Gerald William Huddleston

Gerald (Gary) William Huddleston Gerald went to be with his Lord and Savior, after 10 long years of illnesses, on June 20, 2014. Gary's passing was peaceful in his home with his legacy (his children and grandchildren) standing by his side. Gary was born in Morton, Washington to Bill and Neva Huddleston on June 17, 1942. He moved to Arcata, California in 1954 when he was 13. He graduated from Arcata High School and worked as an auto mechanic for Billings Automotive and married the love of his life, Carol Butler, on October 12, 1963. He then went to work for Simpson Timber Company where he worked for approximately 42 years before retiring. He dedicated over 25 years at the Northern Redwood Federal Credit Union as Chairman of their loan committee. He was a member of the Eureka First Church of the Nazarene and loved his God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength, placing God first in his life followed closely by his family. He was a true family man who enjoyed being outdoors camping and hunting on South Fork Mountain and enjoyed family summers at Ruth Lake where he loved to fish with his mother-in-law and father-in-law, his children, and grandchildren. Though the last ten years of his life was a constant battle through illnesses, he never once stopped being a godly example, displaying his strength in his faith even to the final moment of his life before joining his beloved daughter Conna, and family and friends in Heaven. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol Huddleston, his children Cindra Huddleston and Scott Huddleston, his sisters Norma Mitchell, Ruth Cooper, Carol Ivey, his son-in-law Paul Rodrigues and the absolute joy of his life, his grandchildren: Bryan, Melody, Michael, Joshua, Sarah, Daniel, Rachel, and Jenica. He loved each of them so very much and was so proud of them and their accomplishments. Gary was always thrilled when a grandchild joined the family, whether biologically or through adoption from China and Vietnam. He was especially delighted to be able to travel to China with his daughter, Conna and son-in-law when they adopted their daughter Rachel. In Gary's eyes, the sun rose and set in every one of his grandkids. He is also survived by numerous family and friends. Gary's family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to his niece Penny Gingerich for all of her love and invaluable help. Our deepest thanks to Hospice of Eureka and St. Joseph Home Health for their gentleness in caring for Gary, in particular his nurse Sarah and favorite aid Rachel for taking such good care of him. Lastly, a special thank you to Duncan for being Gary's constant canine companion for 9 years, never leaving his side. A gathering in Gary's honor will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 1:00PM at the Eureka First Church of the Nazarene, 2039 E Street. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Gary's memory to the Conna Rodrigues Scholarship Fund at Redwood Christian School. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com and click on obituaries.