William Thomas "Bill" Hight

July 18, 1935-April 6, 2012 Bill was born to Elmer and Pauline Hight on July 18, 1935 in Stockton, California. Bill's wife, Barbara, was at his side when he passed away on April 6, 2012 at Granada Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Eureka after a courageous battle with brain cancer. The Hight's moved to Humboldt County when Bill was in grammar school. Bill graduated from Table Bluff Grammar School and went on to graduate from Fortuna High School in 1953. As a young man, Bill was President of FFH for several years; often showing cattle at the Humboldt County Fair. Upon graduation from high school, Bill drove trucks for his dad, Elmer, for several years. Bill then bought his own trucks and hauled logs, dirt, chips, freight, and anything else that needed to get from Point A to Point B. Bill married Barbara, the love of his life, on March 14, 1969. Together they raised a blended family in the Loleta area. Bill and Barbara operated the Hunter's Inn in Loleta for several years, the River Ranch Motel in Loleta, Clyde's Corner in Eureka, and for the past 16 years Hight Community Service, Inc. in Eureka. Bill was vibrant, intelligent, and filled with love, laughter, generosity, and a wonderful sense of humor. He had a definite soft spot for animals, especially cats. Bill was active in several organizations. He was Past Master of the Ferndale Masonic Lodge (November 1956) and became a Shriner in 2001. Bill was a member of the Redwood Shrine Club as a Band member, Sultan, Vice-President, and later as President (2011). He enjoyed driving his "little car" in the Rhododendron Parade as well as other local parades. Bill was predeceased by his father, Elmer Hight, his mother, Pauline Hight, his sister, Marilyn Hight Brown, and his cat, Ginger. Bill is survived by his wife and best friend, Barbara Hight. He is also survived by five children, five grandchildren, and one great granddaughter- son Tom Hight and wife Maxine (Fallon, NV); son Jerry Hight and wife Liz and their son Beau (Washington); daughter Cheryl Yanchanus and husband Mark (Redding, CA); son Kenneth Strombeck and daughter Nikki (Crescent City, CA); daughter Leesa McCluskey and husband Jerry (Yuma, AZ), their daughter Amber McCluskey and Amber's daughter Jordon (Phoenix, AZ), their son Shawn McCluskey and wife Bethany (Virginia), and their son Joshua McCluskey (Yuma, AZ). Bill is also survived by Jack "The Cat". Bill enjoyed being with family and friends, and will be remembered for his dedication, jokes, and always-ready smiles and hugs. A special thank you goes to all the wonderful people at Granada Health and Rehabilitation Center for their compassion and friendliness while caring for Bill. A celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Moose Lodge, 4328 Campton Road, Eureka, CA. Family and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Loleta Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 766, Loleta, CA 95551 or AAHMES Transportation Fund c/o Merry Burch, 170 Lindberth Avenue, Livermore, CA, 94551. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.