Donald Paul Mizer

Donald Paul Mizer

Donald Paul Mizer died suddenly and peacefully in his home on Good Friday, April 14, 2006, at the age of 58, leaving behind many who loved him dearly.

Don is most remembered for his love of conversation and his amazing ability to recall events of the past. He loved to talk on the phone, and would often call up old friends out of the blue just to keep in touch. As a result, many often said he was a walking encyclopedia on the Class of 66’.

Born in Smith Center, Kansas, on April 2, 1948, he moved with his family at an early age to Ferndale, CA, and was a life-long resident of Humboldt County. Don graduated from Eureka Senior High School in 1966 and he was a graduate of College of the Redwoods. He was veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and he was very proud of his service to his country.

His family and close friends were the center of his world. He loved to tell jokes and he was never without a smile. An outdoorsman, Don loved hunting and spent much of his time during deer season traveling back and forth from Eureka to Dinsmore. An avid reader, he had read nearly every western novel written by Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour. Likewise, he knew every television episode of ‘Gunsmoke,’ and ‘Bonanza’ by heart.

During the last five years of his life, Don’s greatest joy was his time spent conversing with his customers at the Sky Dive-In restaurant. Located at the Murray Field Airport, it was a constant source of stimulation for him, where he was able to connect with acquaintances, old friends, as well as new people from around the country. Don’s gift for gab often inspired everyone in the restaurant to erupt into spontaneous discussions.

He was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Fred Mizer; his mother, Opal Mizer; and his father, Paige Mizer.

He is survived by his partner in life, Sandy Caudle; his children, Anjulissa Wolff and her husband Hodd Wolff of Eureka, his daughter Chrissy Mizer of Hanford, CA, and his son Shane Mizer and his wife Diana Nunes Mizer of Eureka; grandchildren, Samantha Church, SuZanna Church, Haylee Wolff, Lilia Mizer, and Josephine Mizer; his brother, Mike Mizer of St. Louis, MO, and his sister, Pat Schmidt of Eureka; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A graveside service will be held at Ocean View Cemetery on Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at 1:00 P.M. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately after the service at Campton House Inn, 305 M Street, Eureka, California.

Arrangements are under the care of Sanders Funeral Home.

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