Albert E. Dutton

1932 - 2015

ALBERT E. DUTTON Eureka's native son, Albert E. Dutton, 83, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side at 7PM on Monday August 31st after his long and courageous battle with cancer. Al was born March 20, 1932 to Albert "Brotha" & Caryl Dutton. Growing up Al made many friends, a trait that continued throughout his life. It started on the day of his birth in the hospital where he and Don Tonnini were nursery mates. His early childhood friends who continued to be lifelong friends called themselves "The Brett Street Gang". They included Bill Hilfiker, Jimmy Horel, Berty Lewis, & Tom Slack. Al attended Eureka High School where he played sports and proudly graduated with the class of 1950. He then began studying & playing football at Humboldt State. He was drafted into the army and served in Korea as a Corporal in The Signal Corps from 1951 to 1953. He saw active combat. Upon returning to Eureka Al began his working career. Following in the steps of his deputy sheriff father, Al joined the Eureka Police Department in 1958 where he served for 30 years. To this day it was not unusual for Al to be stopped on the street & thanked for the positive influence he had on individuals and our community. He was proud that his brother, Fred, followed in his law enforcement footsteps and joined the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department. In the 60's, Al played for the local semi-pro football team The Forester's. His sports career also included several years playing with the senior softball team "The Legends". When Al wasn't playing sports he enjoyed watching EHS, HSU, The Forty Niners and the S.F. Giants, & his grandchildren's various sports. As much as Al loved sports, it paled in comparison to the love he held closely in his heart for his family. In 1972 Al met the love of his life, Patti. They were married July 28, 1973 and enjoyed 42 years together. In 1980 they were blessed with their daughter Katy and Al met the second love of his life. Al's family continued to grow in 2006 when Katy married Russell Boham and together they have two amazing children Alyssa and Maddox who were the apple of their "Papa's" eyes. Al also loved spending time & making memories with his other daughter Kristi, granddaughters Sarah and Ashley, and great-grandsons Sevi & Manny. Al was also very proud of his nephews Rick, Scott (Rebecca), & Steve (Klytia) & their children Justin, Hannah, Natalie, Sophia, and Savana & Cade. For those who knew Al, knew his love for animals as well. He could always be found with his faithful companion "Shadow" by his side. Al was a proud member of the Korean War Veterans Association & Humboldt Bay Kiwanis both of which he served as President. Al is survived by his loving wife Patti, his daughters Katy Boham (Russell) & Kristi Matthews, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, his mother-in-law Velma Poole, brother-in-law Jim Arvold & sister-in-law, Kay Arvold & extended family & friends who are like family. He was preceded in death by his son Albert Eugene Dutton, Jr., brother Fred W. Dutton and sister Allene R. Ledbetter. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, September 8th at 1PM Sanders Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Redwood Fields, PO Box 327, Cutten, CA 95534 for kids sports or Kilby Country Animal Rescue c/o Jenna Kilby, PO Box 218, Cutten CA 95534. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com under obituaries.