Albert "Ross" Kuhnle

Albert "Ross" Kuhnle, 93, was born in Eureka, California to Albert Louis and Mildred Wood Foster Kuhnle and died at home peacefully on September 27, 2010. Dad was proud of his heritage, and was a descendant of Revolutionary War hero Col. Nathanial Scudder, Elizabeth Griscom "Betsy Ross", Humboldt County Pioneer Lewis Keysor Wood, of the Gregg Party (also first Humboldt County Clerk), and local contractor for the Carnegie Library, Fernbridge, and the old Courthouse, Ambrose Foster. He was also very proud of his loving wife of 68 years, Audrey Lee Britt Kuhnle, his son Gordon Ross, (Joy) and his daughter Robin Leeanne, his grandsons Gordon Ross Kuhnle Jr. (Angie), and Ross Dylan Kuhnle. He was fortunate to enjoy his great-grandsons, Cody Ross and Alexander Gordon Kuhnle, and his great-grandaughters Fionna Ann, Audrey Mae, and Juliet Rose Kuhnle. He met the love of his life when she was thirteen and he seventeen and he taught her how to drive! He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and travelled the world. When he got home, he married Audrey in 1940 and was then drafted into the Navy during WWII. In a letter to his mother he wrote that when he got back home, all he wanted was to be with Audrey and their Son Gordon and never leave Humboldt County again. If it hadn't been for his love of racing, he might never have left, or so it seems. Mom and Dad were a team; a perfect pair who drew people to them. Everyone wanted to be around them, and the fun, food, music and campfires at Willow Creek, and the bright light they brought to family life. Dad was a "motor head" magnet and at the age of 36 got his expert rating in enduro motorcycle racing. He sponsored hardtop, midget, motorcycle and stock car racing. He was a flagman, announcer, watertruck driver, pitman, whatever it took, he made it happen. He was a 50+ member of the Masonic Lodge #79, a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association, Farwest Motorcycle Club, Trinity Trailsters, Retreads, E Clampus Vitus 101 and past president of Six Rivers Racing Association. In 1951 he started K & M Glass Company with his wife Audrey and brought both their children into the business in '67 and '70. In this endeavor they set a high standard of ethics that has kept this fine reputation all these years. During this time in business he trained many men to his expectation of high standards of workmanship. He was like a dad and brother to many and will remain a part of them all. He was a true gentleman, and could fit in with any crowd. Always a great storyteller (Hey Dad, tell 'em about the time Dingo ate the $100 bill!). So many favorite stories, I could never get tired of them. He was funny and not from the era of politically correctness, although he was always polite. Women and children loved him. Men admired him. He was a charming gentleman always. Ross was preceded in death by his wife Audrey Lee Britt Kuhnle; and Fay Britt and Stedman Winter. He is survived by his sister Phyllis M. Wilson; brother Edward C. Kuhnle (Bunny); nieces Debra Kuhnle Heyerman, Susan A., Quillen, Louise McDonell, Nancy Vellis and Renee Miller; nephews David Kuhnle, Daniel Wilson, Jon Wilson, and Storme Winter; and cousins LeeAnn Lantrip and Janeane Camacho. The family would like to give special thanks to Jeannie Gillespie and Hannah Sample with Helping Hands in-home care, Dr. Beth Abels for encouraging him to live after he lost Audrey, and Dr. Corey Spencer. Special thanks to Ross D. Kuhnle for caring for his Grandpa this last year and themany friends who helped him. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made in memory of Ross to Hospice of Humboldt, The American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 11:00 am at Pierce Mortuary, 707 H Street, Eureka, California. The Hon. Judge John Morrison will officiate. A reception will follow at The Eureka Women's Club on J Street. Care is under the direction of Pierce Mortuary, Eureka, California. Condolences may be left at www.piercemortuarychapels.com Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com