Richard Paul Sullivan

Richard P. Sullivan

Richard Paul Sullivan, third generation Ferndalian, passed away at his home in Waikoloa, Hawaii, on December 18, 2004.

Born on Cock Robin Island where his grandfather had settled after emigrating from Ireland, Richard grew up on the family dairy in the Eel River Valley. He spent most of his life in Humboldt County, where he worked in the freight business for over 30 years, primarily for Callison, later to become Nielsen Freight Lines. To the business people of Ferndale and Fortuna, he was known as “the Nielsen guy”.

Richard had many interests which he pursued with great energy and competitive spirit. He grew up showing champion breeding animals on the County Fair circuit, and later even showed prize-winning begonias. He was one of the first people to take up skin diving in Humboldt County, and was a long-time member of the Humboldt Skin Divers Club, and dove from Northern California to Mexico.

In the early 70’s Richard moved back to Ferndale, where he began Shamrock Arabian Ranch, breeding and showing Arabians for over 30 years. A Charter member of the Arabian Horse Association of the Redwoods, he was active in the Arabian show world on the west coast where he garnered many championship awards for Shamrock Horses. Through his leadership in 4-H and other horse-related activities, he introduced many people in Humboldt County to a lifelong relationship with the Arabian horse. In 2003 Richard sold the Ferndale ranch, and with his wife Kathie, moved to the Big Island of Hawaii, where they were building a new home.

Richard is survived by his wife, Kathie; his sons by previous marriages, Steven Patrick and Sean Sullivan; two grandsons; his brothers, Jerry, Don, Jim, Phil and Larry Sullivan; and his sister Joan Shields.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Sullivan; his mother, Carolyn Covey Sullivan; and his brother Roger Sullivan.

A memorial celebration will be held in Humboldt County at a future date.

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