led him back home to Humboldt where he could pursue the things he loved like fishing, deer hunting and, ultimately, working in the lumber industry. He worked most years at Arcata Redwood Company in Orick, where he carved out a career as the "best darned sawyer in Humboldt Country" taking great pride in mentoring those younger and less knowledgeable then he. When the Redwood National Park Buyout came along in the late 1970's Dad retired from sawmill work and opened the Cosmopolitan Caf‚ in Old Town Eureka, a place where you could find a great home-cooked meal, the best clam chowder and the fluffiest biscuits you had ever had the pleasure of devouring. Dad had a natural gift for designing things made of wood. Be it a complex multi-level deck, a gazebo with a built-in barbecue, a fence, or a rocking chair for a toddler he absolutely loved building with wood. He could just look at a piece of wood and know how much to cut from it to make it fit. He was quite clever that way. I was a lucky girl for there was nothing my dad wouldn't do for me. If ever I needed anything he was always there for me. Oh, how I miss him and our annual Father's Day jaunts to the Crabs' games, among other things. Dad was blessed to find love late in life. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Deloris Scales-Sallady, his daughter, DeAnna Sallady, half-sister Miriam Baker, step-sons Dennis Scales (wife, Victoria), Daniel Scales, Douglas Scales, and step-daughter-in-law, Becky Scales. Although he was not blessed with biological grandchildren, his step-grandchildren, Brandy, Jesse, Jennifer, Dani, Shannon, Sadie, Michael, and Matthew, and his step- great-grandchildren, Dakota and Alyson brought him countless hours of joy and laughter. Dad was also fortunate to have a lifelong friend in Joe Nieri. What's life without a chocolate milkshake? Dad was preceded in death by his son Adrian Thomas Sallady II (Tom), step-son, Donald Scales, brothers, Edward, Donald, Frank, sister Irene Sallady, mother, Lera Combs Sallady Havens, father, Frank Miller Sallady, step-father, Laurence Havens, half-brothers Larry and Duane Sallady, and step-mother Laura Sallady. Dad did not wish formal services to be held. A private gathering of family and friends only will be held. Special thanks to the incredibly caring staff of St. Lukes. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to your favorite charity.